Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - July/August 2024 (Issue 105)

HOLYWELL ESTATE 01489 894 406 | https://holywellestate.co.uk/weddings Holywell Estate is an elegant and romantic wedding setting in Hampshire’s rolling countryside of the Meon Valley. At the heart of the property is Holywell House, a beautiful Grade II-listed country manor dating back to the 1700s. The house and gardens are steeped in character and history. The Estate extends to around 900 acres of varied landscape, including arable farmland, ancient seminatural woodland, river meadows, historic parkland, lakes as well as manicured lawns and gardens. Celebrations will be held within the walled gardens, but there are numerous photo opportunities around the rest of the Estate. The newly restored Walled Garden and fabulous tipis are perfect for celebrations, offering a magical hideaway for up to 150 guests. Surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns, fruit trees and woodland, couples can enjoy their secret garden. From a relaxed festival theme to a decadent black-tie affair, pairs can let their imagination run wild. The tipis consist of solid wooden poles grown in the cold forests of Sweden and a light tan-coloured canvas. The specially designed fabric is fire retardant, water repellent and tough. There’s plenty of space for the bar, band, DJ, dining room, firepit and chill-out area. The team even allow pairs to bring furry friends along, but only by prior agreement. Couples will have access to decorate/set up the tent before events, and the team can help style tipis. They’ll dazzle couples and guests with exceptional service and attention to detail. Their trusted suppliers will ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the day. www.robingoodlad.com MINSTEAD LODGE 02380 667 683 www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/minstead-lodge/weddings Minstead Lodge, a charming country house wedding venue in the heart of the New Forest, is a living testament to history and elegance. Constructed back in 1832; this resplendent building and its gardens still proudly display original features, such as oak panelling and expansive bay windows. The Lodge offers exclusive use of four rooms, each with its unique wedding setting, inviting couples to step into a bygone era of romance and grandeur. The grounds of Minstead Lodge are a picturesque haven, featuring lush, tiered gardens, a serene Japanese garden and a tranquil pond. A beautiful array of flowers adds a touch of colour and charm throughout the grounds. The meticulously landscaped areas offer a peaceful retreat, showcasing nature’s beauty in every corner of this enchanting location, inviting pairs to immerse themselves in the serenity of the surroundings. The Lodge offers many original features and beautiful spots, including the grand oak staircase, oak panelled walls and stunning fireplaces. The Long Hall is the perfect space for ceremonies, wedding breakfasts and evening receptions, seating up to 75 people. This beautiful, oak-panelled room opens onto the terrace, allowing guests to enjoy the views of the grounds and the New Forest. With space for chosen entertainment, it offers an elegant setting for guests to dance the night away. Just off the Long Hall, the Congleton Room is bright and airy, panelled in a Regency style with a beautiful window seat—ideal for ceremonies, seating up to 50 people. Alternatively, the Parnell room is also ideal for the vows, featuring more stunning oak panelling and a grand fireplace. The oak-panelled library is the fourth room leading off the Long Hall, suitable for intimate ceremonies, seating up to 20 people. For those after al fresco events, the Stone Arch is a beautiful outdoor location featuring a stone arch covered in wisteria and surrounded by rhododendrons. This is an idyllic space, seating up to 20 people. With multiple locations around the gardens to host an evening reception under the stars, celebrations can be tailored to visions. Whether couples have a preferred marquee supplier or need assistance selecting one, the team is happy to collaborate to make dream weddings a reality. Minstead Lodge is more than just a wedding and events venue. It’s run by the local charity, Minstead Trust, which supports more than 300 people with learning disabilities throughout Hampshire and Dorset to build skills that help them find employment and live more independent and fulfilled lives. By choosing to celebrate events with the team, couples will be making a positive impact, directly contributing to the vital work. www.stephen-duncan.co.uk GLORIOUS GARDENS 29

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=