BLB Hacienda: A Breath of Fresh Air

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AS ONE OF ORLANDO’S MOST TALENTED AND SOUGHT-AFTER FLORAL DESIGNERS, LEE JAMES SEEMED TO DROP OUT OF SIGHT A FEW YEARS AGO AFTER SELLING HIS BUSINESS. IN ACTUALITY HE WAS VERY BUSY WORKING ON HIS NEXT VENTURE THAT WOULD COMBINE HIS EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE WITH FLOWERS AND EVENTS IN A SLOWER PACED SETTING AT BLB HACIENDA IN RURAL SEMINOLE COUNTY NEAR SORRENTO. ALONG WITH HIS PARTNERS — BILL WELLS AND BOB LaROSE — THE TRANQUIL VENUE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF NATURE WITH HORSES, GOATS, CHICKENS, AND A PEACOCK RESIDING ON THE GROUNDS.

Comprised of a series of buildings including a new air-conditioned barn with catering kitchen, immaculate stables, bride’s suite, groom’s cabin and orchid house, it provides everything for a chic country wedding — or reunion barbeque, rehearsal dinner or beautiful brunch. In fact, Lee recently hosted a lovely luncheon fundraiser for Support Our Scholars with assistance from Jamie McFadden of Cuisiniers and Cyndi and Darrin Shifrel of Orlando Wedding & Party Rentals.

“When I decided to give up Lee James and sell, we discussed what we were going to do next. We looked at a lot of properties

Opposite: A welcoming garden leads to the roomy, well-appointed barn. Getting up close and personal with the horses is all part of the charm. This page: An orchid house is a nod to Lee’s profession and can be utilized for intimate dinners. Champagne is ready for guests at the stable entrance. The bride’s suite has plenty of space for hair and makeup, and also includes a bedroom that can be used on the wedding night.

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for about five years, including the Bin Laden mansion in Clermont, Meadow Marsh in Winter Garden, and the Duncan estate mansion in Tavares. Our realtor knew what we were searching for — horses were never really in the picture. It was more just about a wedding venue,” he says.

But Bill had grown up with horses and Lee had always wanted them. So, when their current property — a former equestrian center — became available they drove out to see it. When they made their way down the tree-lined driveway they knew it was the perfect place.

“I knew in my mind what we could do with it. Then Bill [who works at Disney] discovered there were horses that were being retired and his contacts asked if we wanted them,” he adds. The stable houses six of the retired horses — all different breeds — and a few more that they have purchased.

“We took the dressage ring out and put up a new barn and added a parking lot. And built our dream. First and foremost, this is our home. The venue business side is the butter on top. One event a month takes care of everything. But after we first opened COVID hit, and we weren’t sure what to expect. This year we have been having events and weddings,” Lee explains. Keeping things simple works well for clients too as BLB only hosts one event a weekend. The ability to offer indoor and outdoor events as well as packages that provide everything including, of course, the flowers makes BLB a dream venue. blbhacienda.com

The barn can be furnished to suit any event. Table settings from the recent Support Our Scholars event showcased the farm-fresh eggs. At the fundraiser Bob (top) and Lee (bottom) introduced the horses to guests as they toured the property.