Caenen Castle

It’s not every day you can print the word “castle” on an invitation. But then, again, this is not your everyday venue. Caenen Castle is an expertly restored structure built in 1907. It’s big enough to be a castle, but intimate enough to give you and your guests exclusive access. Unlike a hotel ballroom or the backroom of a restaurant, you won’t share space with other parties. You’ll have free reign of the castle – and our full attention.

Step inside and surround yourself in old-world charm:

• A grand staircase creates a dramatic entrance
• Sumptuous tapestries drape 22-foot-tall limestone walls
• Three, hand-carved European fireplaces flank a 100-seat main hall
• The barrel-ceiling wine cellar seats 30, perfect for an after dinner port or brandy
• Old English trestle tables and high-back tapestry chairs complete the castle feel
• Beautifully manicured grounds create the perfect entrance for the bride
• A gated patio accommodates outdoor ceremonies and receptions

Caenen Castle. There is nothing else like it in Kansas City. Think of the buzz and the bragging rights – not to mention the aren’t-you-clever compliments you’ll receive for finding such a creative venue for your wedding.

Brief History of Caenen Castle

At age 3 Remigius Achille Caenen immigrated to America from Belgium, with his family in search of rich fertile soil and finally settled in Johnson County, Kansas.  He became a farmer with his father & brothers.

At age 26 in 1879 Remi Caenen bought 100 acres from Lloyd Reitinger who had purchased it from Joseph White, a Shawnee Indian.  Eventually Remi purchased most of Joseph White’s 1,200 acres making him the largest land owner around Monrovia, KS.

In 1880 Remi Married Mary VanHercke.  They had nine children and Remi became a dairy farmer.  In 1900 he built a solid stone barn housing 80 cows. Remi lost his soul mate Mary in 1901.  Through his children he decided life goes on and in 1905 started a new 14 room house, styling it after a European castle Chateau Chavaniac, Chavaniac France, hand quarrying the stone and in 1907 moved in with his children. He never remarried.

Remi only lived in the house 11 years.  He built a smaller house directly North of the “Big House” (as the family called it) and lived there until his death in 1949.  His daughter Emma and her husband Pete Renner occupied the house.  Mege and Josephine Caenen were the next occupants.  For the next 25 years Remi leased the “Castle” to Dr. Elstone who operated the Monrovia Rest Home.  After Remi’s death the “Castle” was sold and left the Caenen family.  It had many lives as “Castle Restaurant”, a residence, night club, haunted house, a residence and in 2003 was purchased by Chef Renée Kelly and was historically renovated by Neighbors Construction Co., Inc. to create Renée Kelly’s  ™     a private event facility opening July 15, 2004.  Renee Kelly’s at Caenen Castle is on the Kansas Historic Register celebrating 100 years in 2007.