I had the pleasure of visiting Thorpe Manor on Friday 8th March to mark International Women’s Day 2019. It was aimed at members of the Wedding Industry and not only gave us a fantastic opportunity to get together, experience workshops and demonstrations, but also to have a first glimpse at this stunning new luxury wedding venue.
We started the day with coffee and chat and having been divided into groups were all sent off in various directions. My group started off with a hands on Patisserie Workshop with the lovely Pia from Vanilla Pod Bakery. We were set to task making green roses to adorn a wedding cake. My first attempt was amateur to say the least, but soon got the hang of it, and must say found it quite therapeutic.
Next, the green group were dispatched to the dining room to watch a floristry demonstration by Jess Burling from Tiger By The Tail. She created a beautiful natural fluid arrangement, making it all seem so effortless. It was fascinating to hear how she started her business and how it just took off.
Next came the tour of the house by the owners Henry and Natasha, such warm, welcoming hosts. They have worked tirelessly to transform Thorpe Manor from a near dilapidated state to the beautiful luxury Manor House, home and venue. The feel is very much understated, unstuffy, relaxed luxury. It is perfect for those seeking an exclusive wedding venue with private hire of the whole house. It has 14 gorgeous ensuite bedrooms, all of a very high standard, cinema room, cosy bar, drawing room, dining room, gym, hot tub and delightful gardens and grounds.
The house can accommodate up to 60 for a small intimate wedding breakfast, otherwise the garden has a superb lawn ideal for marquee receptions for up to 300 guests. A real plus point for a marquee reception is that there is no corkage fee if you wish to serve your own drinks. However, any alcohol served in the house is provided by Thorpe Manor, which I think is most reasonable.
All catering is undertaken by Indulgence, which is absolutely first class and local to Thorpe Manor. Indulgence’s reputation spreads far and wide and they cater for many prestigious venues. Your stay at Thorpe Manor will be enhanced by the attention of Butlers to ensure that you are thoroughly pampered and looked after. Their promise is that the Butlers “work seamlessly and discreetly to ensure your stay is effortless.”
Thorpe Manor is licensed for wedding ceremonies in the Flower Room and Summerhouse. The village church of St. John the Baptist conveniently located opposite, and can seat 120 guests will allow ceremonies for those who would like to marry in a church. There are a few conditions attached, mainly attendance at one service once a month leading up to the ceremony.
Indulgence Boutique Hospitality
Our morning was perfectly rounded up with a glass of champagne and some delicious food by Indulgence. After lunch we were treated to an inspirational talk by Rosalind Miller, the highly successful London cake maker, learning about how the business started small but following a call and order from Harrods, grew and flourished.
It was a fabulous day and I can’t endorse Thorpe Manor more, it is a gem of a luxury wedding venue. Henry and Natasha were superb hosts and it really came across that they wish to open their home to wedding couples who are seeking a slice of Manor House for their celebration. They want guests to feel welcome, pampered and relaxed. It is ideally situated in a north Oxfordshire village, close to Banbury, nestled in stunning countryside, 55 minutes from London by train and with easy access to links to major roads and the rest of the UK. Take a look for yourself and visit Thorpe Manor.
Henry and Natasha Teare owners of Thorpe Manor