The Pillars Carriage House Restaurant, started  by Paul and Patty Bock in 1987, is in the former carriage house of the estate built by Abner Haight in 1834 on 11 acres in Lebanon Center, N.Y. The Pillars, named after the four Ionic columns supporting the front portico of the main house, was the showplace of Lebanon Valley. Its interior regal decor of inlaid mahogany and cherry floors, ornate Rococo ceiling designs, huge stone chimneys, tiffany lamps and heavy 19th century furniture was very stately indeed.

The estate was purchased by Bill and Katherine Monahan in 1931 and operated as a Roadhouse during Prohibition. To make up for lost revenue after prohibition, it then became a fine restaurant and gambling establishment. There was even a horse parlor in the carriage house. The gambling activities came to a sudden end in early 1939 with a crushing raid by New York authorities who had become intolerant of gambling enterprises not controlled by the state. They reportedly confiscated $10,000 worth of gambling equipment.

Over the years, many of the buildings on the estate, including the main mansion, have been destroyed by fire. Today stands only the original carriage house and the caretaker’s cottage behind it. A few years after the main house burned in 1974, the renovation of the carriage house into an inn and restaurant began. The inn rooms are now private dining rooms seating 6 to 10 guests in each room. The main dining room seats 40 and private parties of 40 can also be accommodated.

Paul and Patty seeking semi-retirement, after owning and operating the Coach Lite, a 300 seat restaurant in Pittsfield, opened the Pillars which allowed them to create the culinary ambiance they enjoyed most. Under new ownership, Chef Brett McKeon continues the tradition of beautiful plate presentation, warm atmosphere, terrific desserts and in general, making their guests feel special.

So as you dine with us and enjoy the ambiance of the carriage house or stroll the grounds and enjoy the many fine vantage points on the 11 acres be aware that those who were guests here in years gone by would be greeted by Bill, a man resembling W.C. Fields dressed in his blue pin striped suit, houndstooth tie, and a waistcoat from whose pocket dangled a gold chain with a large elk’s tooth or they might have gotten a glimpse of Diamond Jim Brady at the gaming tables.