The Sybarite has been up and down the country in search of the perfect luxury wedding venue for your big day. From Scotland to Somerset, these are the best of the best. Take a look below…
Achnagairn Castle: Inverness, Scotland
Set in the Highlands, the setting for historical Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the magical Outlander series, Achnagairn is steeped in the past. The castle is built on an ancient site. The current owners, Gillian and Michael Lacey-Solymar, spent two years lovingly restoring the castle: maintaining a sense of its grand historical past, but always aiming to breathe new life into the surroundings. The result is a breath-taking mix of old and new: designer furniture and bright colours alongside antiques and wood-panelled rooms. The castle opened as an exclusive use property in May 2008, winning a 5-star rating from Visit Scotland, and since then Achnagairn has been a lovely setting for many a happy occasion.
www.perfect-manors.com/achnagairn-estate/castle-rental
Skibo Castle: Dornoch, Sutherland
In a secluded corner of the Northern Highlands lies Skibo Castle, Scotland’s best-kept secret. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie, one of history’s greatest philanthropists, came to Skibo in 1898 and transformed the estate into what he rightly termed ‘Heaven on Earth’. An exclusive members-only castle – it features 21 guest rooms within the castle, each with its own distinct charm: some have four-poster beds, some original Edwardian fixtures and fittings including tiling and roll-top baths, others have balconies and one even has a private library tucked away up a tower. Ideal for your dream luxury wedding.
www.carnegieclub.co.uk
Babington House: Somerset
Country house hotel and private members country club. Babington House is a Georgian manor house set in 18 acres of grounds, deep in the Somerset countryside. A place to relax and be pampered, it’s home to a Victorian walled garden, indoor-outdoor pool, gym, tennis courts, croquet lawn, Grade 1-listed chapel and the original Cowshed spa. Babington has 33 bedrooms, which are spread across the Main House, Coach House, Walled Garden and Stable Block. Traditional English chintzes and soft, light colours combine with signature Soho House design touches, like the famous freestanding baths in bedrooms, while open fireplaces and rich textiles complete the cosy feel.
www.babingtonhouse.co.uk
St Michael’s Mount: Cornwall
Stoop through ancient doorways and glimpse the castle’s changing faces – from priory to fort, iconic castle to family home. Wander century-old corridors and unravel the history of the St Aubyn family, who have lived here since the 17th century. A family home for centuries, our castle holds mementoes, memories and moments of magic at every turn. From monks seeking solace in the priory to HM the Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visiting in 2013, every resident and every visitor can share in the story.
www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk
Hotel Café Royal: London
This opulent hotel in London enjoys an unrivalled setting, where the elegance of Mayfair, the energy of Soho and sophistication of St. James combine. It’s where history, culture, business and famous theatres are just steps away. That’s one reason why, for 150 years, people who make a difference have made their way through these doors. For Oscar Wilde and Muhammad Ali, Winston Churchill and David Bowie, David Chipperfield and Albert Adrià, Hotel Café Royal has always been the vibrant living room of London, the place to convene, converse and celebrate. It’s stunning design makes for the ultimate luxury wedding in the city.
www.hotelcaferoyal.com
