For the perfect party and wedding reception venue, Culeaze is ideal!

Last year Culeaze was host to 4 large parties and a wedding reception all held in marquees within the beautiful grounds, confirming that this is a perfect location for a really special occasion.

With the main house nestled into 4 acres of mature gardens and overlooking the lake, marquees are placed to ensure guests benefit from the stunning surroundings with beautiful views and a peaceful and tranquil setting. At night the whole area is floodlit.

For smaller parties the main house is a fantastic venue full of character and charm.

What can Culeaze offer for your special day:

The Main House:

For parties in the house, The Hall can sit up to 25 people around a magnificent 19th Century refrectory table. Surrounded by valuable oil paintings, tiger skins and antlers the effect is of a Medieval banqueting hall. The landing halfway up the stairs makes an ideal minstrels gallery for background music.

After dinner, guests can enjoy the Drawing Room or Library for their coffee and liqueurs. In winter these rooms have roaring log fires while in the summer guests can pass through the large Victorian conservatory full of rare plants into the 3 acres of manicured gardens.

This classic Victorian mansion stands centrally in the 4 acre garden. It contains valuable oil paintings and antiques. There are 4 double or twin rooms all of which are en suite and have tea and coffee facilities and fridges.

The Blue Room, offers a perfect bridal suite and comes complete with a complimentary bottle of champagne and flowers. Access to the house is restricted to the Guests who are staying there.

Marquee and accessories:

There are 3 new, good quality marquees with aluminum frames. The main marquee measures 20m by 12m and can comfortably sit 72 guests at 8 round tables of 5ft diameter. In addition there are numerous trestle tables for bar or buffet.

The other 2 marquees measure 10m by 12m. They can be placed parallel to the main marquee to increase the total sitting capacity to approximately 135 guests. Alternatively they could also be used to take the dance floor in one and a buffet and/or bar in the other.

Large brass chandeliers light all marquees.Underground cables supply mains power to the marquee site.

Also for hire at very competitive rates are tables, chairs, tablecloths, cutlery, crockery glasses, condiments, serving dishes and other party-related equipment.

Car parking:

One easily accessed and well-drained lawn can be used for parking up to 60 cars. Additionally the long main drive leading up to the Big House is wide enough to allow parking on both sides of it. There is an area suitable for caravans with an extra cost per van.

Toilets:

There are 2 new well-equipped toilets in a building near the marquee site.

Floodlighting:

The Big House is floodlit and makes a perfect backdrop to the venue. The trees surrounding the lake and the small tropical island are also floodlit. There are 2 raised patio areas on the far side of the lake. These can be used either for relaxing or for some form of musical or other entertainment.

Firework Display:

A unique firework display can be laid on at an extra cost.

The Walled Garden:

The central pathway, lined with ancient apple trees, is illuminated with flaming torches. These lead the guests up to the small summerhouse, which has mains power and a patio. A perfect location for relaxing during the evening. Additionally the lawns in the walled garden may, for a small charge, be used by guests to camp overnight.

Additional facilities:

Catering: There are several excellent caterers in the area whose names can be supplied. They may use the large well-appointed kitchen for food preparation and washing-up.

On 2 occasions last summer a barbecue was laid on at lunchtime the following day. Culeaze can provide this facility.

Disco: An excellent local disco is available. They performed at several of last summers parties and proved to be a good hit. They have the ability to select music that is appropriate to the age and tastes of the guests. Unfortunately live bands are not permitted, as the noise levels from these are difficult to control. A dance floor is available for hire.

Flowers: There are 2 local florists who have already proved their artistic capability in the marquees last summer.

Accommodation: In addition to the 9 bed spaces in the Big House, a list of local quality B&Bs is available

Taxis and car hire: A taxi firm offering both a car and minibus service is based only 200m from Culeaze. They require early booking.

Additionally there is a beautiful old Rolls Royce available for special occasions.

Church and Registry Office facilities: The nearest Church is Bere Regis. This is a very beautiful 12th Century church is only a mile from Culeaze. Alternatively the Poole Registry Service is 8 miles from Culeaze and is situated in a magnificent mansion.

Photographer: There is a local, experienced professional photographer available.

Smoking: Other than in the bedrooms in the Big House there is no restriction on smoking.

Alcohol: Culeaze can offer the bar facility for the venue.

Staff: Experienced and helpful bar and waiting staff are available from a local employment agency.

Access: The marquee will be erected 7 days before the function. It may be accessed without restriction from that time for decoration, seating plans etc.

Cost:

The cost to hire the venue is £1,000. This includes the use of the gardens, car parking, toilets, walled garden and summerhouse, kitchens, all floodlighting and marquee electricity. Flaming torches, lists of local B&Bs, and service companies (caterers and the like). It also includes experienced advice on how to make the most of the venue.

The Venue cost does not include the marquees and accessories, the accommodation in the Big House or the firework display.

The marquees, tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery, tableclothes and all dining accessories can be hired from Culeaze at very competitive rates. The hire cost will include setting up the marquees, tables and chairs.

Accommodation in the Big House costs £37.50 per person per night. This includes a full English breakfast. Guests staying for a function may arrive early and leave late the following day. A BBQ to be held on the following day can be offered by Culeaze at a cost of £8 a head excluding drink.

Your Choices:

There are basically 2 choices. Either the whole function can be organised by Culeaze. There would be a charge for this, which will vary depending on the requirement.

Alternatively the venue, marquees and accessories can be hired and all other arrangements would be left to the party organisers.

For further information, contact Christopher Barne directly on 07747051010.