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A tour of Thorpe Manor, an Oxfordshire wedding venue
Update: Unfortunately, as of September 2021, Thorpe Manor has closed its doors to business. I’ve chosen to keep this post published, so this beautiful place can continue to inspire.
Discover these other wedding venues in England:
Kirtlington Park | Oxfordshire
We turned in through the main iron gate and were immediately taken by the beauty of Thorpe Manor. I’d driven with Alexis of Willow & Oak Events through the rural roads in the wind and rain to get there, and we were relieved to arrive to its windows glowing with warm light. As we walked across the front drive, we could hear to subtle sounds of horses in their stables.
We rang the bell and were welcomed by owners Natasha and Henry Teare. Through the front door was a foyer with a grand piano and straight ahead of us was a grand staircase leading upwards to the rooms above. After offering us cups of tea, Natasha and Henry handed us umbrellas from the collection by the door and led the way out to the garden.
As we strolled the gardens, passed a fountain and blooming hydrangeas, Natasha and Henry told us the story of the manor…
The History
Thorpe Manor is a Georgian manor that was built in the mid 1600s. In 2013, Henry Teare inherited the manor from his step-father, Mr. Derek Ancil. Derek was a successful horse jockey, trainer, and owner. He purchased the manor in the 1960s and used the stable block and grounds as a private training yard.
As the decades passed, the manor began to fade and show significant signs of aging. After inheriting the property, Henry and Natasha embarked on an extensive restoration project in hopes of bringing it back to life again. The finished work is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Now restored to its former glory and more, Henry and Natasha have created a truly beautiful home. They’ve introduced modern elements, while still preserving its rich history and original charm. Derek Ancil’s legacy lives on at the manor through the stables that are still in use, the jockey memorabilia on display, and through the 14 guest rooms all named after his horses.
Henry and Natasha are now proud to open the doors of Thorpe Manor to couples for their wedding celebration. With a blend of modern elegance and English charm, Thorpe Manor is the ideal venue for any couple wanting to marry in the English countryside.
There are so many reasons to swoon over and fall in love with Thorpe Manor, but here are my tips on how to know whether it’s the perfect destination wedding venue for you:
01. If you’re wanting a more intimate wedding or a tented wedding
With such a cozy, inviting interior, Thorpe Manor is the perfect place for an intimate wedding ceremony and reception. Its gardens also provide an ideal location for a larger, tented celebration.
02. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate all weekend long
Why save the celebration for just one day? Thorpe Manor has 14 guest rooms, all elegantly decorated and with views of the surrounding countryside. Many of the rooms also have en-suite bathrooms equipped with fluffy white towels and locally-sourced soaps. Invite your family and friends to stay with you, and make Thorpe Manor home for the weekend.
03. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, but you still love a laid-back, more relaxed feel
Do you love a 5-star experience, but also want a place to kick back and put your feet up? Thorpe Manor offers the best of both worlds. It’s suitable for both formal weddings and more relaxed ones. It is elegant and charming, but you will still feel right at home.
04. If you’re drawn to the quiet, slow pace of the English countryside
Set amongst the lush landscape of Oxfordshire, Thorpe Manor offers a truly quintessential English countryside experience. Put on a pair of wellies and grab an umbrella by the back door, and stroll through the gardens or roam the 200-acre estate. Then come in for a cup of tea by the fire on a crisp day, or sip a lemonade outside in the summertime. Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just the day, you and your wedding guests will enjoy a true taste of countryside life.
The warmth and charm of Thorpe Manor made us never want to leave. I could have jumped in every bed. Enjoyed a cup of tea sitting beside every fireplace. And walked through the gardens under an umbrella a hundred more times.
The sincerest thank you to Natasha and Henry for inviting us into this beautiful manor, and to Willow & Oak Events for inviting me along on this tour.
