Balcombe Place in West Sussex is a new wedding and events venue. I stumbled across this amazing house on Instagram. Emma Sargeant, the events and operations Manager, is the driving force behind behind the House’s extensive renovations and is the loveliest person that you could wish to have run your event! I contacted Emma and asked if I could pop down to have a nose around, partly because it looked like a place I’d love to photograph wedding and events at, but mainly because I love architecture and renovations and old stuff and was desperate to see what state the house was currently in to then watch it’s transformation – and wow! I wasn’t disappointed! It’s absolutely stunning – even the old tired bits!
The History – Lady Denman
Balcome Place is a Grade II* listed country house built in 1856 and forms part of the Balcombe Estate owned and run by the descendants of Lady Gertrude Denman who was given the house by her father, Weetman Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray (Oooh I must check out this connection with Cowdray House and Estate!) as a wedding present in 1905.
Balcombe Place has seen many occupants over it’s life time, one of the first being the administrative headquarters of the Women’s Land Army which Lady Denman was director of during the Second World War.
Lady Denman sounds like a fascinating character and a true feminist of her time, influencing politics and supporting and encouraging womens’ organisations and causes both in the UK and Australia where they lived for several years.
Following the deaths of both Lord and Lady Denman in 1954, Balcombe Place became a prep school for boys until 1976 when it became a conference centre and then a care home from 1985 to 2017 ………….. and now Hurrraaaahh it’s going to be a beautiful wedding and events venue!!
Launch night charity fundraiser
After meeting Emma, she asked if I could take photos of the exterior of the house and some of the interior that was ready to be photographed and also of their launch night charity fundraiser event. There is still much to photograph at Balcombe Place but these images are a good start and should help to give you a good idea and taste of the house.
So far they have renovated 3 bedrooms which are ready to stay in and look stunning – they’re enormous too! The transformation from care home to boutique hotel is amazing and I can’t wait to see more and more rooms transformed.
Just look at the stunning location of Balcombe Place – surrounded by the beautiful Sussex countryside, in an elevated position with views for miles including the awesome Balcombe Viaduct (or Ouse Valley Viaduct as it’s officially known). It would make a stunning backdrop to your wedding day with so much space to play with for events.
Where you see this tree standing surrounded by a stone edging used to be a swimming pool!
The Billiard room adjoins the music room via two very impressive archways – I think this space would make a good bar area to the main party room in the large Music room, or alternatively for smaller functions this room could be the ‘disco’ room while dinner tables remain in place in the larger Music room.
The Music Room is ridiculously impressive – and I challenge you not to make some sort of noise when you first walk into it! It’s nuts! The sheer amount of woodwork is amazing! This would make an amazing ceremony room as well as dining and party room! There are so many options with Balcome Place it might be hard deciding!
The Drawing room is one of the main rooms and would also be fabulous for wedding ceremonies and drinks receptions with lots of natural light pouring in from the huge windows along one side. It would also make a great party room in the evening if you had a smaller number of guests.
The Library room is really cosy with it’s huge fireplace, sofas and dark wood panelling and makes a great little annex to the Drawing Room.
The next three photos are taken in the main hall on the evening of the Launch Night Party.
The one and only Ms Emma!
The following photos are of the three renovated bedrooms – each one with it’s own unique style and character.
And lastly the amazing main hall toilets that have been utterly transformed!! How awesome is that wall paper!! Loo’s to die for!!
More info
To find out more about the history of the house and Lady Denman or info on hiring the House go to the Balcome Place website
Or contact Emma who will be more than happy to assist you.