Whitminster House hosts weekend weddings and private parties in a Victorian walled garden, with marquees for 50 to 250 guests, a Party Room for up to 50 and self-catering cottages that sleep 49 guests, or up to 54. The family-run estate stands at the edge of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, with the parish church a few steps away. Company meetings are not offered on the pages we read.
Seminars and company events
The site does not sell conferences or seminars. It lists a Workshops page under Events, but the page we could read says only that it is a menu entry, so there is no meeting offer to describe. The estate suits private parties, reunions, significant birthdays and hen or stag weekends, which a company could use for a staff celebration. The Party Room is free for guests who book the West Wing or the Old Stables.
Weddings and receptions
Two wedding packages are offered, both tailored on request, and both include the self-catering cottages for the full weekend. The Gold package includes the Victorian walled garden beside the house with a marquee of 18 m by 9 m for up to 100 guests, barley flooring, ivory linings, chandeliers or up-lighting, a dance floor, a catering annex, tables and chairs, outside toilets, electricity, water, parking and some night lighting. Larger marquees for up to 250 guests and extra parking are available. It comes with the West Wing and Walk Farm groups of cottages for 49, up to 53.
The Silver package is for weddings of up to 50 guests, with a marquee of 12 m by 6 m and a reduced dance floor, plus cottages for 22, up to 24. Every wedding reception includes the West Wing, Old Stables, Harness Rooms and Lodge Cottage, to guarantee exclusivity and parking. Guests can arrive on Friday at 4 p.m. and stay until Sunday evening or Monday at 10 a.m. The bridal party can arrive on Thursday afternoon at no extra charge.
Rooms and capacities
The Party Room seats 40 to 45 at trestle tables, or up to 50 including the small Conservatory. The tables fold away for dancing. It has extra crockery, cutlery and glasses, plus fridges and freezers. There is no kitchen in the room, so caterers deliver or serve meals there, and a range cooker is in the Old Stables next door.
Accommodation
The cottages sleep from 2 to 49 guests, up to 54 in total, each with a garden and parking. One cottage has level access. A few yurts or bell tents can be pitched in the grounds for extra guests at a small additional charge. Local bed and breakfasts, hotels and a Travelodge cover the rest.
Catering
Catering is not included. The owners provide contacts for caterers, local beers, wines and other drinks, and guests may choose their own suppliers, who must give their contact details for insurance. Wine can be ordered through the owners' trade accounts.
History and setting
The estate includes the West Wing of the historic manor house and a series of cottages in rural surroundings. The site also lists architectural features and filming.
Getting there
Whitminster House is at Wheatenhurst, Whitminster, Gloucestershire GL2 7PN. The canal towpaths of the Stroudwater and Gloucester and Sharpness canals start from the cottages. Call 01452 740 204 for dates.
