166 Beesthorpe Hall

 

 

I have always held a passion for large, old country houses and I just knew that Beesthorpe Hall would capture my spirit. There is something about approaching a property, through an old gateway, followed by a never ending drive, that portrays suspense and mystery.

Maybe it is an appreciation of architectural history, or a creative imagination running wild, wondering what visual features will greet the eye and soothe the spirit. These houses have atmospheres and I was excited to see what this one had to offer.

Tucked away and only just visible from the A616 between Newark and Ollerton, the Hall was built in 1550 and is every bit a country manor. Thick solid walls, large sash windows and a prominent blue doorway welcome you. If it is true to say that houses smile, then this one is beaming from ear to ear.

An aged flag stone floor invites you into a large entrance hall, leading to a large staircase. To the right is a doorway leading to an informal sitting room and then another door leads to a dining room, which is licensed for civil marriages. Passing through a back corridor, into the entrance hall again, another door leads to a room with a snooker table, followed by an entrance into a magnificent hall, known as the Trafalgar room. This too is licensed for civil marriages. A large fireplace, characteristic of English country houses is a central and prominent feature in the room, and a grand piano sits in the corner, waiting to entertain. This room is most definitely for dancing in.

French doors lead onto a stone balcony and an arched doorway leads into an orangery, itself a warm, light seating area, suitable for a rendevous and leads onto the same balcony, which has steps down onto the lawn. Here is adequate space for a large marquee.

Leaving the balcony, a courtyard garden, outlined by maintained, but not over manicured borders, provides a relaxed seating area. But you would not be seated for long as around you are paths into the woodlands, or curious gaps in the hedges, that are just waiting to be explored. Children will love the woodland and within this they can find a walled animal garden, with friendly goats and chickens.

The house is available for bookings, from the small discreet delegate day meeting or impressive corporate launches, to the most fantastic fairytale weddings and parties; and is managed by sisters Sarah Dodd and Charlotte Hedge of Peppermint Dreams, a local wedding an event management company. They have extensive experience in venue management, creative design, marketing solutions and an exceptional reputation for impeccable customer care and guarantee to make your event at Beesthorpe Hall, a resounding success. They will organise everything for you, from catering, marquee hire, decorations and flowers, to music, accommodation and transport.

Peppermint Dreams can be contacted by phone on 01636 636072 or by email to events @ peppermintdreams.co.uk

On another note, the house and grounds provide a stunning backdrop for photographic productions and notably, played the part of Thornley Manor during the filming of Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

Leaving the house was the most difficult part of my visit as I realised that the charm and atmosphere of the house had caught me. Away from the haste of my normal routine, I suddenly realised that I was more relaxed, like I had stepped back in time, to a place where time didn’t matter very much.

The house has such a welcoming feeling and offers a blank canvas for a whole range of themed events. It is run in a relaxed and friendly way, where one can feel at home, yet it can drive even the most demanding of functions towards a memory that will not easily be forgotten.

Written by Roz Edwards

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