The best way to save an old house is to use it…
And oh boy do we plan to!
“We cling to the belief that the story of genuine manhood, such as was lived by Major Rountree, has at all times a place in that best of all history—Local History—and, if suitably told, in American Literature.
There is inspiration for all the world in correct living; there ought to be inspiration, or at least entertainment, in the narrative of an almost perfect human life.” —Verne S. Pease
The Parlor at Rountree + the vision for a slow down space
The Parlor at Rountree is a relaxed, yet refined gathering space designed for those who long to linger. In a world that moves too quickly, this is a place that gently invites you to set down your phone, settle into a chair, and let time soften around you.
Here, moments are not rushed — they are savored.
This is an event space devoted to memory-making and meaningful tradition. Afternoon teas unfold unhurriedly on delicate heirloom china and hand polished silver. Long coffee breaks stretch into heartfelt conversations. Laughter echoes beneath warm lighting and ornate details reminiscent of another era, when hospitality was an art and gathering was sacred.
The Parlor is a home for heritage crafts and hands-on creativity. Perhaps we’ll stitch, embroider, quilt, mend, weave, press flowers, bind journals- we’ll learn time-honored skills passed down through generations together. Workshops celebrate the beauty of working with one’s hands — the rhythm of needle and thread, the scent of beeswax and paper, the quiet satisfaction of creating something lasting.
It is also a place where generations meet. Grandmothers teach grandchildren. Mothers and daughters share tea. Friends reconnect without glancing at the clock. Stories are told. Traditions are honored. Skills are preserved.
Every event is intentionally curated to feel intimate and personal — whether it’s a heritage craft circle, a seasonal celebration, a traditional tea service, or a skill-building workshop. The Parlor becomes a backdrop for life’s gentle milestones: birthdays, bridal teas, baby blessings, graduations, anniversaries, and simply the joy of being together.
At its heart, The Parlor at Rountree is a pause.
A break from the modern world.
A return to conversation.
A reverence for tradition.
A space where time is not managed — it is cherished.
The Heart Behind the Parlor
Amanda Reitz is the proud owner and dreamer behind the historic Rountree House, which she purchased in 2025 with a dream of creating a space where people can gather, celebrate, and connect. Her goal is to open the doors not only for private events and special celebrations, but also to host ticketed experiences that invite the broader community in—everything from craft and activity classes to social gatherings, afternoon teas, and more.
A meaningful part of Amanda’s vision is rooted in her deep love for history. She has long been drawn to the stories held within old spaces—wondering who once walked their halls, what moments were celebrated there, and how those layers of history shape what a place becomes over time. She is passionate about preserving and sharing as much of that history as possible, not only within the Rountree House itself but in historic spaces more broadly. From the architectural details to the carefully chosen items within the home, Amanda believes every element carries a story worth telling. Through her work, she hopes to honor those stories while creating new ones, ensuring the space remains meaningful for generations to come.
Amanda’s journey to the Rountree House has been anything but ordinary. She spent the first decade of her career traveling the far reaches of the globe in international recruitment, experiencing a wide range of cultures and celebrations along the way. While work often placed her in some of the top hotel brands, her heart was always drawn to small, independently run bed and breakfasts—places filled with personality, warmth, and passionate hosts who made every stay feel special. Those experiences left a lasting impression and continue to shape her vision today.
Like many, the pandemic became a turning point. It offered Amanda the opportunity to shift paths and spend a year in Estes Park, Colorado, fully immersing herself in the bed and breakfast world. That chapter was followed by a return to the Midwest, where she now continues her work in building tourism infrastructure across the Great Lakes region—while simultaneously bringing the Rountree House to life.
What once felt like a distant, “someday” dream—something to pursue after years of saving and planning—shifted as Amanda reflected on how time never truly slows down. She came to understand there may never be a perfect moment to begin, and that waiting too long can bring its own kind of regret—wondering if the energy to start something new might have passed. What mattered most was creating something her parents could actively enjoy and be part of now, sharing in the experience as it comes to life—and ensuring she’ll never have to wonder whether her mom thinks too much gold is gaudy.
When her sister and her family agreed to join her in Platteville, the timing felt right to take the leap.
As a result, the Rountree House is launching a bit ahead of schedule, with a slower and more intentional start. While balancing other careers in the process of bringing this vision to life, events will be scheduled with intention and ample time for thoughtful planning—each one guided by passion, purpose, and a genuine love of bringing people together.
More than anything, Amanda is grateful to be building this alongside her sister and family, and to have her parents actively sharing in the journey. The Rountree House is not just a business—it’s a story in progress, one centered on connection, celebration, and preserving the past while creating meaningful moments for the future.
The Helping Hands Behind The Rountree
Gordon and Laura (Amanda’s parents) are truly the heart behind so much of what happens at The Rountree. Whether it’s prepping food in the kitchen, decorating tables, setting up for an event, or fixing something that needs attention, they are always there lending a hand. Their dedication, hard work, and constant support help make every gathering feel seamless and special. If there’s an event happening, chances are you’ll find them somewhere nearby—making sure everything is just right.
A Family Affair!
You’ll also spot a few other friendly faces around The Parlor at The Rountree! Jenna (Amanda’s sister), Austin (her brother-in-law), and her nieces Valor and Aletheia are often nearby, lending a hand and joining in on the fun. We couldn’t let Amanda have all the fun, after all. Living at The Rountree has truly been one of the sweetest seasons of our lives, and helping bring this dream to life has been such a joy. From setting up events to assisting behind the scenes, we love being part of what’s happening here—and we’re even training the girls to serve tea, so you may just see them in the Parlor sometime soon!