About the Rand-Bryan House
The Rand-Bryan House stands on a farm owned by the Rand and Bryan families since the late 1700s when it was acquired as part of a land grant from the King of England. The name of the house helps to highlight this long history. Over the years, the property stayed in the family and has gone through many changes. The current Greek revival-style home that serves as the focal point of the 135-acre farm was built in 1871. From the 1950s through the 1980s, the property was a working dairy farm. From 1980 to 2010, the property featured a Christmas tree farm. Many wedding guests still have fond memories of visiting the farm, choosing the perfect tree, and cutting it down to take home. Today, the large evergreens and surrounding fields provide the perfect backdrop for storybook weddings.
In 2009, Martha Bryan Liles oversaw the renovation of the farmhouse and opened it as the Rand-Bryan House. She has managed the venue and continues as manager until her retirement in June 2022.
The Town of Garner purchased the house and surrounding farm in December 2021 and continues to operate the house as a venue. Future plans call for passive parkland to surround the house so this beautiful property can be shared with the community.
About Martha Bryan Liles, Manager
Martha grew up in Garner and has always been an active member of the community. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and pursued a career in human resources management. In 2009, she helped develop the business plan for the Rand-Bryan House and managed the renovation of the facility and grounds. She served as the owner and manager of the property until December when she sold the property to the Town of Garner. She continues to manage the venue through June 2022 when she retires.
Awards
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“The Rand Bryan house was the perfect choice for our wedding! Martha (the owner) is so friendly and professional, and adds a personal touch to the venue as it was her childhood home. She took a genuine interest in our plans and details, and it is clear that she enjoys all the details that each person brings to every event at her venue. The house is beautiful and meticulously kept indoors and out. Our day turned out to be cold, but there was no problem switching our plans and holding both the ceremony and reception inside. The sunroom was gorgeous even on a cloudy day, and provided wonderful light for photographs. We could not have been more pleased!”