A top secret hideaway in rural East Yorkshire

It can be a challenge for couples to find a wedding venue that ticks all the boxes, but we think we might know the answer to this conundrum…

A picturesque hideaway in the East Yorkshire countryside, West Carlton Country Guest House is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Well, perhaps it’s more like the worst-kept secret as there is no shortage of engaged couples booking this magnificent country house for their celebration – the diary is full into 2020!

We talked to owner Caroline Maltas about why people are literally queuing up to snaffle a much sought-after weekend booking at the Aldbrough venue.

Georgian splendour

Caroline and her husband Tim moved into West Carlton back in 1986 and lovingly restored what was previously a farmhouse, built around 1720, into an elegant nine-bedroom guest house. The house is set in delightful gardens with uninterrupted views of the surrounding tranquil countryside, and guests are welcome to explore two acres of grounds with only the local wildlife – including pheasants, owl and deer – for company.

“I think there are a number of things that make West Carlton special,” said Caroline. “Guests always have exclusive use of the site from Friday lunchtime through to Sunday lunch, we only ever host one event at a time. Plus, they have full use of all the guest house facilities, including our seven beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms.” There’s also plenty of room in the grounds for guests to bring their own gear and camp out if they wish.

A major attraction for many couples is being able to conduct the legal marriage ceremony in the same location as their celebration, avoiding the need to travel between sites or complete the formalities on a different day, and West Carlton doesn’t disappoint on this count.

“Two rooms in the house are licensed for the formal marriage ceremonies so the celebration can take place in the garden or the marquee, wherever the couple wishes, then they can pop into the house to sign the register,” Caroline explained.

West Carlton can cater for small and intimate events of up to 30 people using the guest house’s indoor facilities, or can accommodate as many as 180 guests if the happy couple decide to use a marquee or tepee. A bar (licensed until 1am) and glassware is included in the package and couples are free to choose their own caterer and entertainment.

Caroline, who now has 10 years’ experience of hosting weddings under her belt, works with Village Farm Marquees for marquee provision and also a reputable giant tepee company. “Village Farm are my go-to suppliers for marquees,” said Caroline. “They offer such a friendly, flexible service, and do everything they possibly can to ensure that their clients have a truly memorable day.”

A perfect partnership

We know that sometimes people might worry about needing power generators or mobile toilets for their wedding, but the beauty of West Carlton is it offers an on-site power source and proper posh loos! The site can accommodate a marquee that’s large enough to host a bar, seated dining area, and plenty of room for music and dancing.

Chrysta Newman, Co-director of Village Farm Marquees, said: “We love working with Caroline and Tim, they really are standout people. They go out of their way to create exactly the kind of day the bride and groom want.

“We are very like-minded in our approach to treating every couple individually, giving them a personal service that means every aspect of the weekend is tailored to their wishes.”

For more information about West Carlton Country Guest House, visit http://www.west-carlton.co.uk , email caroline@west-carlton.co.uk , ring 01964 527724 or look them up on Facebook.

To talk to Village Farm Marquees about your marquee needs, email info@villagfarmmarquees.co.uk or ring 01262 468160.