Your Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 80)

A s the seasons change, the nights drawn in, and the wind is that bit chillier that you need to reach for the thicker jumpers, what better time of year to have a cosy night away in a stately home? It was a much-needed winter pick-me-up when my husband and I ventured to De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham, on a grey, wet and blustery November day. Despite the adverse weather conditions, we were in awe of the grand manor as we ascended the tree-lined drive and the historic house came in to view – you can imagine quite the bridal entrance on a wedding day. The façade it the epitome of quintessentially English grandeur, nestled in 340 acres of parkland with sweeping views of Chess Valley. There’s plenty to explore while wrapped up warm in colder months, or in the summer the gardens and grounds provide ample photo opportunities and al fresco entertaining options for wedding receptions. Steeped in history – the house was first recorded in 1194 – many original features are still present today, despite its £7million refurbishment there is character in abundance throughout the hotel. The inviting reception area was a warm and welcome sight, immediately the aesthetic and atmosphere is impressive for even the most discerning traveller. Sumptuously styled with furniture and decorative touches, the soft mood-lighting throughout gives each area an inviting ambience; from the corridors and Huntley Bar, the 1838 Restaurant to the Library – it’s a wonderful place to hibernate for 24-hours. The wedding space offering is unparalleled, the Cavendish Suite is a bright luxurious space for ceremonies and receptions, designed in muted colours complementing any wedding theme and colour scheme. The space can be turned around from saying ‘I do’ to provide the perfecting setting for the wedding breakfast and reception for up to 200 loved ones. What’s more it comes with a striking adjacent private bar! Classic and Luxury wedding packages include everything you could need from the arrival drinks to the wooden dancefloor, but should couples require a bespoke package the venue is happy to accommodate requests. After meeting with the lovely Lydia Sherwood the venue’s wedding coordinator, when booking De Vere Latimer Estate couples can rest assured their wedding is in safe hands. Lydia will be as passionate and meticulous with your wedding plans as you would be. When it comes to the cuisine, foodies will delight in the delectable wedding menu fare, from canapés and a traditional sit- down meal to a barbecue and pizza oven offering, couples and guests will certainly be talking about the wedding food long after the nuptials. My husband and I can vouch for the catering and attentive staff too as we had a wonderful meal in the 1838 Restaurant during our stay. We adored the setting, a quirky outside-in-vibe – we sat under a tree! – and a large eye-catching glass atrium taking centre stage. Our starters were divine – plenty of yummy noises here, I recommend the Confit duck croquettes – and although we both opted for a burger which doesn’t sounded very adventurous, both were twists on classics which made them truly to die for. My chilli lamb burger was between two flatbreads with peanut slaw, lime and cucumber yoghurt and sweet potato fries – delish! Retreating to our suite for the evening, we delighted in the large space on offer, complete with sofa and armchairs, writing desk and enormous bathroom it was more than we could possibly need. And if this is anything to go by, I can imagine the Bridal Suite is a sight to behold, couples can revel in knowing that they will be relaxing in pure luxury after the day’s events – what better start to newlywed life! De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UG 01494 412 312 | devere.com/deverelatimerestate SUITE Danielle Harvey experiences the delights of De Vere Latimer Estate dreams 32