Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

Prestige wedding venue 100% ahead of bookings target

Prestige wedding venue 100% ahead of bookings target

Prestige wedding and multi-use outdoor event space venue The Hall Barns has just taken its 55th event booking and in doing so has exceeded its 2022 summer season booking target by 100%, delivering a very strong return on the initial investment.

The venue, which only opened in 2021, is located in the grounds of Prestwold Hall near Loughborough and is part of the Prestwold Estate, managed by Hamish Byers from specialist land management and property consultancy Mather Jamie.

During discussions with the Estate regarding estate assets with potential to create additional revenue opportunities, Hall Barns was identified as an ideal prospect for an rural wedding and events venue.

Following an extensive refurbishment programme, the 19th century barn was marketed by Stacey Ferguson and her team from The Venue Experts and, based on current bookings, the 6,200 sq ft venue will have repaid this initial investment in half the original time predicted, despite the uncertainty and restrictions on social gatherings caused by the pandemic.

Commenting on the success of the venue, Hamish Byers said,

“This is a tremendous achievement. When refurbishing historic listed buildings in rural locations it is always a challenge to ensure the refurbishment is carried out in a sympathetic way and within the strict planning regulations. It is also important to carefully balance budgets so that the finished product is market appropriate whilst having a realistic chance of guaranteeing a good return on investment. We began the conversion during Covid restrictions and had to make careful considered approach to what effect the pandemic might have on the future events business. We are very lucky that that building is very versatile and we have designed it to be as flexible as possible”.

Edward Packe-Drury-Lowe, from the Prestwold Estate added,

“Mather Jamie help us manage the complicated functions of a busy, thriving estate and we value their ongoing advice and experience in helping us to diversify our activities to increase revenue so we can protect the Estate for the enjoyment of future generations.”

The Barn was built in 1889 by Sir Edward Hussey Packe and was originally used as a model farm.  It sat in ruins until Edward Packe-Drury-Lowe, the current owner of the Prestwold Estate and great-grandson of Sir Edward, began the extensive renovation with valued advice and guidance from Hamish Byers at Mather Jamie. Tucked away in its own secluded spot, Hall Barns is a quaint and characterful venue featuring exposed wooden beams and a capacity to host up to 70 seated wedding guests or 150 partygoers.


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