Formerly a private home and then a B&B, Julia Pugh and the Pugh family transformed this neglected Georgian gem into the incredible venue it is today, bursting with style and individuality. They opened to the public in 2016 and have been hosting the most beautiful weddings and events ever since.
Today, as part of our ‘Home Tour’ series, we’re taking a peek inside their new onsite accommodation – The Stables. Full of quirky details, carefully curated antiques and a homely warmth, we simply love these stylish guest bedrooms and apartments.
Julia says…
We book just one wedding a weekend to ensure that each couple has exclusive use of the Hall, gardens and grounds, with no strict check out times. Our vision is clear; we want each couple to feel special, so they have a totally flexible approach when it comes to weddings. We don’t have set suppliers at Garthmyl which means our couples have the freedom to create their perfect wedding, straight out of their Pinterest board!
It’s tough to choose, but I love the Walled Garden the most. It was completely overgrown when we began the project, but we uncovered a real gem! It has a very magical feel to it, something totally special. Having been lovingly restored, the Walled Garden takes inspiration from the Secret Garden and is the perfect unique space if couples are looking for something a bit different for their ceremony. They can say their vows under the licenced wrought iron gazebo, surrounded by heady lavender and then in the evening soak up the atmosphere by toasting marshmallows over a fire pit.
My love of France is a constant influence in my styling and interior choices. I also really love antiques, send me off for a day browsing flea markets and antique shops and I’m in my happy place! I also really love the V&A and am drawn towards rich colour palettes and bold floral prints; this is probably quite apparent when you look at the décor in the Hall and The Stables accommodation!
I’m not really one for sitting still so once the Hall was up and running, I set my sights on converting The Stables complex on the estate into luxury self-catering holiday accommodation, which was launched last year.
All of the properties have access to a beautiful cobbled courtyard, small private patio areas and are a stone’s throw from the Hall itself. The Old Dairy is the largest with five bedrooms. This characterful cottage sleeps 10 guests, has an open plan kitchen/living area and French country style interiors. The Clock Tower comprises of four bedrooms, sleeping 8 guests in total with one bedroom situated over the old bell tower and one ground floor bedroom which has full disabled access, and a walk-in wet room.
The smallest, Ty Bach One and Two, are self-contained studio apartments built using the shells of the old Victorian dog kennels! Each has a double bed, kitchenette area and bathroom. Although these are smaller than the others, style has certainly not been compromised.
This new selection of self-catering holiday cottages has become a real asset to Garthmyl Hall and are a huge advantage to wedding couples looking to book a venue as they can accommodate a generous portion of their wedding party on site.
It’s all in the detail here at The Stables, I’m not a fan of interiors that are soulless and bland, and Garthmyl Hall, and The Stables accommodation, are a true representation of this. There are rich fabrics, interesting tiles, vintage pieces and items gleaned from flea markets, local independents and trusty eBay!
Couples can expect freedom when they have their wedding with us – a day without constraints. We want our couples to have the wedding that they want, not what we prescribe. We are a small, passionate team who excel at customer service to ensure every guest receives a 5-star experience. If you don’t want to go home at the end of your wedding celebrations, we’ve done our job properly!
Words Julia Pugh, Garthmyl Hall
Photography Nesta Lloyd Photography
Based on a weekday wedding in January. Includes 2-night venue hire.