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Heritage House | Our Produce & Our People

Nature is at the heart of everything we do at Daylesford. When it came to creating a one-of-a-kind space to host exceptional experiences – every element and detail of Heritage House was carefully crafted with nature in mind.

Providing a unique setting for guests to escape the everyday and to host their own truly unique event – our in-house team understand that each occasion is as special as Heritage House itself. From exploring the almost unlimited scope of possibilities to the last clink of champagne glasses at the end of the night – we spoke with some of the team to discover more…

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THE SETTING

Nestled in our Market Garden – the beating heart of our Cotswolds Farm where we grow organic vegetables, fruit and flowers – Heritage House was built to reflect its surroundings and provide an immersive experience for the senses.

“Sited in the most beautiful part of Daylesford, we wanted to orient the building to look onto and open up to the Market Garden, encompassing a lawn for events” explains Jonathon, our in-house, architectural designer. He and architectural project manager, Francisco , designed and oversaw the construction of three different buildings which have their own identity but fit seamlessly together to “cascade down to take in the different levels of the land in a natural way.” This ensures the grand proportions inside the space are impressive but don’t dominate the landscape.

Each based on agricultural typology, “the three buildings have their own distinct architectural language, allowing the flexibility to close off one or two spaces, or open them up in their entirety” explains Jonathon. As a result, events have ranged from small but special private gatherings – where one or two cosier rooms feel intimate and exclusive – to large scale luxury car launches. Not only does the space open up to reveal monumental proportions, it’s possible to drive and exhibit vehicles inside one impressive open space – the design of the cars highlighted in contrast to the natural setting.

Using local and reclaimed materials, including larch timber felled from our farm in Wootton – it was possible to achieve a building which felt “instantly rooted in the setting.” Our architects spent time selecting just the right local Cotswold stone, working with skilled artisans such as stone masons and carpenters, and using traditional construction methods such lime plaster and considering every detail down to the door handles crafted in wood from our estate. The result is a building that’s considered, quietly beautiful, natural and comfortable, which opens-up to its setting at every turn with endless views across our Market Garden. Heritage House “facilitates a nurturing experience, to connect with nature and be inspired” says Jonathon.

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THE FOOD & DRINK

Passionate about working with the organic, seasonal produce grown in view of our events space – our head chef Diarmuid uses The Market Garden as a starting point for menu creation, working closely with clients. “Whether they might like something informal using our firepits or high-end dining – we consult with Jez, head of the Market Garden to find out what will be at its seasonal best at the time of each event.” “Our guests can sit here, having a beautiful meal overlooking the Market Garden with produce taken from there just hours before, still warm from the ground,” says Diarmuid.

Diarmuid also works closely with the artisans making produce on our farm to offer award-winning bread and pastries from our Bakery, cheese and butter from our Creamery as well as our organic, free-range meat and eggs. From private to public events for some of the world’s leading brands – our team at Heritage House are used to devising menus ranging from canapés to sharing platters, three meals in one day, and much more. Whilst examples are available, each menu is bespoke, devised with special care and using the best from Daylesford.

Our wine experts are adept at suggesting the perfect pairings for every chosen menu, including our own English sparkling wine and a choice of award-winning white, red and rosé wine from Léoube – our sister estate – an organic vineyard in Provence. Using ingredients from our Market Garden, our mixologist Sam Brown crafts delicious, seasonal cocktails, including refreshing non-alcoholic tipples to ensure that non-drinkers are thoughtfully catered for.

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FLORISTRY

Gathering seasonal blooms, foliage and herbs freshly picked from our Cutting Garden – our in-house floristry team decorate Heritage House in Daylesford’s signature style. From breathtaking suspended decorations to tabletops covered in bud vases – both large scale arrangements and small details are catered for. “Whimsical, considered, abundant and seasonal it’s a flourishing style which replicates how nature grows” says floristry manager, Clarissa. “Working with the client’s brief to ensure its unique for them, we take care of every element using sustainable methods, reflecting the landscape beyond the building and dressing the spaces with flow from the outside-in” she elaborates.

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THE IN-HOUSE EVENTS TEAM

Possibilities are almost endless for events at Heritage House. “We build everything from scratch, for the day” reiterates Damian, events operations manager, “anything and everything is possible.” From sit down dinners for up to 200 guests to parties for 500 and many creative possibilities to explore, “this is a blank canvas” he says and “with guidance from our team, our clients can achieve any sense of occasion they want.”

From public events that inform to the corporate occasions that inspire and private parties designed to be sheer delight, all are designed to be extraordinary and memorable.

The enquiry process is handled by a friendly, professional, permanent team who organise an on-site visit to discuss specific requirements. Our extended team are well versed in our service style. “Relaxed, to put our guests at ease, everything is executed with the smallest details in mind. It’s extremely professional but in a way that is never stiff or formal” Damian says, “we want guests to feel at home.”

Get in touch to create your own unique event with us.

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