SPOTLIGHT ON

Spotlight on... BEAUTIFUL SOUTH SOMERSET

THE BARN AT COTT FARM

01935 864 211 | www.cottfarmwedding.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? With stunning views across the Somerset countryside, The Barn at Cott Farm is nestled in informal grounds that are teeming with cottage-garden blooms in the warmer months. There’s a large lawn for outdoor games, and over a small footbridge is the venue’s camping field. The fire pit and wood-fired pizza oven keep the chill at bay in the evening.

The welcoming barn combines rustic charm with style and comfort. The original doors open to reveal modern tri-folding glass doors, making the entrance flexible in all weathers. The wooden beams are strewn with fairylights, and the coir carpet, handmade wooden furniture and apple-crate bar offer a blank canvas for couples. Windows and skylights flood the space with sunshine during the day, while soft lighting provides a cosy ambience at night. LET’S CELEBRATE! Couples wishing to take their vows in the great outdoors can do so in front of a congregation of up to 150 under the majestic wooden pergola. For indoor ceremonies, the barn also holds up to 150 loved ones. In the evening, couples can invite up to 300 of their nearest and dearest to enjoy the whole building and grounds, complete with its large, canopied outdoor area.

Venue hire includes exclusive use from the day before the wedding, making setting up a breeze. Packages include bespoke menus – from sharing platters to traditional three-course meals.

WE LOVE… Guests will adore staying overnight in the luxury furnished bell tents before enjoying a full English breakfast in the morning.

Venue capacities may change amid the coronavirus pandemic

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? This Elizabethan manor house is set in 17th-century walled gardens, which house the wonderfully quirky Potting Shed barn venue. At the bottom of the garden lies the pretty Washam Woods.

Arriving at the house, guests enter the hall, where they’re surrounded by old family portraits, flagstone floors, Persian rugs and a baby grand piano. Glass of champagne in hand, they’ll head into the grounds and then on to the Potting Shed, with its exposed brick walls and oak beams. Filled with bohemian elegance, it has a bar at one end and boasts eclectic furniture, rugs, festoon lighting, Chesterfield sofas and old pictures.

LET’S CELEBRATE! Smaller ceremonies take place in the Van Wyk Room (20 guests), which is a beautiful panelled drawing room in the main house. Larger gatherings head to the Potting Shed (110 guests), with its red-brick walls and exposed beams. Washam Woods is the perfect spot for a magical woodland blessing.

In the Round Garden, a marquee, tipi or yurt can be set up for post-vow parties for up to 150 loved ones. The versatile Potting Shed can be used as an alternative reception area if the weather prohibits the use of the gardens. Its bar lounge is ideal for those wanting to relax and chat.

WE LOVE… Couples are invited for a wine tasting at the manor in order to select their big-day beverages.

William Goddard Photography

- www.tarastattonphotography.com

GANTS MILL

07854 166 624 | www.gantsmill.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Nestled in a secluded position in the valley of the River Brue, Gants Mill is home to waterfalls, streams and picturesque gardens, as well as a 1,000-year-old working watermill.

Couples benefit from exclusive use of the secluded 50-acre river valley. Its idyllic floral gardens provide a burst of colour throughout its April-to-October wedding season, and parties have access to the mill, with a guided tour for guests included as part of the day. LET’S CELEBRATE! Ceremonies are normally held in the oak Gazebo (150 guests) in the floral gardens, but the Garden Room is also licensed for nuptials in the event of bad weather. After the formalities, receptions take place in the traditional, furnished marquee, with everything needed to throw a party – from lighting and heaters to a PA and bar.

WE LOVE… The venue is very flexible, with couples being able to bring in their own caterers and alcohol with no corkage fee applied. There’s also a bridal suite included in every booking.

C H A R L T O N H O U S E H O T E L , S O M E R S E T Your Perfect Venue

Situated in beautiful Somerset and surrounded by the Mendip Hills, this stunning country retreat can be all yours for your special day. Our ultimate desire is for you to enjoy your special day so we have created the perfect setting, with superb cuisine and impeccable service, allowing our devoted staff to provide everything that you need to make your wedding, truly wonderful and unforgettable.

Seeing is believing so we would love to invite you to join us for a showaround, allowing you to experience the hotel for yourself. This will also allow you meet with one of our Wedding Coordinators, who will happily discuss your requirements further so please, contact us at any time on events.charltonhousehotel@bannatyne.co.uk or call 01749 342008 to organise a time to suit you.

OLD BRIDGE

01460 240 855 | www.old-bridge.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Old Bridge, and its beautiful wedding marquee, is set in two acres of mature gardens and woods. Built in the local honey-coloured hamstone, the Elizabethan manor is a wonderful big-day backdrop. Inside, couples will find a traditional ambience through its portraits, shields and large inglenook fireplace.

LET’S CELEBRATE! The Great Hall (75 guests) is the indoor ceremony option and is available year-round. For al fresco vows when the weather is fine, the pretty Front Porch is also licensed. After the formalities, wedding parties can spill out on to the front lawn for drinks and canapés. The picturesque grounds are ideal for garden games, fire pits and bouncy castles etc. The 400-yearold sweet chestnut tree, with its three-seat swing, is a great photo opportunity.

Receptions take place in the marquee (200 seated guests). Available from May to September, it’s fully lined, carpeted and furnished with tables, chairs and a catering area.

WE LOVE… The venue offers couples the freedom to bring their own caterers, alcohol and music. There’s the added bonus of exclusive use the day before and after the wedding for stress-free setting up and breaking down.

Also check out...

Almonry Barn | www.almonrybarn.com Dairyhouse Farm | www.dairyhousefarmsomerset.co.uk The White Barn | www.frogmarygreenfarm.co.uk Brympton House | www.brymptonhouse.co.uk Old Oak Farm | www.oldoakfarm.co.uk