Fresh from a weekend in Totnes with friends – sampling the town’s culinary and retail offerings and hitting a couple of coastal highlights – the prospect of retreating to our very own country manor felt deliciously civilised. The approach alone had me utterly enchanted: Devon’s famously narrow lanes become pure theatre come spring, when wildflowers and wild garlic (I’ve honestly never seen so much!) stage their annual takeover, creating an almost otherworldly tunnel of green. We struck gold with glorious sunshine for our entire stay, followed by those crisp evenings that make you properly appreciate a roaring fire and whoever’s in charge of the wine (usually me!).
Tucked away in a secluded valley where time moves at a much more agreeable pace, The Lost Music Hall isn’t a venue you accidentally discover; it’s a destination you purposefully seek out, which rather adds to its mystique.
The backstory is every bit as compelling as you’d hope. Created by London dandy Arthur Graham as his secret retreat from society, this extraordinary Italianate manor bears all the hallmarks of someone who understood the art of the grand gesture. When Graham extended the original Georgian manor at the turn of the 20th century, he didn’t hold back – an enormous Arts & Crafts music room, a four-acre Italian garden (which has unfortunately since been sold off), and a swimming pool surrounded by dozens of chairs. Subtle, it was not!
Many assumed this London aesthete had retreated to the countryside seeking solitude, but his grand additions rather suggested otherwise – this was a man planning for spectacular house parties, not hermit-like contemplation. The champagne-soaked soirées that undoubtedly unfolded here must have been legendary. The neighbouring Italian Gardens have since been romantically reclaimed by nature over the decades, before their recent rediscovery and ongoing restoration. As for the Hall itself, the current owners have clearly inherited Graham’s appreciation for the theatrical – they’ve preserved every ounce of its eccentric charm while adding their own layer of sophisticated polish.
The transition into hosting weddings happened entirely organically – when friends requested to celebrate here, the results were so wonderful that opening doors to others felt inevitable. Frankly, it makes perfect sense. This house was literally built for entertaining; celebration runs through its DNA.
The gardens here are nothing short of sublime – wild yet considered, providing backdrops so gorgeous they practically photograph themselves (my camera roll bears testament to this). The meadow beside the Georgian manor has become the spot for exchanging vows, though honestly, you’d struggle to find an unworkable location. These grounds offer endless possibilities – from stretch tents and seating areas to spaces for speeches, dining, mingling, and fire pits, accommodating intimate gatherings to full-scale productions.
The Music Hall itself transforms into a magnificent blank canvas when cleared of its carefully curated furnishings. Those impressive 11-metre ceilings could intimidate, but somehow they don’t – trestle tables nestle comfortably beneath them, seating up to 90 for dinner without anyone feeling lost in the grandeur. Speaking of trestle tables, when chatting with owner Jennie, she mentioned an upcoming wedding that will feature a long banquet down the drive, which certainly piqued my interest – I can’t wait to see those photographs!
But here’s where things become properly exciting: couples can hire the owners’ private Georgian manor next door alongside the music hall. Can you just imagine the scene: a ceremony in the gardens, cocktails on the terraces, dinner in the music hall, dessert in the manor’s drawing room, then dancing in the cellar. This secret, whitewashed warren, with its stone arches and cool, rustic charm, becomes the perfect late-night venue, complete with white drapes, fairy lights, disco balls, and a decent sound system.
Which leads me to ask, why limit yourself to a single day when you could claim this estate for an entire week? This is another big tick in many venue-hunting couples’ boxes, and what keeps The Lost Music Hall far removed from the ‘wedding factory’ stereotype. The concept strikes me as thoroughly sensible – settle in with your closest companions, explore the local area (gorgeous beaches, Totnes and Ashburton are within touching distance – we even managed a coastal path walk from Salcombe in a day), take your time organising for the main event, host your celebration, then remain for a proper mini-moon.
Picture a recovery pool party the following day, followed by an intimate supper on the terrace, and perhaps some competitive moments in the games room. It’s essentially wrapping your wedding in an extended house party, which sounds infinitely more fun and civilised than the usual 24-hour in-and-out approach.
When we arrived on a sunny spring afternoon, our host, Jennie, greeted us with characteristic warmth, armed with local intel and treats from nearby organic producers. With evening approaching, we opted for exploration over formal tours, spending our first hours wandering gardens and absorbing views from the terracotta terrace – oh-so lovely after spending a good few hours stomping across a hot and exposed Dartmoor (although their wild horses are also a must-see).
I’d studied the venue’s interiors online, naturally, but nothing quite prepares you for the reality. I can’t recall how many times my partner and I exchanged those knowing looks when something particularly struck us, complimenting how cleverly they’d dressed such an extensive and unique space. The owners have pulled off something rather brilliant – taking what could feel overwhelmingly vast and creating intimate pockets that each feel complete and inviting. The pared-back aesthetic strikes that elusive balance between modern and classic – neither too contemporary nor traditionally stuffy, but instead perfectly pitched. It champions honest craftsmanship over Victorian excess, with oak parquet underfoot and expertly chosen pieces that blend auction finds with treasures from their former New York life, scattered throughout like a carefully curated collection rather than for-the-sake-of-it furnishings.
Converting to two storeys may have sacrificed some original drama. Still, the trade-off feels entirely worthwhile – beautiful floors upstairs, light-filled bedrooms with gorgeous views, and the rather indulgent touch of two double beds per room.
Jennie proved thoughtful with her time the following day, sharing insights into celebrations she was particularly looking forward to hosting. Her genuine affection for the property shines through – she’s clearly committed to honouring its colourful past while helping guests create their own chapters in the story.
The Lost Music Hall manages to deliver genuine magic without artifice – it isn’t a venue desperately trying to be something it’s not – it’s simply a remarkable space with an extraordinary history, lovingly maintained and generously shared. However, consider this fair warning: once you’ve experienced The Lost Music Hall’s particular brand of enchantment, everywhere else might feel rather ordinary by comparison
The Lost Music Hall is part of the Coco Wedding Venues directory; however, we handpick each venue to showcase and only feature venues we adore. We were not paid to write this feature, but were gifted an overnight stay with activities and dinner.
Based on a weekend wedding in January. Includes 3-night venue hire and accommodation.