Head Over Heels In Love With All Things Orangery

Fleur says…

It was becoming apparent that within the foreseeable future I would need to replace the Marquee at Hayne House. It occurred to me that this would be a great opportunity to give couples a permanent building, something they could fall in love with.

But, I didn’t want just any building, I wanted one where we didn’t lose the lovely natural light, that my team and I have become so accustomed to and that our couples love. I wanted a space that continued to celebrate the outdoors, whilst bringing it indoors. I wanted something that had large windows to enable the light to fill the room; was also stylish, charming, practical, relaxed, but importantly, provided the perfect setting for couples on their special day. Then in addition to this I wanted the new build to suit the scale of the existing historic building, in order to bring a balanced and harmonizing addition to the venue. Importantly I had one other objective, I wanted all the facilities couples could ever need under one roof: the ceremony area, the Wedding Breakfast reception, dance floor, bar, and all with disabled access.

After some deep contemplation, and taking advice from my husband and the family, I hit on the idea of an Orangery, used in the manner of the 18th century as a place to dine and entertain without leaving the garden – even if carpeted with snow! This seemed like the perfect option for our couples. I commissioned Mervyn Montgomery, Managing Director of Hampton Conservatories, who in my view, are the very best in the business, to design and construct a contemporary, modern and free-standing Orangery in the grand classical style.

When Hamptons came back with their first drawings and design ideas, I was thrilled and genuinely became excited for our couples. The stunning glass lanterns allow light to flood into the space. The large glass doors, of which there are 12 sets (8 on the front elevation and 4 on the return), can be easily opened in summer and create a natural link between the Orangery and the garden. The choice of colours and the use of traditional materials (usually associated with the outdoors), further add to that sense of being in a garden room. The large bank of windows, floor of natural stone and ivory painted walls will provide the couple with the perfect blank canvas but also will have real wow factor. All these elements – light, colour, closeness to nature, the use of natural materials and honesty of construction will lead to a relaxed and flexible environment. In my mind this gives couples looking for a natural outdoors wedding, the day of their dreams, but without the fear of the unpredictable British weather. It will lend itself wonderfully to bohemian weddings yet will be perfect for a more classic or minimal theme.