JULIANA's ISLAND
Weddings and Blessings

We are licensed for outdoor weddings and blessings, and from 2010 Juliana’s Island will be available for romantic garden ceremonies.

This is a stunning wedding arbour, craddled by an ancient yew tree and set on an island in one of the two lakes.

Capacity for 120 guests.

There are many options for your wedding ceremony, please scroll through the chapters to the right.

Leading to the island there is a wonderful decorative iron bridge, which complients this idyllic setting and is perfect for memorable photographs.

The beautiful gardens and two ornamental lakes are less than 100 yards from the Kentish barn, where receptions and celebrations can be held.

The gardens and farm also directly adjoin a handsome 12th century rural church. St Mildred's helps frame this secluded location, surrounded by a pretty churchyard with ancient yew trees and views accross open countryside.

Preston Court & Gardens

Preston Court was once a much larger house, thought to have been built in the 12th century for Juliana de Leybourne, a very wealthy woman and, at one time, the richest in England.

The front pond originates from this time, being a medieval 'monk' pond, used to keep carp which could be harvested for the occasional Friday fish supper. The pond has, just recently, been dredged of mud for the first time in 200 years, and is over 14 feet deep in places.

The site of Preston Court and St Mildred's Church has very ancient origins, streching back to pre-Roman times, with much archeaology still lying waiting to be discovered.

The current Saxon church was built next to a natural spring which still feeds the two fish ponds and, even now, provides drinking water at Preston Court.

According to legend, St Mildred allowed her deer to run wild across the countryside and wherever they found drinking water she built a church.

The Farm

We are a traditional mixed farm with a variety of including horses, sheep and cattle, plus many birds. A pretty river borders our farm, much of which is wetland nature reserve, with bluebell woods above.

The farmyard is a conservation area with a number of historic buildings including a handsome 3 kiln Kentish Oast House and a wooden granary sitting high up on saddle stones.

Many of these buildings house impressive steam machinery including a beautiful Victorian beam engine from a local waterworks.

Steam Engines & Fairground Organs

A fantastic backdrop.

The Steam Museum is housed at Preston and encompasses all manner of old fashioned machinery, from steam traction engines and vintage fairground rides, to stationary engines, railway locomotives and impressive mechanical organs.

Also used for regular events held here, the collection can provide an unusual, but very British backdrop to entertain you and your guests.

There are a varitey of possibilities, and we are happy to provide ideas and plans, as desired.

The Kentish Barn & Long Lodge

...A beautiful reception space...

This barn is a traditional wooden framed agricultural building, originally used for storing threshing and farm equipment. The dramatic space inside can be complimented by pretty fairground organs, while there is a dance floor and area for bands and D.J.'s

You have full use of the Kentish barn and long lodge buildings for your reception. The lodge has its own licensed bar and cosy wood burning stove.

Wedding Plans & Themes

A Preston Court you can, of course, enjoy the traditional white wedding but we can also offer you something a bit different.

We would love to provide that extra ‘WOW’ factor, and we have a range of themes, plans and decoration ideas which can be tailored as desired.

We can recommend some very professional, wedding coordinators who know the Kentish barn and gardens and would only be delighted to talk you through all your hopes and aspirations for your day.

Please ask Anna for further information on specialist wedding planners.

 

 

Some Example Theme Ideas:

The Medieval Banquet
A rustic romance and a barn dance
The English country garden wedding
A fairground fhemed wedding
The Gypsy style wedding
a Victorian steam sheme
Or, an old circus theme...

For more information on the many options available and to tailor your perfect day, or to come and have look around the barns, gardens, Juliana's Island and the church, please do contact us for a chat - see our contacts page for details.

 

 

 

This is a family run venue, so we are always on site to lend a hand or answer any questions.