Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, made famous by A.A.Milne as Hundred Acre Wood, is home to the glorious Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club. The house itself is a spectacular Grade II listed, neoGothic mansion complete with period rooms and 186 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Whether you’re planning a grand affair or an intimate celebration, the venue offers the perfect space for your day. Your Sussex Wedding editor, Kelly Andrews, went along to find out more. GOING TO THE CHAPEL When the impressive and imposing Ashdown Park mansion house came into view at the end of the long driveway, I knew I was about to experience a very special stay indeed. Nowhere was this more evident than arriving on the mezzanine level of the soaring converted chapel, The Richard Towneley Suite – my breath was immediately taken away. This was thanks not only to the chapel’s innate beauty, but also to the wedding showcase event in full swing at the time. It was beautifully decorated for a wedding by some of Sussex’s finest – including Zara Flora, Chair Cover Chic and Highgate Florist – giving visitors a real taste of just how incredible the space could be for their wedding day. The chapel truly is a fairytale setting with its impressive 19th-century stained glass windows, designed by renowned Irish glass artist Harry Clarke, that cause a rainbow of light to dance around the room. It’s certainly an unforgettable spot for ceremonies, receptions and dining for 80 to 150 guests. On the ground floor is the John Hayward Room. Licensed to host the same number of loved ones. You can say “I do” here before moving upstairs for your wedding breakfast, making the chapel a self-contained wedding venue. GLORIOUS GARDENS My favourite spot, a dream for al fresco “I dos,” has to be the oh-so romantic Summer House, nestled alongside the lake on the manicured lawns. My top tip would be to tie the knot in the spring when the fabulously vibrant rhododendron is in full bloom acting as your backdrop. Here, you can seat 100 loved ones on the grass as you exchange your vows in the shade of the Summer House itself. You have the option to hold your ceremony here before heading over to The Richard Towneley Suite for the celebrations. There’s no shortage of stunning backdrops for your photographs among the glorious grounds. As you’ve already gathered, I’d recommend stealing a shot in front of that jaw-dropping rhododendron, but there’s also a beautiful Secret Garden you can sneak off to with your photographer for some memorable couple shots celebrating the best of the East Sussex countryside. AN INTIMATE AFFAIR Also dressed in their finest for the wedding showcase were the venue’s smaller spaces. Located off the East Wing corridor, the Lady Brassey is elegantly decorated in keeping with the history of the mansion. On the day I popped my head in it was fragrantly adorned in spring florals, the picture of a quintessential English wedding. It can host wedding breakfasts for 40 to 70 nearest and dearest, who can later move through to the Henry Smart room, with its own private terrace, for the evening do. If you’re planning an even more intimate day, then the Jacob Henniker room is the ideal choice for your vows. It’s conveniently located off the Hotel’s grand lobby and is suitable for 10 to 40 guests. Plus, the smallest of the venue’s spaces, Richard de Wych is available for wedding breakfasts for 10 to 16 nearest and dearest with views of the gorgeous grounds and lake. “There’s an impressive array of options here, whatever your plans and vision.” TIME FOR BED With 106 bedrooms and suites here, each named after a tree species found on the grounds, there’s plenty of options for you and your loved ones to stay overnight. As the newlyweds, you’ll have the enviable choice of several opulent honeymoon suites to retire to complete with indulgent touches including chilled Champagne, chocolates and flowers on arrival. My home for the night was Cherry, a vast and grand suite located in the East Wing with luxurious king size bed and an array of period features including wood panelling and leaded windows. Turner’s Fighting Temeraire even adorned the wall... although I assume not the original! Don’t miss out on a visit to The Country Club and Spa during your stay. Just a short stroll from the main house it offers the highest standards of pampering. I picked the perfect moment and was able to enjoy the tranquil 12.5 metre pool and Jacuzzi all to myself. It’s well worth checking out the extensive menu of treatments to relieve the stress or last-minute anxiety ahead of the big day too. Deep in the HUNDRED ACRE WOOD Editor Kelly Andrews paid a visit to the historical Ashdown Park, in the heart of Winnie-the-Pooh, country to discover what awaits its wedding couples FIND OUT MORE Ashdown Park, Wych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR 01342 824 988 weddings@ashdownpark.com www.ashdownpark.com Scan to view video 22
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