Orchardleigh House On The Outskirts Of Bath UK
Set on a sprawling 500-acre estate in the quaint English town of Frome, Orchardleigh House exudes old-world grandeur and romance. With its palatial architecture, manicured grounds, and refined details, it provides a storybook backdrop for weddings. Phoebe and Milson will soon exchange vows in the stately manor, crafting an elegant affair with vintage accents to treasure. Here is an in-depth look at this magnificent venue and their plans for a dream wedding.
About Orchardleigh House
Built in the mid-1800s, Orchardleigh House encapsulates 19th-century splendor. The palatial manor house combines Gothic and Italianate architectural details, with arched windows, romantic turrets, and Juliet balconies. Inside, soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, antique furnishings, and fine art set a luxurious scene. Set across a 500-acre countryside estate, it feels worlds away, promising a private escape.
Some key features of this exceptional venue:
- Situated near Frome in Somerset, just 15 minutes from Bath
- Home and gardens personally designed by Victorian architect
- 500-acre parkland with manicured gardens, fields, and lakes
- Main house with 19 individually decorated guest rooms
- Additional cottages, coach houses, and lodges on the grounds
- Elegant halls and parlors for ceremonies and receptions
- Picturesque backdrops for outdoor photographs
- Michelin-star dining from Executive Chef
- Full bar with extensive wine cellar
- Spa, tennis courts, croquet lawn, and more on-site
- The experienced team assists with wedding coordination
- Capacity for 220 guests with on-site accommodation
Orchardleigh House melds historic grandeur and modern comforts for an unforgettable wedding venue.
The Grounds at Orchardleigh
Beyond the soaring manor, Orchardleigh House’s expansive grounds provide endless scenic backdrops. Gardens in the Arts and Crafts style surround the property, brimming with botanicals. Meandering paths, lustrous lakes, and open vistas lend a pastoral feel. From intimate rose-covered bowers to sprawling meadows, couples will discover picture-perfect settings to celebrate their love.
Some highlights of the grounds at Orchardleigh House:
- Formal Italianate gardens – Meticulous designs with statuary, vines, hedges
- Sunken garden – Enclosed space with beds of blooms, lawn, fountain
- Rose garden – Hundreds of rose bushes bloom June-September
- Arboretum – Exotic specimen trees across 20 acres of woodland
- Croquet lawn – Level playing field rimmed with flowers
- Secluded gardens – Tucked-away spaces for romantic seclusion
- Lake – Ornamental lake surrounded by rhododendrons
- Terraces – Stone patios offer panoramic views
- Pastures & fields – Horses, streams, and bridges create a rustic feel
Paired with refined interiors, these resplendent grounds promise endless opportunities for stunning wedding photos.
Venue Spaces & Capacities
From lavish affairs to intimate gatherings, Orchardleigh House can accommodate weddings of all sizes. Here is an overview of the ceremony and reception spaces:
Ceremony Rooms
- Drawing Room – Elegant room seats 100 guests
- Great Hall – Grand hall for up to 200 guests
- North Wing – Historic area for smaller ceremonies
Reception Venues
- Orangery – Light-filled Victorian orangery, seats 140
- Conservatory – Glass-ceilinged room, seats 60-100
- Great Hall – Palatial hall for up to 220 guests
- Music Room – Sophisticated space for parties up to 60
Outdoor Areas
- West Lawn – Hilltop lawn ideal for outdoor ceremonies
- Rose Garden – Walled garden, space for up to 100 chairs
- Terraces & Patios – Elevated patios for cocktail hours
From grand halls to cozy dens, Orchardleigh House offers options for guest lists of all sizes. Their team helps customize floorplans and logistics.
Accommodations
For those looking to extend the festivities, Orchardleigh House has enticing accommodations across the estate. From romantic suites to family cottages, guests can fully immerse themselves in the countryside ambiance.
Options include:
- Manor House – 19 luxurious, individually styled bedrooms and suites
- Lakeside Lodges – Secluded timber lodges overlooking the lake
- Dovecote Cottages – Charming cottages ideal for families
- Walled Garden Cottages – Two 4-bedroom cottages in the kitchen garden
- Coach Houses – Spacious converted outbuildings sleeping 6 to 10
- Waterford Lodge – Detached lodge with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6
Accommodating 50 to 200+ guests, these lodgings allow wedding parties to make a whole weekend of celebrations in the countryside.
