How we created Dorset’s picture-perfect Wedding venue…
They say ‘mighty oaks from small acorns grow’, and this was certainly the case as we under took the ownership and renovation of the stunning Abbots Court Rural Retreat and Wedding Venue.
Having taken up our role as caretakers and custodians of Dorset’s premier Rural Retreat in mid 2019, we were quickly under the spell of Abbots and its stunning countryside surroundings. From the sprawling fields to the authentic features of a home with real history, we couldn’t wait to add another chapter to the Abbots story.
As with all great stories, our well-laid plans were soon cast aside as we joined the rollercoaster of the global pandemic and it’s associated boom and bust with staycations and restrictive regulations. Whilst we were delayed in offering a beautiful staycation setting, the lockdowns presented the opportunity for us to bring a long-held dream to life…to create a picture-perfect private wedding venue in the heart of Dorset’s countryside.
Our stunning main house at Abbots Court
Having gained approval to host 30 bespoke private weddings per year, it was time for the hard work to start as we set about transforming our authentic Victorian Stables and walled garden into a truly unique wedding experience for couples looking for a weekend long escape surrounded by the beauty of Dorset.
The size of the task we were taking on soon became apparent as we gutted our previously unused stables ready for refurbishment…
With what some would lovingly call a ‘blank canvas’ now established, we were delighted to keep the original exposed brick work and Victorian beams in place before removing the first floor and creating the high ceiling atmospheric space we desired. It soon became apparent that our suspicions had been correct all along…we had the perfect setting for simply wonderful private weddings under our noses all this time. As new fixtures, fittings, electronics and outside spaces were added we were soon ready to present the first of our wedding venue renovations..
We were delighted with the results we had achieved as our long-abandoned stables were transformed into a truly magical setting for up to 80 guests in which to enjoy their wedding ceremonies.
As Spring turned to Summer we turned our attention to our walled garden and the creation of our wedding pavilion. Having previously been used as a herb garden, we couldn’t wait to unleash the full potential of our stunning grounds. Work was soon under way as we set about installing a patio area for our wedding pavilion, paths, garden bar and wedding pergola.
With room for up to 120 guests in our new wedding garden, we were convinced Abbots Court would soon be able to offer a Summer wedding experience like no other, including a picturesque slice of Dorset countryside to call your very own for a whole weekend. With masses of flowers and shrubs beginning to bloom, and the garden taking shape, it was time for our most ambitious project to date; the installation of our bespoke oak and glass wedding pavilion.
A truly stunning setting for those all important wedding breakfasts and receptions, our bespoke sound-proofed oak wood pavilion was ready to welcome up to 120 guests for a seated meal and after dinner dance whilst enjoying unspoiled views across our grounds.
What had once been an extensive vegetable garden was slowly transformed into the unique and stunning area you see today, complete with gorgeous flower gardens, lawn, garden bar, large patio, wedding pergola and even a petanque court.
You know what they say though…no rest for the wicked! Having completed the most sizeable part of the project our attention turned to accommodation for our guests. As the stars of our wedding parties enjoy the luxurious comfort of the lovely Abbots Court house, we felt it was important to provide an equally memorable experience for their other guests.
Our solution? A night around the campfire and under the stars in boutique Glamping Pods. Conveniently located just beyond the walled gardens. Our pods come complete with comfy double beds, cool boxes, plug sockets and bath towels for their short trip across the garden to the newly fitted washrooms.
With our renovations now complete, it has been our pleasure to have hosted our first full service wedding parties this Summer. The feedback we’ve received has made all the hard work and long nights worth it as we share in the life-long memories our guests have created in our new spaces. We must also mention our amazing team of suppliers, builders, friends and family, who without their help, experience and understanding none of this would have been possible.
Mr & Mrs Day celebrate their Wedding reception in our Walled Garden & Wedding Pavilion
“A beautiful house, nestled in the most magnificent, picturesque gardens provided the perfect backdrop for our wedding photographs. Not only is the outdoor space wonderful, but the hard work, time and creativity that has gone into turning the indoor areas into a space fit for a wedding is phenomenal. With a palate focused on neutral, natural simplicity, and open, light spaces throughout, it is the perfect space to be transformed to suit any wedding theme and made to feel your own, as it did for us. ”
Planning your special day? Let us provide the perfect setting. Located just 20 minutes from the Bournemouth and Poole coastline and perfectly nestled amongst the Dorset countryside, Abbots Court has everything you require to create memories that will last a life time.
Yours sincerely,
The Abbots Team
