Lymington's Pylewell Park relaunches as weddings and events venue
has relaunched itself as a weddings and events venue, and with its stunning sea views and backdrop of one of the oldest and grandest homes in Hampshire, this irresistible setting promises the wow factor.Pylewell ParkTHE beautiful and historic
Set on a 1500-acre estate in East End, Lymington, Pylewell features 27 acres of house gardens, a 15-acre lake, private beach, and, of course, the magnificent house, which dates back to the 17th century.
Unlike at hotels that host weddings, there is no obligation to share your special day with other guests. Pylewell’s wedding and events co-ordinator Mell Wright explained: “We are not a wedding factory – when you hire Pylewell for your day, it is completely exclusive and private for you.”
The estate has already been named one of the Top 25 Country House Wedding Venues by You and Your Weddingmagazine – despite being yet to hold its first ceremony.
25 weddings a year
It is licensed for 25 weddings a year – and it is already booked for 21 this year and 15 next.
A visit to the site reveals why it is proving so popular. A long sweeping driveway – think Downtown Abbey – leads you to Lymington’s hidden jewel.
The house itself rises up dramatically in front of you, a mansion built in ashlar stone and yellow brick and partly stucco. To say it looks impressive is an understatement.
I am greeted by the Hon. David Roper-Curzon, who currently lives there with his wife Melanie. He tells me the fascinating history of Pylewell Park, as he does when he meets would-be brides and grooms who come to look at the venue, and explains why he has decided to hire it out for weddings.
Mr Roper-Curzon said: “The estate is beautiful, but, of course, the upkeep is enormous and holding weddings here will enable us to keep Pylewell within the family.
"It really does lend itself beautifully to a wedding, there is the exclusivity, the privacy – you really feel you are miles from anywhere.
“We are very much a home, not a hotel. We only hold one wedding at a weekend; you don’t get a slot, you have Pylewell and all its beauty just for you.”
Small weddings with up to 60 people maximum can take place in the ornate vestibule of the house if the weather is unfavourable.
Magical views
But it is to the rear of the house that Pylewell Park’s unique selling point can be found - a beautiful bedecked gazebo with those magical Solent views and glimpses of the Isle of Wight.
If you would prefer a church wedding, the beautiful local church of St. Mary’s in South Baddesley is very close by.
After the wedding ceremony, guests will make their way to the sensational reception venue. The Pylewell Pavilion is a one of a kind, designed by Simon Bond Events which has floor to ceiling windows and an interior that speaks plush hotel with bespoke mirrors and glittering chandeliers.
Mr Roper-Curzon added: “It looks absolutely fabulous at night; it has a wonderful atmosphere. It’s also very good if it is chucking it down during the day because you have these fantastic windows, so it still feels light inside and you can still enjoy the magnificent views.”
The pavilion can be dressed up exactly as couples would like it – upmarket or laid-back and casual, the venue will cater for whatever vibe is required.
Wedding planners
The wedding planning team has its own florists, photographers, caterers and suppliers on hand to help dreams for the big day become reality.
Guests can be greeted with a welcome drink at the bar before moving to the dining area, which has space for 150 guests. There is also a dance floor, and couples can choose to have live music, a DJ, or both!
Outside there is a lovely terrace where guests can mingle under beautiful lights hung from the trees surrounding it.
The Pylewell Park wedding team works with two local caterers who offer formal sit down menus, barbecues including a hog roast, and buffets. They can work with the bride and groom to come up with a bespoke menu.
In the gardens, fire pits, fairground rides, outside games and even a glamping village can be set. Bell tents accommodate up to four people.
Bridal suite
Inside Pylewell House itself, a lovely bridal suite has recently been created offering a four-poster bed along with a lavish en-suite bathroom.
Two additional guest bedrooms with ensuites are also available, maybe for the best man and maid of honour or for elderly relatives who may wish to retire early.
Mr Roper-Curzon revealed: “My wife has been instrumental in designing the bridal suite and the two other rooms. They even have en-suites with showers, which is a luxury as when we first moved in, there wasn’t a single shower in the house!”
Mr Curzon-Roper says he and his wife are looking forward to welcoming their first couple in May.
He said: “I think it is going to be such a lovely and exciting venture to have here. Weddings are such happy occasions and it’s nice that Pylewell is going to be used for them. It’s a very special place.”
Pylewell can also be hired out for occasions like birthdays or for corporate events. For more information, email info@pylewellpark.com
Fascinating history
Pylewell Park is mentioned in the Domesday Book and by the 12th century it is thought to have been occupied by a Knights Templar Preceptory.
By 1609, Sir Richard Worsley had gained Pylewell. There were four more owners over a nearly 100-year period before William Ingham Whitaker acquired the estate in 1874.
He died in 1893 and was succeeded by his son, who had the same name.
William Ingham Whitaker III inherited Pylewell in 1936. In 1939, it was requisitioned by the War Office and given over to the American Airforce.
During the war the house and grounds were occupied by US airmen who flew Thunderball planes and formed the spear for the Normandy landings on D-Day.
Italian prisoners of war were also kept at the estate during the war. It was eventually given back to the Whitakers in 1953.
In 1988, Lord Teynham, William Ingham Whitaker III’s nephew, inherited Pylewell and the estate. The house is now lived in by his eldest son, the Hon. David Roper Curzon.
Mr Roper-Curzon is a sculptor whose works can be seen in the house. His studio is in an outbuilding on the estate.
