Our Story
Our wonder-filled, family run eco-farm
About Preston Court
Preston Court was bought as a family home by Anna’s parents Michael & Lorna in 1980. Since then, they have lovingly restored it, always with sustainability in mind.
Find out about the people (and animals) behind your wedding…Anna started hosting weddings on the farm in 2008, when the local farmer, Ray hosted his reception in the barnyard, in exchange for doing the harvest. Things evolved from the kitchen table.
We have grown up a bit since then, but the principle remains the same: to create somewhere that couples can really wow their guests but feel at home at the same time.
Our wedding team of Dawn, Jessica, Megan, Jess, Nuta, Isaac, Chessie & Ava are a close group who thrive on running weddings.
We work late into the evenings and are up with the larks to ensure that each wedding runs perfectly – trust us, you are in safe hands.
Around the farm you’ll see many steam powered traction engines, steam boats and steam powered fairground rides – a testament to Michael and Lorna’s lifetime fascination with all things relating to steam.
Hidden in one of the barns is Michael’s steam lorry ‘Brittania’, which he took around the world in the 1960’s in trip which took six years. At the venue you’ll see old photos of Brittania in far off places including; Afghanistan, Pakistan, Australia and America. Michael is thought to be the only person to have ever circumnavigated the world in a steam powered vehicle.
Anna and her dedicated team
Our wedding team of; Anna, Lizzy, Leila, Jess, Dawn, Jessica, Megan, Jess, Nuta, Isaac, Chessie & Ava are a close nit group who thrive on the excitement of your day. We work late into the evenings and are up with the larks to ensure that each wedding runs perfectly.
Anna
‘Director & Dreamer’
Anna, who trained as an architect, channels her creativity into designing and dressing the venue. She constantly innovates while staying true to the venue’s authentic and nostalgic charm.
Anna grew up on the farm and at that time cows were housed in the barns were looked after by a named Ted. Anna would ride her BMX around the farm, building ramps with her siblings from old feed bins.
Leila
Business Development & Dream Catcher’
Leila will welcome you to our venues, greet you with a hug and a smile, her head full of ideas and passion for all things wedding. She will be visualising your perfect day from the moment she meets you, armed with her little black book full of ideas and contacts.
Her little dog Milo is never far from her side as she zooms around in Gordon the golf buggy.
Jess
Coordination & ‘Dream Analyst’
Jess is the fountain of all knowledge and will be there for any questions you may have for the entirety of your planning process. As long as she’s had her Starbucks Jess is the kindest funniest person you will meet here.
She keeps a close eye on your planning documents and will send any tips and tricks to make sure they are complete in time for your wedding.
Lizzy
Operations & ‘Dream Maker’
Lizzy will liaise with your suppliers and ours to make sure everything is in place before your big day.
She will ensure that the event team and venue are prepped and polished. What she doesn’t have in height she definitely makes up for in personality. You may not meet Lizzy until the day, but she will be the one with “the necklace”.
Meet the Family
A family owned & run events venue
Anna started hosting weddings on the farm in 2009 when a local farmer, Ray, hosted his reception in the barnyard in exchange for doing the harvest. Preston Court has grown up a bit since then but our principle remains the same: to share the intrinsic beauty of Preston Court with our guests.
Anna (right) and her sisters Izzy (left) and India, pictured as children. Her sister Izzy now runs the Glamping at Preston Court, and India lives just up the road. India’s horses are in the fields around the venue.
Sustainability
A large part of the 600 acre farm has been given over to rewilding projects. In the meadows along the river Stour the water meadows have been recreated as a habitat for ground nesting birds, invertebrates and some rare snails. In fact, we have been running an eco-project on the farm for more than 25 years. Over that time Michael and Lorna have replanted trees, hedgerows and woodlands, improved the soils and created areas for wildlife to flourish. Theirs is an ongoing passion and each autumn there are new nature and biodiversity projects planned.
Our Wilderness venue
On the other side of the farm is our sister venue, The Wilderness, a Tipi venue with an altogether more bohemian feel. Here we embrace the ancient woodland, the water meadow and all its wildlife. The Wilderness has THE most incredible sunsets.
Take a look if you think a Tipi wedding venue might be right for you.
Preston Court at a glance
We all LOVE love and will do everything in our power to make sure you have the most unforgettable time with us.
