Welcome to our home – the Manor Estate

Hello

Welcome welcome, we’ve finally started writing a blog! This is to share our experience of running and owning a wedding and events venue. We will strive to be open and honest. The intention is to give you an insight into the highs and lows of making this big house pay for itself.

How it started

As you can see, the old farm barn needed quite a bit of work to be turned into a venue of any standard, let alone a wedding venue! My grandmother Monica Turner used to keep pigs in the Barn. The largest part of the building was originally used as stabling for the many horses that used to work the farm before machinery took over.

Building renovation

First the roof was replaced and conservation roof lights installed. And, because the Barn is next to the Manor House, it is curtilage listed. This meant we weren’t allowed to add hugely impressive bi-fold doors. In fact, we were very restricted on what we could do throughout the renovation.

Internally we installed an oak staircase from Input Joinery in Andover. Originally the ladder was the only way to access the upstairs. We also laid underfloor heating, which is incredible and means there are no ugly radiators on show.

We also had an expert carpenter remodel the old grain storage bins to create the upstairs bar you see today. Because we wanted to retain as many of the original features as we could all the machinery and woodwork was cleaned, sealed and fireproofed and is still in situ today. It’s a real talking point with guests and retains the integrity of the Barn.

Finally windows and doors were installed plus new natural stone slabs laid – and the barn was ready for action.

First Wedding

Lucy and Mikey gave us the greatest pleasure in allowing us to host their wedding – our first official. They married in the village church St Peter’s (which remains a lovely place to hold a ceremony), and walked back to the Barn for the celebrations. It was truly a fantastic day and eased us in to wedding venue life. Lucy’s parents still live in the village and we’re very excited that her sister is getting married in the grounds this summer!

The Future

We are constantly updating the Barn as we live on-site and truly want to make our weddings and events the best! In 2015 our outside bar was created in the old garage adjoining the Barn. This is a very popular place in the summer especially as it’s West facing making full use of the sun all afternoon! Always keen to reuse items, our redundant snooker table slate has been repurposed as the Bar counter top, making it a great feature and another interesting talking point with guests!