YSW on tour: Beautiful Broxmouth Courtyard
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Waking up to heavy snow the day of our visit, the trip to Broxmouth Courtyard looked touch and go for a while.
But the snow cleared and we turned into Broxmouth Park by Dunbar just after sunset.
Driving past the courtyard itself – all lit up in preparation for a wedding the next day – we arrive at the estate’s honeymoon cabin, the Lodge by the Loch, and it’s so pretty!
Tucked away on the edge of the wood, the lodge with its kitchen-living room, bedroom, and shower room, is only a short walk from the courtyard festivities, yet far enough for an ideal honeymoon hideaway.
Stepping inside, it’s super-cosy and beautifully furnished with plenty of tasteful prints and plush velvet cushions.
Our visit coincides with my husband’s birthday, and we arrive to cake and champagne – a touching example of the Broxmouth team’s attention to detail.
It may be dark, but we can’t resist trying out the lodge’s hot tub on the veranda before making our way into Dunbar to the Bayswell Hotel – run by Broxmouth’s
owners – for a tasty dinner, drinks and more birthday cake!
The next morning, we wake to a skiff of snow and we can finally take in our uninterrupted view over the lake and the sea beyond.
What could be more romantic than starting your day with a soak in the hot tub, looking out on a spectacular snowy scene?
After breakfast we head to the courtyard for a show-round with Drew the sales manager, whose enthusiasm is infectious.
Looking at the stable buildings which date back to 1841 it’s difficult to believe that only a few years ago there were tumbledown roofs and the cobblestones were completely hidden beneath a carpet of grass.
Owners Simon and Susan began the restoration in 2021 and stepping through the vast glass doors into the Stables Gallery where ceremonies are held you can see it’s been a labour of love.
The light-filled space retains the character of the original building with exposed stone, a beautiful arched window at the top of the aisle, and a minstrels’ gallery – ideal for your photographer or a string quartet.
Eye-catching statement pendant lights hang from the ceiling, and you’ll love the reclaimed herringbone flooring from the south of France.
It runs throughout the venue, tying the old and new elements of the building together effortlessly.
For a wedding in the colder months, there’s a playfully decorated bar, but in the summer months you can head straight into the courtyard for your drinks reception.
The acoustics outside are brilliant and I can just picture a sax player getting the party started.
The Stable Gallery and Courtyard Dining Room each have capacity for 160 guests and when you hire Broxmouth Courtyard there are so many wedding elements on-site, making your planning all the easier.
PHOTO |Â L Mackay Photography
You can choose from lime washed chiavari chairs or French bistro style ones, round tables or trestles, and you’ll adore The Little Bubble Bar tuk tuk that’s a permanent feature.
I also love the year-round dining room ceiling greenery, allowing you to keep the rest of your décor minimal if you like.
There’s also a bridal dressing area and a recommended suppliers list – though you’re not limited to it.
All catering is done in-house, led by the excellent head chef, Gregor.
Couples typically offer their guests a choice of two starters, two mains, two desserts and a dietary option but if you have a specific menu in mind you can work with the chef on something bespoke.
Weddings at Broxmouth Courtyard are run on a two-night hire basis with the three dog-friendly courtyard cottages included, allowing you to relax with your
loved ones the night before.
You could cook for yourselves or why not get the team to lay on a barbecue?
And you’ll love that Cedar Cottage includes a room with a keg and pool table – perfect for grooms to hang out the morning of the wedding.
Plus, they can keep an eye out for the resident albino squirrel that lives behind the cottages!
There are more accommodation offerings on the estate in the five-bedroom Bridge House and the four-bedroom Head Gardener’s Cottage, with South Lodge and West Lodge currently under renovation.
Just two more reasons to book this stunning venue for your wedding.
This Broxmouth Courtyard could be The One? Find out more or book a show-round
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