Your North West Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 59)

REST AND RELAXATION The Lake District’s very first self-serviced accommodation has opened its doors in Windermere. The 21 room establishment, Kotel, is the brainchild of father-and-son duo, Graham and Edward Kennedy. The luxury property offers a sleek alternative to the more formal hotel, ideal for wedding guests. Edward tells us: “In creating Kotel, we have brought something completely different to the Lakes. The aparthotel model is found typically in cities, such as Manchester, but in launching this here, we’re offering visitors a luxurious yet affordable stay with complete flexibility. We’re keen to preserve the heritage of this beautiful building and restore it sympathetically. We retained many of the original features, such as the wooden flooring and panelled walls and blended it effortlessly with soft greys and luxurious furnishings throughout.” Check out kotel.co.uk for more. EVERY LITTLE HELPS The Grade I listed Samlesbury Hall in Lancashire has launched a new programme to protect the heritage of the 700-year-old building. Sharon Jones, the director, explains more: “We always feel privileged when couples choose to get married at Samlesbury. It’s a very special place to host such an important day, but while the ceremony and the celebration may last a day, weddings help leave a long-lasting legacy for future generations. The income each wedding provides goes straight back into preserving this beautiful property. Many couples want to find a way to make their nuptials more sustainable, and we think helping to make such an important part of our heritage safe is a good way to do just that. Our next big project is to re-roof the hall, which we know is a huge task and one that will cost a lot of money, but it will safeguard this beautiful old building for the next generation.” For more information, visit samlesburyhall.co.uk A MUST READ Celia Gaze, the managing director at The Wellbeing Farm has written a book called Why Put a Bow Tie On a Llama? Celia has used her passion and enthusiasm for wanting to make more out of her life to transform the award-winning Wellbeing Farm and is now using this knowledge to help others. To find out more, visit the website thewellbeingfarm.co.uk/why-put-a-bow-tie-on-a-llama martynhand.com SURFING THE WEB Luxury venue owner and operator, James’ Places has launched a website to showcase its portfolio of wedding venues across Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales. James’ Places looks after Eaves Hall, Mitton Hall, Holmes Mill, Shireburn Arms and Falcon Manor. The company is launching the website to bring together key details of the venues and put it in one place. Heidi Kettle, the group marketing manager, said: “We have five stunning wedding venues, but we didn’t have a singular website to showcase our impressive portfolio to let the properties speak for themselves. More than 1,200 couples get married in Lancashire each year, and with our inspiring new site, we want to be the best and first choice for people looking to get married in the region. The site is designed to make it easy for people looking to book multiple showings, if they’re interested in more than one of our venues. It also aims to provide an engaging and exciting user experience. At the click of a button, users can also check a venue’s availability or order one of our brochures.” Visit dreamvenues.co.uk for more information. joemather-photography.co.uk 12