Category: Rural
Location: Thorpe Constantine, Staffordshire
The Challenge
Thorpe Estate, Staffordshire, is a working estate with long agricultural history that has been stewarded by the same family since 1631. Alongside the country house, Thorpe Hall, is a collection of charming Victorian farm buildings and a range of modern agricultural buildings based around Home Farm, in addition to an attractive walled garden that had fallen into disrepair. Without a viable use for the space, the upkeep of the walled garden, bothy, and attendant glasshouses had become a liability.
The Solution
Working with the estate and the Lichfield District Council’s Conservation Officer, CT Planning had secured planning permission and Listed Building Consent to create an attractive wedding venue. Operated by locally renowned wedding venue specialists, Cripps & Co, the walled garden now provides:
- a series of bespoke timber framed yurts,
- a contemporary building oversailing the walls providing kitchens and entertainment space,
- a refurbished bothy to cater for bridal parties.
CT Planning continues to work alongside the estate and their partners and has recently secured planning permission to convert Home Farm into overnight accommodation to cater for the increasing demands of the wedding market.
Ongoing master planning of the estate continues to enhance the experience of guests, the setting of the historic estate and to further advance alternative enterprises for this busy rural estate.
