Your Kent Wedding - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 85)

Knowlton Court 01304 842402 | knowltoncourt.co.uk This quintessentially English house oozes calm and serenity in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The house is beautiful, and the rooms are elegant, complete with fine artwork, huge stone fireplaces and fabulous features. There are a number of locations around the estate available to host your wedding inside. Ceremonies can be held in one of two local parish churches or in the vast Great Hall, where formal dining is also an option. THE GARDENS Sitting in 20,000 acres of private land, Knowlton Court is approached by an avenue of lime trees culminating in the circular lawn and walled garden. Creeping roses cover the front façade of this opulent and much- loved family home, adding fantastic colour and an unbelievable scent. Don’t miss the gardens’ hedges, which are always a talking point. The Pavilion, designed by the family and crafted from estate oak, is situated on one of the sweeping lawns and offers an intimate and enchanting place in which to exchange vows, with no limit on guest numbers. Celebrations can then be accommodated in the Great Marquee, which overlooks the open countryside and offers uninterrupted views across the estate. THE GUEST LIST Ceremony: Unlimited Wedding breakfast: 150 Reception: 500 Mount Ephraim Gardens 01227 751 496 | mountephraimgardens.co.uk Mount Ephraim is a privately owned family home set in 800 acres of woodland, pasture and a fruit farm. The house is a late Victorian red- brick mansion, with the main hallway at the heart of the house featuring a stunning staircase, marble flooring and pillars and skylight, giving lots of natural light. Mount Ephraim boasts a bed and breakfast property with five double rooms, which includes the beautiful wedding suite and the self- catering Garden Wing, sleeping 12. Function space includes the Grand Hall, the Garden Pavilion and the former Billiard and Morning rooms. THE GARDENS The house sits at the top of a natural slope, with stunning views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. The estate contains 10 acres of enchanting Edwardian gardens, where terraces of fragrant roses lead to a small lake and woodland area overlooking the orchards. The gardens also feature a Japanese-style rock garden with ornamental bridge, arboretum, grass maze and unusual topiary – stunning for photos and for guests to enjoy. Situated within the gardens, the Garden Pavilion has a simplistic charm and rustic feel. Guests are seated on a large Indian sandstone patio area in the corner of a large lawn surrounded by a red-brick wall and balustrades planted with white roses and wisteria. The ceremony area is adjacent to the rock gardens with a series of interlocking rock pools and a Japanese style ornamental bridge, while the front lawn can play host to a marquee reception. THE GUEST LIST Ceremony: 150 Wedding breakfast:110 Reception 175 Paul Woodd-Walker mykeyday-photography.com 30