Tie the knot in style at luxury Cornwall retreat

With far-reaching views over the craggy north Cornwall coast, the ‘Roundhouse’ at Fentafriddle, near Trebarwith Strand, is a strong contender for one of the most scenic wedding venues in Britain. Being completely enfolded by 50 acres of farmland the property, which has recently been granted a license as a venue for weddings and civil partnerships, offers complete seclusion.

With preparations well advanced for Fentafriddle’s first wedding this September, owners James and Lucy Scott are confident many happy couples will enjoy the attentive service so highly valued by their self-catering guests.

“We have been very careful not to impose a formula for weddings at Fentafriddle, it’s really up to the couple and their families to decide how best to make use of the venue and plan the wedding they really want,” said James Scott.

“Lucy and I are here to help however we can, whether it’s putting the couple in contact with the registrar, arranging marquees, or liasing with caterers. But aside from the legal constraints of a civil marriage ceremony, the couple involved have a free hand in every aspect of the day.”

The ‘Roundhouse’, a stunning circular room which originally housed the farm’s donkey-powered mill wheel, has been licensed as the venue for the ceremony. The room has been tastefully renovated to make the most of the far-reaching views of the coastline and surrounding countryside from its three floor-to-ceiling windows.

The room can be specially prepared for weddings with a rose trellis, registrar’s desk and seating for up to 75 guests. French windows open onto the terrace, from which marquees for the reception can been linked to the room if required, or stand alone in the adjoining garden and paddock.

Recently renovated at a cost of over £750,000 Fentafriddle’s three self-catering cottages can accommodate a total of 16 guests in complete comfort, allowing for family members and guests to stay at the property before or after the wedding. Furthermore, the property’s 50 acres of farmland offer ample space for guests to camp or stay in campervans on site.

The newly-installed helipad gives yet more options, whether’s it’s a celebratory flight along the North Cornwall coast, or a glamorous honeymoon departure.

“One couple who are getting married later this year are planning to make the most of the property, with a group of their friends coming down to stay with them here for the weekend before the wedding,” said James. “They will get married on the Monday afternoon, and are then staying on for the rest of the week for their honeymoon.”

Couples interested in booking Fentafriddle for a wedding or civil partnership ceremony should first check availability with James or Lucy Scott, who will then be able to advise them of the appropriate registrar’s office to contact.

The Scotts can arrange the entire day if required, including catering and menus, wine, marquees, accommodation and preparation of the venue.

The Scott’s daughter Emily, who runs The Harbour Restaurant in nearby Port Isaac, can provide catering from canapé parties to table-service dining. Before opening The Harbour, Emily ran a successful outside catering company and can suggest menus, and offer guidance and support throughout every stage of the planning.

A fee is payable to North Cornwall District Council to conduct the ceremony, which must not contain any religious content. It should be noted that the property has to be open to the public on the day of the wedding.

More information can be found at fentafriddle.com.