Costa Mesa events and catering firm 24 Carrots has expanded its collection of managed venues in Orange County with its first-ever hotel property.
The Richland, a 12-room boutique hotel in Old Towne Orange, opened in early February as a combined events and hotel venue.
24 Carrotโs portfolioโdubbed the 24 Carrots Collectiveโnow includes seven venues either leased or managed by the firm.
The Richland has a ballroom and lounge and bar area on a 26,400-square-foot parcel of land.
24 Carrots signed a long-term lease with local owners H.S. Real Estate LLCโwhich manages several restaurants in Orange including cafรฉ Bluestone Lane and Snooze A.M. Eateryโin July 2021 to manage and operate the property and began renovations in mid-2022.
The 10,434-square-foot property was formerly the Shannon Family Mortuary operated by the Semaan family for 70 years prior to its sale to H.S. Real Estate in 2019.
The ballroom was named after Hattie Estelle, the first woman to be married on the property in 1914.
The site is โrich in history,โ and is a chance for the company to go beyond its typical events venue, and โcontinue the celebratory vibeโ for customers, General Manager Cassandra Miranda told the Business Journal.
Norm Bennett founded 24 Carrots in 2004 after working as a chef in hotels and restaurants across the U.S. and Europe.
The firm also partners with other venue operators such as Radiant Brewery in Anaheim and the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills for events it plans.
Wedding Spot
The main concept, design and restoration of the property was spearheaded by 24 Carrots and design firm RailiCA Design with executive Raili Clasen.
The estimated cost of renovations was $7 million, according to the firm, with changes including the addition of three rooms and the conversion of an unattached house into a two-room cottage.
24 Carrots looked to the city of Orange for its room furnishings, with items like books and chairs hailing from local antique shops.
Weddings are expected to be the biggest source of business for the site. The house-turned-bungalow has a full kitchen and living room for larger parties, while a separate powder room has salon chairs and make-up counters available for booking. A bridal suite is in the attic.
The Estelle Ballroom has an occupancy of 175 and opens up to the front patio for additional space.
Starting rates are currently $300 per room.
Chapman University graduation weekends for both this year and next are already sold out, according to GM Miranda.
Other venues managed by 24 Carrots include Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, the Franciscan Gardens in San Juan Capistrano and the Ole Hanson Beach Club in San Clemente.