It can be difficult to find the perfect venue for a special occasion. Anyone who has searched for a wedding, anniversary, big birthday or corporate party venue will no doubt have come up against astronomical corkage prices, lists of rules and regulations as long as the arm, inflexible check in and out policies and big headaches.

Huntsham Court in Devon models itself as an ‘un-hotel’. The owners, Damian Llambias and Christopher Badham, not only have taken fastidious pride in the renovations of this baronial country mansion, but also in cultivating a venue that offers almost endless flexibility and possibilities depending on the occasion. Their ethos is that everything is there to be enjoyed, so guests can truly feel at home.

Available for private hire for short breaks, private parties, functions and weddings, Huntsham Court can accommodate up to 130 day guests and up to 85 overnight guests in 35 spacious bedrooms, though it can also play host to much smaller events as well. With a dovecote licensed for civil ceremonies and a picturesque church situated on the estate and footsteps away from the front door, weddings are a speciality at Huntsham.

Situated in Devon close to the Somerset border and Exmoor National Park, it’s handily located, with a direct two hour train service from Paddington arriving at Tiverton station just a 12-minute drive away.

Cocooned in rolling pastures and woodland, the house was completed in 1869 as a private residence for the Acland Troyte family and designed by renowned architect William Burges. Numerous owners followed, but after falling into disrepair Huntsham Court was purchased by current owners Christopher and Damian in January 2012, who were inspired to purchase the house after planning their own civil ceremony.

With great vision, the couple embarked on the huge project to restore the house to its former glory. Damian’s background in the arts and interior design is evident throughout. There are grand Victorian rooms with tall ceilings and four-poster beds, while the second floor is home to eight beamed attic rooms, actually our favourites.

Nice touches include a farmhouse kitchen and pantry, a bar complete with wingbacks and open fire and a state-of-the-art sound system that runs through all main rooms to really get the party started.
Now newly refurbished, the house boasts five grand reception rooms, manicured gardens, a croquet lawn, tennis court and a plethora of adjoining family rooms, romantic bedrooms for two and capacious honeymoon suites (plural as there are a fair few bedrooms that most venues would consider honeymoon worthy!).

This stunning property, of course, comes at a price. And while the two-night, exclusive weekend hire for all 35 bedrooms and thus sleeping for 82 adults and six infants starts at £12,800 (or £78 per person, per night), the house is available for smaller parties with groups taking 19 bedrooms (sleeps 44) for a reduced rate. The lowest prices start from £7,500 for two nights’ full hire with 19 bedrooms, working out at £86 per person per night. It’s an indulgent stay, but no more than many boutique hotels and with the run of the place, there is a lot of fun to be had.

Guests have complete freedom to use whatever suppliers they choose or they can self cater and cook in the catering-grade kitchens. If required, guidance is on hand and five hours of planning help is included from the events’ team within the rental price. There are no extra fees for corkage, storage, function or handling fees and complimentary use of the banqueting set including tables, chairs, table linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware is included.

There is a warmth to Huntsham’s team that instantly puts guests at ease: the owners and staff take real pride in not only their corner of Devon, but also the house itself. Activities on site and in the surrounding area are plentiful. Birds Hill Days offer archery and pistol shooting in the grounds of Huntsham plus clay shoots, while Land Rover Experience West Country’s base is situated a short drive away. Yoga, meditation, massage, beauty, hair and make-up can be arranged, while the house boasts badminton, table tennis and a children’s play area.

Whether escaping the rat race for a weekend with friends and family, organising a corporate event, planning a big birthday bash or a special day, Huntsham Court allows guests to do things their own way.

essence info

Huntsham Court
Website: www.huntshamcourt.co.uk
Email: enquiries@huntshamcourt.co.uk
Telephone: 01398 361277
Direct trains to Tiverton run with Great Western Railway from Paddington.