Amenities & Services
To ensure flawless events, Orchardleigh House provides superb amenities and assistance:
- Dedicated wedding coordinator to oversee arrangements
- Michelin-star dining courtesy of acclaimed Executive Chef
- Full bar and wine cellar stocked with local beverages
- Bridal suite for preparations on the wedding day
- Experienced banquet team provides impeccable service
- Valet parking and shuttle service within the estate
- Suites and rooms with disability access
- Special room rates for wedding guests
- Help to book musicians, florists, and other vendors
- Setup and breakdown support for decorations
- Provision of cake stand, toasting glasses, etc.
- Options for lawn games, musicians, entertainment
With hospitality as their hallmark, Orchardleigh House’s team tends to every detail so couples can relax and make memories on their special day.
Timeline & Format
Phoebe and Milson plan to host an elegant wedding for 150 close friends and family at Orchardleigh House. With many traveling from afar, they want to provide a full weekend of events allowing guests to enjoy the estate’s splendor. Below is a sample timeline they envision:
Friday:
- 3:00 pm – Guests begin arriving at Orchardleigh House
- 7:00 pm – Welcome casual dinner in the Conservatory
Saturday:
- 10:00 am – Bridal party brunch in the Orangery
- 12:00 pm – Ceremony on the West Lawn
- 1:00 pm – Cocktail hour with canapés and lawn games
- 2:30 pm – Plated dinner reception in the Great Hall
- 7:30 pm – After party with food trucks, bonfire, and fireworks
Sunday:
- 11:00 am – Farewell brunch in the sunken garden
- 2:00 pm – Guests depart
With milestone events spread out over an entire weekend, they can fully experience Orchardleigh House’s luxury.
Decor & Design
Phoebe and Milson want to complement Orchardleigh’s elegant architecture with timeless decor accents. Their vision includes:
Color Scheme
- Ivory, cream, and blush tones
- Pale blue and sage green accents
- Metallics – gold, rose gold, antique silver
- Natural greenery and blooms
Centerpieces & Florals
- Cascading floral chandelier overhead table
- Loose arrangements in mercury glass vases
- Garlands with candles and blooms on mantels
- Sprigs of rosemary, hydrangea, and other greenery
Tablescapes
- Ivory linens with lace overlays
- Gold and cream china patterns
- Candelabras with floral vines
- Framed table numbers with sprigs of baby’s breath
Ceremony Decor
- Aisle lined with flower-filled urns
- Arbor entwined with roses, hydrangea, and greenery
- Suspended floral swag with trailing ivy
Personal Touches
- Vintage books, mirrors, candlesticks, and bells
- Black and white family photos from grandparents’ era
- Custom signage with romantic quotes
- Lanterns lighting pathways through the gardens
Timeless florals, candles, vintage accents, and personalized details will help create a romantic ambiance infused with personal meaning and whimsy.
Catering & Menu
Executive Chef Mark Dodson oversees the cuisine for weddings at Orchardleigh House. Phoebe and Milson have selected these menus:
Canapés
- Smoked salmon blinis
- Parmesan shortbreads with roasted tomato
- Chicken liver pâté with fig compote on crostini
- Mini crab cakes with rémoulade
Starter Course
- Burrata with heritage tomatoes, basil pesto, and pangrattato
- Oak-smoked salmon with a fennel, orange, and watercress salad
- Carpaccio of English beetroots with whipped goat’s cheese
Main Course
- Pan-fried breast of corn-fed chicken with braised thigh, truffles, and spinach
- Fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef with wild mushrooms, red wine jus, and dauphinoise potatoes
- Ricotta and spinach cannelloni with a slow-cooked ragu of vegetables (v)
Dessert Course
- Vanilla panna cotta with poached Somerset rhubarb and gingerbread crumb
- Chocolate ganache tart with salted caramel ice cream and honeycomb
- Lemon posset with mulled wine sorbet and candied oranges
Late-Night Snacks
- Pulled pork sliders with apple red cabbage slaw
- Stone-baked pizza slices
- Triple-cooked chips with truffle mayo
With gourmet dishes showcasing seasonal ingredients, the menus reflect Orchardleigh’s refined sensibility. Paired with fine wines, the meal promises to delight.
Entertainment & Music
To complement Orchardleigh House’s old-world sophistication, Phoebe and Milson want traditional musical acts. Plans include:
- Solo harpist playing during the ceremony and cocktail hour
- String quartet performing during dinner
- 10-piece big band and singer for dancing into the night
- Magician performing tableside during the reception
- Caricature artist sketching quirky drawings of guests
- The late-night cigar bar and scotch tastings on the terrace
These timeless music choices and novel entertainment will enchant guests while creating an ambiance of retro glamour.
