Venue Focus: Boreham House

Recently I visited Boreham House and was showed around by their general manager, Alexandre. I was especially interested in visiting Boreham as it is the sister venue of Vaulty Manor  where I have had a few client weddings inc. the very first in 2003. The owner Teresa Ward is a very inspirational businesswoman and the way she has transformed firstly Vaulty and now Boreham House is astounding, talk about passion and drive! After my viewing I popped into the office for a tea and catch up with Teresa, we could talk for hours about weddings but I managed to drag myself back to the office to write this report.

The History

Boreham House was originally built at around 1730 for Benjamin Hoare Esq., he commissioned prominent architects Henry Flitcroft & Sir James Gibb to design the house and it was embellished with fine marbles and other materials. In 1931 it was purchased by Henry Ford, this is where he set up Fordson Estates Ltd , it was eventually passed onto Ford Motor company in 1952 before private owners bought it, spending millions on the restoration.

Location

Boreham House is located just off J19 on the A12.

Exterior

As you enter the gates you are struck by the magnificence of the house standing proudly with views of the formal lawn & lake. Surrounding the house is 35 acres of gardens.

Interior

As you enter the house you are in the beautiful foyer with hand carved fireplace and marble features. There is a table in the centre which you can decorate and a piano in the corner for a pianist to welcome guests possibly for the drink reception.

>From the foyer you walk through to the stunning ceremony room which again has a hand carved fireplace & ceiling which you must see in person to fully appreciate. They are licensed for 104 people seated or 120 if some guests stand. From this room you can look out at the gardens.

 

The dinner and dancing takes place in the pavilion to the rear of the property, this can very easily seat 240-250 guests. As a planner who specialises in marquees I could fully appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into the design of this pavilion. A few of my favourite points are:

 

• Elegant hard exterior to the pavilion ensures this does not look like a garden marquee
• Black & crystal chandelier
• Good size champagne cocktail & regular bar
• Fully air conditioned & heated
• Windows surrounding the pavilion with doors should guests want to open them + blinds if temperature too hot
• Wooden flooring
• Partitioned area for the band so all equipment can be hidden during the meal
• Spacious and luxurious toilets

 

Catering

Just like Vaulty Manor the catering is in-house unless you hire the venue on a dry hire basis (£6-15k). A 3 course meal starts from £50pp, for sample menus please view http://www.borehamhouse.co.uk/6-exquisite_banqueting.htm

Special Offers

20% discount of all remaining dates January – March

Mid week wedding packages (60 guests) for £10,000

• venue hire, reception drink, 3 course meal, table wine & toast, evening buffet

 

Venue Charge in 2011

Weekend hire starts from £2,000 (Jan-Mar) and goes up to £6,000 (Jul-Oct)

 

I hope you have enjoyed my report and if you get the chance do view the Boreham House website