Member Article

New weddings venture for County Durham business centre

A GRADE II* listed building located at the heart of a County Durham community and steeped in history is to open its doors this month as a new wedding venue. Built in 1707 in the style of a mansion and once owned by businessman John Burdon of Hardwick Hall, the Manor House will showcase its unique setting in Sedgefield with a wedding launch event on Saturday 14 May.

Local entrepreneur Ean Parsons, who bought the 18th century building two years ago with business partner Ian Philipson, has licensed the Manor House for civil marriages and partnerships, believing that it offers something unique in the North-East.

Parsons comments: “The rooms that we have licensed for marriages highlight the impressive listed features of the building. The beautiful Old Court Room is our centrepiece while the spectacular west facing Palladian Venetian window is a backdrop to the Georgian Reception Hall, the Grand Staircase the Gallery and the Freville Room.”

Originally built as a home by Nicholas Freville, the Manor House has reputedly served as a boys’ boarding school and more recently a council headquarters and magistrates’ court. It has undergone extensive refurbishment and houses a number of offices and meeting rooms and is available for private parties and social events as well as weddings.

The open day, which will take place from 11:00am until 3:00pm, will allow future brides and grooms to see the venue dressed for a ceremony and reception, as well as speak to a number of regional wedding experts and suppliers.

Manor House Weddings event co-ordinator Jo Bowman, from Sedgefield, adds: ’’Manor House is a unique venue. We are not driven by a desire to turn over a large number of weddings, but instead want to offer a very personal and exclusive experience that matches both the venue and the team here.“

For more information visit http://www.manorhousesedgefield.co.uk/weddings or search Manor House Weddings on Facebook. The building is managed by Manor House 1707 Ltd. To find out more about available office and events space in the Manor House, call 01740 629999, email enquiries@manorhousesedgefield.co.uk or visit www.manorhousesedgefield.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Lines .