This time 14 years ago (time flies), I was preparing to join my mum, sister, bridesmaids and best ladies for a luxurious, ridiculously fun, hen weekend in Northumberland.
I hired in caterer to cook a delicious meal for us all on the Saturday evening, we ventured out and explored the pretty nearby market town to pick up trinkets and keepsakes, I even brought my wedding photographer along to capture some images of us all dressed up to the nines on the beach (heels and sand – they simply don’t mix). There might have been an adult size, blow up, naked man involved, along with a few other party paraphernalia – and it was a weekend of pure, unadulterated fun, and utterly hilarious. As I reflect back, I realise what an indelible, life-affirming memory the experience created. I wholeheartedly recommended every bride do the same.
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to The Big House On The Hill – the perfect location and dreamiest of spaces for a luxuriously fun, little bit naughty, but always super classy hen weekend all of your own.
Big House On The Hill owner, Emily, is inviting you to step inside and learn more about this magical country escape.
Emily, please introduce yourself, and The Big House On The Hill
I’m an interior designer, and after years creating spaces for wedding venues and hospitality, my husband James and I wanted to create something and run it ourselves, and so the Big House on the Hill was the perfect opportunity.
Big House On The Hill is available for exclusive use hire for weekends or week long stays. Our spectacular Grade II manor house sleeps up to 14 guests in 7 bedrooms. It is the perfect place for a country get-away weekend with friends, a family celebration, relaxed hen party or even a small wedding. Emily, Big House On The Hill
The house and setting won us over at first sight, and we have lovingly renovated the house and gardens. We live 10 minutes away in the next valley and love to care for the house and gardens between stays, and help prepare the house for each guest.
The House is located in the beautiful Welsh countryside – tell us a little about the location and views.
The house is in an idyllic setting, in a raised location above the Tanat Valley – it’s Welsh name ‘Plas Uchaf’ translates to ‘Elevated Mansion’ which sums the house up perfectly! The peaceful setting and valley views are the perfect backdrop for an event or celebration – the house looks beautiful in all seasons.
Locally there’s amazing walks, white water rafting, horse riding and kayaking – we can help organise any activities including transport.
bighouseonthehill.co.uk
Can you tell us more about the house itself?
The house comfortably sleeps 14, in 7 bedrooms with 7 bathrooms. The generous reception rooms include a wonderful dining room with regency mirrors and chandelier and elegant dining table, a formal lounge, snug and country kitchen.
The ground floor rooms flow beautifully into each other from the dining room and are all beautifully decorated with contemporary and antique furnishings, colour and pattern.
The French doors out onto the lawn and views beyond extending the dining space in the summer months to outside with it’s 14 seater outdoor table and parasols. In an elevated position above the house, the hot tub gives starlit skies and sweeping views year round.
Tell us what inspired you to open up the house as a luxury hen party venue ?
We always designed the house with celebrations in mind, but we have loved hosting hen parties in particular – it’s been so fun to help curate a different experience for each bride to be, from yoga and beauty sessions, outdoor activities to amazing tablescapes and decorations.
We’ve had 4 generations of ladies for relaxed family time hen parties, and cocktail mixing and live music for others! We love the fact that each one is completely different!
Can you talk us through the hen party and hen weekend getaway concept – what can visitors expect?
You’ll be greeted on arrival by a friendly host to check you in at a time to suit you from 4pm onwards – and to answer any questions you may have before leaving you to it. A hamper of essentials, goodies and fizz will be ready for you, and any decor and table decor you’ve requested set up.
Any food or drink deliveries you’ve ordered will be chilled and ready for you. All rooms have fluffy robes, towels, linen and toiletries and are all individually designed. The house is completely yours until check out, and any catering or event staff that have been organised will attend as planned.
Do you offer any additional services to help elevate the experience for brides and her hens, like catering?
We have a range of excellent caterers who love working at the house – they can cater a fine dining candlelit dinner, or even the entire weekend if no one wants to cook. There’s also the option of delivered food hampers, hiring in a pizza van, a hog roast or street food wagons! In the summer months our outdoor dining table can be decorated for a perfect afternoon tea delivered to the house from a local award winning patisserie.
Gin tasting and cocktail mixing events – these can be organised at the house, as well as a range of different live and DJ music options.
Yurt Hire – We have an incredible yurt hire company who have set up a yoga retreat yurt for several occasions.
Group outdoor activities – including minibus transport to and from the house can be organised for you – from pony trekking, white water rafting, guided walks to wild swimming, rounded off by a cosy pub lunch.
One of our favourite moments was a beautiful winter hen party, with live music playing, cocktails and canapés being served across a beautifully decorated table – a dusting of snow made it completely magical!
Another lovely memory was a bride who was surprised by her hens who had organised the entire weekend without her knowing. She arrived to 12 of her best friends and family all waiting outside the house with a beautiful afternoon tea set up on the lawn in the sunshine.
bighouseonthehill.co.uk
How would you describe the experience at Big House on the Hill?
The house is designed with every attention to detail, and does not feel like a standard holiday home – we wanted the house to feel like you’ve entered another world for a weekend – think Downton Abbey with modern luxuries!
The perfect place to make amazing memories and to capture beautiful photographs.
bighouseonthehill.co.uk
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
