Your Kent Wedding - September/October 2023 (Issue 110)

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! Less than a year after opening its doors, Kent wedding and events venue Chapel House Estate has been named Hospitality and Events Start Up of the Year at the South East finals of the StartUp Awards 2023. Located in Minster, this 732-year-old chapel, surrounded by 35 acres, opened as a luxury wedding and events venue in July 2022. Nestled amongst romantic gardens and orchards, it’s fast become a popular destination for couples to wed, and this award gives it the recognition it deserves for its successful first year in business. Built from the ground up by owner Darren Ellis, Chapel House Estate has everything you need for your perfect wedding day, from the lovingly converted old malt granary where you can hold your ceremony, to the sympathetically restored 13th-century chapel, which now boasts luxurious accommodation with five bedrooms. The on-site No 9 Restaurant with a changing locally-sourced menu provides catering for weddings and events, and there’s even nine hideaway lodges, enabling up to 34 people to stay at the estate. “I’m so proud of everything my team and I have achieved in such a short space of time,” says Darren Ellis, owner of Chapel House Estate. “The award goes to everyone involved in the project from contractors to front and back of house staff. “I feel very proud to open such a beautiful venue and to become a custodian of such a charming, precious and ancient Grade II listed flint and stone-built building. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new award-winning venue in Thanet, Kent!” Learn more at https://chapelhouseestate.co.uk OH-SO CHIC Cave Hotel and Golf Resort in Faversham has announced the completion of its marquee wedding venue’s refurbishment. With an eye for style and a commitment to creating unique experiences, the standard marquee has been transformed into a breathtaking space that blends style with a touch of whimsy. The centrepiece of the refurbishment is the addition of the wooden hit and miss interior, complemented by a luxurious marble backdrop. To enhance the ambience further, blue uplighters have been installed to accentuate the marquee’s interior walls, casting an inviting glow upon the surroundings. Meanwhile, the living walls bring a touch of greenery, creating a charming and immersive environment. Further highlights include the stylish restroom facilities within the marquee, ensuring comfort and convenience for you and your guests; and the new selfie area adorned with elegant gold mirrors and blue uplighters. Additionally, there’s a private outside area which features rattan corner seating, ideal for a spot of mingling and relaxation. For the littlest guests you could even set up tipis, garden games or a bouncy castle ensuring they’re equally as entertained as the grown ups. To bring an extra touch of excitement and flavour to events here, the Roaming Cowgirl food truck offers the venue’s famed Korean cowgirl wings, irresistible boneless bits, and comforting mac and cheese, all served from this charming vehicle complete with your very own private chef. Discover more at www.cavehotels.com A NEW CHAPTER Self-made serial entrepreneur Dr Ann Kaplan Mulholland, whose net worth is more than £500 million is one of the stars of The Real Housewives of Toronto and is a household name in her native Canada. She and hubby Dr Stephen Mulholland, a world-renowned plastic surgeon, threw caution to the wind and decided to buy a bolthole in Britain after their youngest of eight children flew the nest. The couple purchased the historical, romantic and regal Grade I listed Lympne Castle in Kent overlooking Romney Marsh and the English Channel. “I was drawn to the beauty of its architecture; the magic of visiting, let alone owning, an actual castle; and the beautiful English countryside. Visiting Lympne Castle was like fulfilling a dream,” Ann says. As well as providing a glorious home for the Kaplan Mulholland family, the Castle will also continue in its long-established use as a wedding venue. In fact, Ann raced to the rescue of dozens of couples who’d been told by the previous owners that their forthcoming nuptials at the castle had been cancelled due to the sale. But not only did Ann agree to honour those dates, she has given the nearlyweds a 20 per cent discount on their big day! Ann says, “What couple wouldn’t want to be married in a castle? Just over an hour from London by car, Lympne Castle offers a true fantasy experience.” Plans are already afoot to film a docu-reality series about Lympne Castle and the couple’s forthcoming adventures. The duo plan to invest £20million undertaking a grand renovation of the Castle, which dates back to the 1080s when Saint Thomas Becket was a resident. Ann’s ultimate vision is to transform the Castle into a one-of-a-kind Medieval tourist destination, conference and events venue. She explains, “Imagine as a guest being transported back in time to experience visiting the Castle centuries ago, with fun, music and atmosphere, knights of the realm greeting you, plus jesters, stewards and ladies dressed in clothing of the period.” Ann will hire local people and suppliers, and is looking forward to supporting the local community, giving the Castle a new lease of life, while preserving it for generations to come. You can stay up to date at www.lympne-castle.com https://williamharley.co.uk www.scottcollier.co.uk Scan to view video 10

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=