Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Splendid 19th Century English country mansion in unusual Italian villa style.

Funky Features: Distinctive villa-style domed hallway and grand staircase are architectural highlights of the design by James Knowles; 85 acres of land including beautifully landscaped Grade II listed gardens and tennis court; breathtaking views over Thames Valley; unfurnished grand Georgian rooms, original 19th century trimmings; blessings in local parish church by request.

Location and History

Just forty minutes drive from London, Hedsor House is an easily accessible country retreat. Close to the M4, M40 and Heathrow plus several train stations with fast connections to London and adjacent to The National Trust’s Cliveden Estate, it couldn’t really be better connected in any sense.

References to the Manor of Hedsor owned by the Hedsor Family date back to 1166. In 1583 Rowland Hynd built a new Tudor Manor House at Hedsor, subsequently often visited by King George III and Queen Victoria, which was badly damaged by fire and eventually demolished in 1865. Architect James Knowles was commissioned by the fourth Lord Boston to design the current house at Hedsor, which was completed in 1868.

Interior

Standing at the end of a winding wooded drive through parkland where Highland cattle graze, the grand façade of Hedsor Manor is a spectacular place to arrive at. Nestling elegantly in 85 acres of land including its Grade II listed gardens which also include a tennis court, the house itself commands breath-taking views over the Thames Valley.

The interior of James Knowles’ Italianate villa has some setting to live up to but with its soaring glass dome the central entrance hall that forms its centrepiece rises spectacularly to the challenge. Beyond it, the generous high-ceilinged neo-Georgian rooms complete with their original 19th Century fittings, are flooded with natural daylight from the large bay windows. All these rooms boast picturesque views across the gardens and valley; many have direct access to the grounds and terraces.

The spectacular grand staircase spirals up to the top level of the house from where there are fine perspectives down into the central hall. A picturesque balcony at the front of the house makes an ideal spot for a band or piper to welcome guests from the gardens.

Spaces for Hire

Unfurnished as it is, Hedsor House is hugely versatile. Its central hall can be adapted to the needs of almost any event as it can be both lit and dressed to suit.  In the past for example, white carpet has been fitted throughout to provide a classic-meets-modern edge to the interior.

Similarly, the ballroom makes a suitably fairy tale space for a grand party but as it is equipped with spot lighting, power points, Wi-fi and a rollaway screen it’s also ideal for conferences or corporate away-days.

In the past the country estate has been used as a film location for blockbusters including The Golden Compass and Sense and Sensibility and as you might expect it makes a classic venue for events when a splash is required: balls, weddings, dinners, receptions, conferences, corporate away days, garden parties, wedding receptions.

Three beautiful rooms are soon to be licensed for civil weddings and partnership ceremonies. Blessings can also be requested at the Parish Church of St Nicholas, just 200 yards from the house.

The house can be hired in its entirety and at its full capacity can cater for 500 people for a reception or 110 people for a sit-down dinner. The tennis court, rose garden and terraces form versatile additional outside space.  Marquees can be erected on the lawns and when used in conjunction with the house can cater for functions including up to 1500 guests.