Spotlight on… Sheepdrove Organic Farm
It’s true to say that I have been a little bit in love with Sheepdrove Organic Farm for many years. Set amongst four square miles and with no neighbours for three, they offer enormous scope, with unrivalled exclusivity. Although tucked away on the Berkshire Oxfordshire border (in an area of outstanding natural beauty) it’s easily accessible, just 10 minutes from the M4. And the drive to the venue… well just look at it!
Beautiful, flexible spaces, indoor and out
Looking for an all-day venue? Then Sheepdrove is the perfect choice. The cathedral-like vaulted Oak Room and the light and airy Beech Room are both licensed for civil ceremonies, seating from 50 to 150 guests. Rooms have been designed with acoustics in mind. Perfect for live music – whether it’s a string quartet during your drinks reception, or a big band for the evening reception.
The stunning galleried dining seats up to 140 guests is flooded with natural daylight, with views out to the surrounding landscape. A spectacular spiral staircase give a grand entrance for the newly married couple too. Floor to ceiling wooden doors open out to both the tree lined courtyard and the aromatic physic garden.
An abundance of unique and intriguing outdoor spaces, limited only by your imagination. The physic garden, a haven of aroma and colour has a unique amphitheatre, fantastic for relaxing and formal photos. And on the subject of photos, they lake and boathouse jetty is the perfect place.
Experiences eco friendly suppliers
As part of its ethos, Sheepdrove has selected a fantastic team of local, eco conscious suppliers to include on the recommended suppliers list. Whether it’s a wedding planner or caterer, you can be certain that they not only have experience of working at the venue but also have the planet in mind too. Keep an eye out on our instagram and facebook for sustainable supplier shout outs over the coming months.
Stay a night, or a week, it’s up to you
As is not the norm with many rural venues, Sheepdrove offers a range of stunning selection of eco-friendly accommodation, with two options for weddings. Woodend Cottage and the Boathouse. They’re also happy to host glampers on the estate if you and/or your guests are a fan of the great outdoors.
Woodend is a converted farm building that can comfortably sleep up to 18 guests, across nine en-suite rooms. All rooms share a large farmhouse communal kitchen which is the perfect place to relax with family and friends. It’s a make a great space for getting ready on the morning of your wedding. There’s an outside courtyard and large lawned garden to enjoy in the summer, and in the winter there is a cosy log burner.
The Boathouse is truly unique. It provides simple comfort, peace and total privacy. It is basic, but makes a fantastic first night get away. It features an en-suite double bedroom and a large open plan living, dining and kitchen space with impressive views of the lake.
How is it sustainable?
Sheepdrove believe that continuing to rely on fossil fuels is not sustainable, something that I think all of us can agree on! They believe that everyone should make an effort to use more renewable and clean energy where it’s possible. So they’ve taken the lead. They are committed to being fully carbon neutral through their use of environmentally friendly energy – wind and solar power.
The building itself was made from natural and sustainable materials. Using wood as the main material, even for the roof tiles! Toothpaste tubes and CDs are recycled materials used in our bathrooms, along with waterless urinals in the gents.
They serve their own spring water in glass bottles, guests sit comfortably on recycled paper chairs and they even recycle their waste water through a unique reedbed system. It is genuinely a venue with sustainability at its heart, and a love for all life on earth.
You can download their brochure here, or get in touch, I’m always happy to offer venue advice.
All photos by Chris Kemp Photography.