About us

Owning Richwood on the River is truly a blessing. Let me share part of that story with you.

My first visit to Richwood was back in 2009 when I was assisting a very good friend with a wedding on the property. I immediately fell in love … how can you not??!! I even mentioned to the innkeeper that if he ever wanted to retire, to PLEASE contact me! Fast forward a few years and I was lucky enough to be hired by a couple that booked Richwood on my recommendation and I was so excited to be able to come back and help create beautiful memories at this location. My mother was in town visiting and I knew that she would also appreciate the beauty that Richwood holds and we decided to take a day trip to Milton, KY and Madison, IN.

As soon as we pulled into the driveway, she held her breath and took in the sights of the property. We enjoyed time walking the property and speaking to the groundskeeper. When we were done and getting back into the car to continue our day with lunch in Madison, IN, my mother became very quiet and seemed reflective about something or some thought. I quietly asked her if everything was okay. She looked at me and reached over to touch my arm and quietly said, “You are going to own this place someday.”

Well mom … you were right. Sadly, my mother passed away on November 27, 2012 and did not witness the whirlwind adventure of becoming the owner of this incredible venue … however it is my truth that she had a hand in every step that it took to make my dream a reality. With her guidance and the faith in GOD that we were moving in the right direction, on October 1, 2015 … Richwood on the River became my Dream Come True.

I have been in the events industry since I was 14 years old. It is in my blood and there is nothing else that I would rather do. I believe that if everyone did what brings them JOY … this world would be the most incredible place! I look forward to serving as your host here at Richwood on the River, whether you are coming for an overnight B&B getaway or staying the weekend to celebrate a most wondrous occasion, we hope that you arrive in awe and leave with memories to last a lifetime.

Meet the Team


Colleen Sutton

Owner/Operator

Being the owner/operator for Richwood on the River is a dream come true. A wonderful friend said to me during this process, “If your dreams don’t scare you, then you are not dreaming BIG enough!” I hold on to those words daily. Thanks Tania!

I hope to inspire my daughter, Ava Rose, to fully understand to follow her dreams and to always do what truly makes her happy. The money will follow. Hearing the laughter in the walls of the mansion from guests enjoying the warmth of a fire and the love of family and friends … is exactly what my hopes were and are for this property.

I love sharing my home with you and hope to have my small part in creating memories that will last a lifetime.


Kelsey Spence

Event Manager/ InnKeeper

Kelsey Spence (Stenger) was born and raised in a small town in Southeastern Indiana. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC, she majored in baking and pastry arts with a concentration in event management. While in school, she took courses in wedding planning and special events and immediately fell in love with the industry.

Kelsey met Colleen in 2015 after she moved back to Indiana and began assisting Colleen with weddings for her business Ava Rose Event Design. That October Colleen purchased Richwood and Kelsey was more than happy to join the team.

Fast forward to 2018- Kelsey got married (at Richwood of course) and moved to the Cincinnati area to be closer to her husband’s job. She left her position at Richwood and started working in downtown Cincy. However, she missed working with all of our amazing wedding couples and guests, and decided to return! She has now resumed her role as Event & Social Manager and couldn’t be more thrilled to be back with her Richwood family and friends.


Alexus “Lexi” Pender.

Venue Manager

It’s a pleasure to be a part of this amazing team, we have here at Richwood. I’ve been a part of this team since 2019. My duties here include being an Events Manager/ Innkeeper.

I love the opportunities I have been given, to be able to work all the different events. It’s a blessing to be able to meet with everyone and to be able to make their day very special! We look forward to seeing you, and to help in any way possible!

I have lived in Trimble county almost all of my life. I am in my 20’s currently getting a degree in visual communications mainly focusing on graphic design at Ivy Tech Community College. I am a lover of animals, art, and flowers!