The Wedding Party & Guests
Phoebe and Milson plan to host 150 close family and friends at their Orchardleigh House wedding.
The Wedding Party
- Bridesmaids – Phoebe’s 2 sisters and 4 closest friends
- Groomsmen – Milson’s 2 brothers and 3 childhood friends
- Flower Girl & Page Boy – Phoebe’s niece and nephew
- Best Man – Milson’s brother Alex
- Maid of Honor – Phoebe’s sister Sophie
Guest Breakdown
- Immediate family – 25 guests each
- Extended family – 10-15 guests each
- Friends – 60 guests
- Work colleagues – 10 guests
- Orchardleigh House guests – 30 rooms reserved for wedding party
Keeping it intimate, their guest list includes their nearest and dearest. The accommodations allow loved ones to spend quality time together on the estate.
Transport & Parking
Orchardleigh House offers ample parking for guests’ cars across their 500-acre estate. For transport between venues and accommodations, Phoebe and Milson will arrange:
- Continuous shuttle service around the estate
- Designated sober drivers from the wedding party
- Local taxi information provided in guest welcome bags
- Ride-hailing service promo codes for attendees
They will also hire a classic Rolls Royce to chauffeur them on the big day in vintage style. With parking attendants and contingency transportation plans, Orchardleigh House ensures guests’ convenience and safety.
Accessibility
To accommodate all guests, Orchardleigh House offers:
- Suites, cottages, and lodges with wheelchair access and grab rails
- Ramps into ceremony and reception spaces
- Lowered buffet lines and bars
- Aisle width for maneuverability
- Chairs with arms, cushions, and back support
- Hearing loop amplification system
- Menu cards printed in braille
- Option to lower lighting and music
- Sign language interpreters upon request
- Golf carts to transport guests across the estate
By communicating their needs to the wedding coordinator, Phoebe and Milson can ensure the celebrations suit guests with disabilities.
Reviews
Couples consistently rate Orchardleigh House as a fairy tale wedding venue. Here are excerpts from recent reviews:
“Hosting our wedding at Orchardleigh was the best decision we made! The gorgeous manor, the impeccable service, the stunning grounds – everything exceeded our hopes. Worth every penny for a truly magical day.” – Emma S.
“We were absolutely swept away by the beauty and romance of Orchardleigh House. It’s a special place where you feel like royalty. The team perfectly executed all our wedding plans so we could relax and enjoy every moment.” – James R.
“If you want a sophisticated wedding brimming with old-world charm, look no further than Orchardleigh House! We were able to craft our vision with their superb amenities and coordination. A dream come true!” – Isabella T.
These reviews encapsulate the splendor and service that make Orchardleigh House a world-class wedding destination.
Wedding Photographer, Michael Gane
To memorialize their celebrations, Phoebe and Milson have booked acclaimed wedding photographer Michael Gane. Michael’s photography style is relaxed, unobtrusive, and natural. He focuses on capturing candid emotions and connections.
Highlights of Michael’s approach:
- Extensive experience shooting at Orchardleigh House
- Brings an assistant for dual photographer coverage
- Shoots candid moments in reportage style
- Captures wide venue vistas and fine details
- Arrives early to shoot preparations
- Consults on schedule and required shots in advance
- Shoots digitally for quick online proofing
- Provides color and black & white edits
- Delivers high-res downloads and albums
Michael will align with the wedding planner regarding lighting, layouts, and the timeline. With his familiarity with Orchardleigh House, he will perfectly capture its splendor and the joyous occasion. His emphasis on relaxed, authentic moments will result in natural, timeless images for Phoebe and Milson to treasure.
Conclusion
Orchardleigh House offers a dream setting for elegant weddings, from lavish galas to intimate soirees. Its 19th-century architecture, sweeping grounds, and exemplary service provide an unforgettable backdrop for exchanging vows. Phoebe and Milson look forward to orchestrating a sophisticated affair infused with personal touches, then continuing the revelry into the night under the stars. Surrounded by loved ones, they will make memories to last a lifetime at the storied manor.
For couples planning their nuptials, wonderful online resources offer inspiration and tips:
- The Knot – Comprehensive wedding planning platform
- Brides – Leading bridal magazine and website
- Style Me Pretty – Elegant real weddings and inspiration
- WeddingWire – Online wedding planning community