A country estate in the Vale of Glamorgan has been transformed into a luxury wedding venue and country retreat following a multi-million-pound investment by a Welsh couple.
Dating back to the 1320s, Gileston Manor Estate was bought by Josh Llewellyn and Lorraine Garrad-Jones in 2010, originally with the intention of enjoying a quiet retirement.
It was always Josh and Lorraine’s intention to restore the run-down estate to its former glory. The restoration started from the first week they moved in and has continued to this day with the couple always looking to make further improvements.
Over the last decade the couple have restored the Queen Anne Grade II* listed Manor House, Estate, outbuildings, and grounds, which overlook the Bristol estuary, into an exquisite wedding venue and country retreat.
The renovation included restoring the grounds and gardens, the planting of over 3,000 trees, renovating the outbuildings to create eight luxury accommodation suites, and building a bespoke marquee area and orangery for weddings and events.
More recently, the Manor house has undergone a renovation, where all windows have been restored, all electrics and plumbing replaced and the whole house has been redecorated. Eight bespoke ensuite bedroom suites have also been created, including one designed by Josh’s brother David Emmanuel, and a large kitchen orangery added to the side of the house.
As part of the project, Lorraine with her eye for interior design drew inspiration from across the world gathering furnishings from France, Italy and the USA to add some modern twists to the property, while retaining the original character and charm of the manor.
Lorraine said:
“For me, the most important part of any design project is to get a real feel for the property and what it needs. I find once you’ve lived in a house for a while, which Josh and I did, it almost speaks to you.
“I was then able to see a clear vision for the Estate and it was well worth the investment, it’s everything I dreamed it could be and we are delighted we are able to share it with couples who are getting married, businesses looking for corporate away days, and people from across the world who are looking for a perfect country retreat.”
Since the renovation, Gileston Manor has opened itself up for weddings and accommodation bookings. In the last two years, it has hosted over 100 weddings, events, and private parties.
As it moves forward, it plans to cement itself as a luxury venue for weddings, private events, corporate away days, and country retreats.
Josh continued:
“Lorraine took the design project and made it her own, sourcing world renowned luxury interiors brands, transforming the Estate into something truly special. We knew following the renovation that the estate and its beauty needed to be shared, and we saw the opportunity for a fantastic business.
“The investment we have made has allowed us to successfully position ourselves as leaders in the wedding industry, along with enabling us to open the estate for other events, private hire, and for those wishing to reside in the manor for a weekend escape. We can’t wait to welcome guests to the Estate.”
For more information on Gileston Manor Estate visit https://www.gilestonmanor.co.uk
