Timber pods plan is wedding boost for historic hall
AHISTORIC hall is hoping to boost its wedding business to help fund the repair of the 18th century country house.
Capesthorne Hall in Siddington is already a popular wedding venue with its picturesque gardens and elegant rooms.
But now the estate wants to start offering accommodation for the bridal party and guests.
It is proposing to build six timber ‘pods’ in its walled garden and change an old potting shed into a communal dinning and kitchen area.
Each pod will have a king-size bed, kitchenette, seating area and shower room.
The plans also include convert the Bothy Cottage into the bridal suite and change the South Tower and adjoining Caretaker’s Cottage into accommodation.
The project could offer space for up to 30 people and would generate £1.3 million in revenue over five years.
The development will see the demolition of four brick-built greenhouse bases and raised plant beds in the Walled Garden, which are in ‘a dilapidated state’.
In planning documents Ian Stevens from architects Fisher German said the move would allow Capesthorne Hall to compete in the wedding market and fund works at the hall.
He said: “The decision to provide guest accommodation has arisen from the existing wedding business and the maintenance requirements of Capesthorne Hall. Visitor numbers to Capesthorne Hall have declined in recent years and it has become necessary to diversify and activities at the hall in order to sustain revenue which in turn maintains the property and its historic features.
“Weddings provide essential income for the hall to help with the ongoing maintenance and repair of the buildings. Income generated from weddings is invested back into the hall annually to ensure that the buildings are well maintained.
“The wedding business operates from the main Hall but does not benefit from any accommodation facilities for guests.
“Competition for weddings in the area is very strong and the hall needs to remain competitive in this market.
“Due to the local compe- tition, the wedding market is becoming an increasingly difficult one to operate in and remain competitive. In order to remain both profitable and successful the estate is being forced into action to ensure that the business continues.”