Let’s keep this Grade I listed country house going for generations to enjoy in Northamptonshire
Kelmarsh Hall is a Grade I listed country house built in 1732, surrounded by Grade II listed gardens and set at the heart of a traditional agricultural estate.
All of this is now in the care of an independent charitable trust, The Kelmarsh Trust, which is in charge of maintaining the space for the benefit of the nation.
In 2004, Kelmarsh Events Limited was set up as a commercial arm of the business to support the trust in protecting and providing public access to the hall.
Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens is now utilised as a stunning exclusive-use country house wedding venue, featuring historic gardens and an ornamental lake.
Eleanor Dingley, who has been the events and marketing manager for the past half-a-decade, spoke to the this newspaper about all that is on offer at this renowned space.
“It is a beautiful trust-owned hall with award-winning gardens, which are open to the public during the spring and summer months,” said Eleanor. “We put on amazing in-house events all year round and people can come back to experience it seasonally.
“We had our first ever spring fair and it was a great success. We had plant, home and garden stallholders, an Easter trail in the walled garden and the spring gardens are now open.”
Upcoming events include craft and wellbeing workshops, as well as the midsummer garden party and a jazz night on the lawn. There is something for people of all ages at Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens, which are accessible and affordable.
Eleanor said: “People love that it’s so homely and cosy, and they can explore everywhere. We’re not very restrictive and allow visitors to take a seat in the great hall. There’s no ropes or one way system. We want them to feel like it’s their home for the day.
“It’s a popular wedding venue because people love our flexibility. We close when we have weddings so it’s exclusively theirs. They get full ownership of the house, and can use the gardens for photos and drinks. It’s special.”
Eleanor believes Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens is especially unique as they are a charity and owned by a trust, which allows them to host events to meet the needs of the local community and regular visitors.
When asked what message she wants to send to the Northamptonshire community about making the most of this historic venue on their doorstep, Eleanor said: “Keep Kelmarsh alive for future generations. It’s a really special place, and we want people to feel they can get their season ticket and come all season long.”
The team recently opened the dressing room on the top floor for the first time, with a fashion exhibition in collaboration with the Royal & Derngate. Everything has been done in-house by the volunteer team, which is why they rely on donations and fundraisers.
The hope is to open more areas next year, which will also be curated in-house with what is in the archive, for the community across Northamptonshire and beyond to enjoy.