The Manor of Hurst, in Berkshire, is an Elizabethan manor house built in 1540 on 40 acres of parkland, hired on a dry hire basis for marquee wedding receptions of up to 150 guests and for corporate days. It sleeps up to 22 guests in seven bedrooms. The house is an hour west of London and seven miles from Reading.
Seminars and company events
The Manor is described as an excellent location for company summer parties, team building, product launches, private meetings and small conferences. Staff barbecues on the terrace and dinners in the 16th-century panelled dining room are named as popular formats. The open space around the house gives the feeling of deep countryside while staying within an hour of London. The pages read give no meeting room capacities or equipment, so send the headcount and format when you enquire.
Weddings and receptions
The Manor is offered as a dry hire venue, which gives the freedom to arrange decoration, catering and entertainment. Marquees sit on the manicured lawns beside the house for up to 150 guests, with recommended marquee companies and the option to choose others. Weekend rentals let the family stay in the house before and after the wedding. The Manor is not licensed for wedding ceremonies, but blessings on the terrace or under the old yew tree can follow a legal ceremony with a registrar. For larger weddings, ask the owners.
Rooms and capacities
The stated figures are a marquee for up to 150 guests and a house that sleeps up to 22 in up to seven bedrooms with six bath or shower rooms. The rooms are large, with views over the park. Outside there is a south-facing York stone terrace with garden furniture and a gas barbecue, and a walled outdoor heated swimming pool.
Accommodation
The house sleeps up to 22 in seven bedrooms and six bath or shower rooms, rented as a whole for a weekend or a week. The same arrangement serves hen parties, family reunions and travelling sports teams.
Catering
Dry hire means that the client arranges catering. The site lists suppliers and recommended marquee companies on a page of its own.
History and setting
The Manor was built in 1540 and has been lived in by the same family for three generations. It is used as a staycation house, a filming location and a base for Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta and the Henley Festival.
Getting there
Twyford station is just over a mile from the house, and the train takes 12 minutes to Henley. Ascot Racecourse is 9.7 miles away and Henley 7.5 miles. Call 07730 922 411 to enquire.
