Kentish Express Ashford & District
Darling Buds Farm could be the perfick place for weddings
Couples can now walk down the aisle at the Kent farm that was once home to the carefree Larkin family in the hit TV series The Darling Buds of May.
Darling Buds Farm, near Bethersden, has just been licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies, partnerships and vow renewals.
The farmhouse and buildings of what was previously Buss Farm were converted to holiday accommodation in 2014.
Buss Farm was owned and lived in by the Holmes family for 40 years and was marketed in 2013 for £1.35 million.
Set in 1950s Kent, the massively popular TV series was based on the books by H.E. Bates about the adventures of the boisterous Larkin family.
It was a hit ITV show from 1991 to 1993, starring David Jason as Pop Larkin, whose legendary catchphrase was “perfick”; Kent actress Pam Ferris as his wife Ma Larkin, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as their eldest daughter, Mariette.
It ran for a total of 20 episodes, broadcast as three series of six double episodes. There were also two singleepisode Christmas specials, shown in 1991 and 1992.
The book and TV show title is taken from the third line of a Shakespeare sonnet.
Buss Farm was bought by internet entrepreneur Simon Coulson in 2014. He renamed it Darling Buds Farm and turned the site into holiday accommodation themed on the Larkin family.
At the time he said: “I was a fan of the programme and moved to Bethersden about six years ago almost on the strength of it because I loved the look of the area.
“I went to the classic car shows which were held at Buss Farm several times and the previous owner, Roger Holmes, told me he had people turning up asking to look round.
“I thought it was a missed opportunity. There is still a massive following of the TV show and I thought this would be an opportunity to let people come in and see the farm.”
A major overhaul of the venue and its buildings followed and now couples can book the farm’s historic Tudor Barn for a wedding or civil partnership ceremony. The barn can seat up to 80 guests during the ceremony.
Darling Buds Farm also boasts sweeping views across 35 acres of farmland complete with lakes, ponds and streams, plenty of room for a reception marquee, and overnight accommodation for up to 26 people.
For more information, visit www.darlingbudsfarm.co.uk, call 01233 226230 or email info@ darlingbudsfarm.co.uk