Tanfield House is occupied and run by Allanah & Neil Bourne-Arton, whose family have lived in West Tanfield for 130 years. They have a passion for the heritage of the house and the area, and take great pride in sharing Tanfield House and it’s very
special setting
with those who want to design a unique and memorable wedding day.We love a stunning setting here at Brides Up North, so have made it our business to find out more (and especially about some incredible special offers that are up for grabs due to the popularity of the venue)!
Tell Brides Up North about Tanfield House, what is its history?
Now part of the Tanfield Lodge Estate,Tanfield House was originally developed from two Georgian cottages in the Victorian era by Reverend John Clarke, for his daughter and son-in-law, Colonel and Mrs Crompton in the late 19 Century.
While living in Tanfield House, Colonel Crompton was influential in the early development of electricity, including the development of a water turbine which illuminated Tanfield House, using the River Ure at the foot of the garden. As such, Tanfield House was one of the first houses in the UK with electricity. His electricity inventions were also influential in the illumination of the Milan Opera House in 1883.
Height etchings of the Crompton children dating from 1881 can still be found in the house.
Does Tanfield House cater for weddings?
Tanfield House is a very intimate wedding venue with an idyllic English country garden, riverside setting. We offer exclusive use, full use of the hosue and grounds and total flexibility, meaning that you have your day your way!
The venue’s capacity is from 20-140 people, with a maximum of 50 dining in the house and 50+ in Riverside Garden Marquee (additional hire). We are fully licensed for civil ceremonies in our Period Drawing Room and Riverside Pavillion and offer accommodation for up to 9 on site (including our beautiful Cromton Suite bridal suite) with additional accommodation readily available in the village, plus space for camping.
We offer extremely competitive venue hire rates, and the best thing is that we have a no corkage charge policy!
What makes Tanfield House a special wedding venue and sets you apart from others?
Tanfield House offers couples an entirely exclusive and bespoke experience. They simply hire the venue and curate their day their way. They enjoy use of the house and grounds for two full days around their wedding, exclusively for them and their wedding party only. We want all our couples to feel very at home at Tanfield House.
What sort of bride would be a Tanfield House bride?
Tanfield House would suit a couple looking for something a little different. A place where they can curate their perfect day their way, with very few restrictions and enjoy exclusive use. Tanfield House offers an ‘at home’ environment which is informal but very stylish. This riverside setting is extremely romantic. The space available can accommodate a reception of up to 140 guests, but would equally suit a much smaller party, ensuring an intimate and personal experience.
How can your staff help to make the planning process easier and the big day amazing?
At Tanfield House we have worked hard to source and build relationships with reliable local suppliers with a fun and creative ‘can do’ attitude. While we allow couples to curate and source their own suppliers, we are here to help, guide and book the most suitable suppliers for the sort of day our couples envisage. We work closely with couples throughout the planning process and on the day to choreograph, co-ordinate and manage to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Can guests stay over at your venue?
Tanfield House offers accommodation for up to 9 on site. Including the Crompton Bridal Suite, a luxurious spacious bedroom with en-suite and river views, a beautifully decorated twin room with green views and separate bathroom and a two bedroom apartment on the grounds of Tanfield House, plus our camping area. There is also extensive additional accommodation within the village and surrounding areas.
Tell us about your catering services? What makes them special?
Tanfield House’s preferred caterer is Lady G’s Cookery. Catering for every requirement from the most humble taste and budget up to the most elaborate, Lady Gs Cookery not only has a wealth experience in catering for functions of varying sizes, but is extremely flexible, never failing to deliver a high standard or quality and service. So regardless of whether our couples choose simply canapés, buffet or BBQ, or a full wedding breakfast, we know the quality, presentation and service will be of an extremely high standard.Tastings always arranged with our couples before a menu is agreed.
We work with a reliable local wine merchant, Bon Coeur Fine Wines with a well established reputation and extensive knowledge. However, we do offer couples the opportunity to bring their own wine and we do not charge corkage!
Can you give Brides Up North an idea on price or any special packages available?
We offer exceptionally competitive venue-hire rates:
Weekend full wedding reception (with/without Civil Ceremony), two day venue hire *£1,500 (Fri/Sat/Sun)
Weekday full wedding reception, with/without Civil Ceremony, two day venue hire *£1,000 (Mon-Thu)
Civil Ceremony and/or drinks reception only, *£500 half a day venue hire (Mon-Thu)
*SPECIAL OFFER* With only 10 weekends a year available for exclusive hire, and only a few of those weekends still remaining for 2016, Tanfield House is now offering an incredible midweek all inclusive “Simple & Stylish” package starting at just £3,500 including catering options. Please visit their website for more details of this special offer.
*These rates reflect venue hire charges only, including accommodation within the house. River View Apartment is charged separately. These rates do not include catering, marquee hire or the hire of any other infrastructure needed to curate the desired plans of our couples.
Where can we get more information or contact the venue?
Visit our website at www.riversideeventsyorkshire.co.uk or email Allanah@riversideeventsyorkshire.co.uk. Contact us for a private viewing appointment.
Is there anything else that Brides Up North should know?
We opened in September 2015 and the feedback Tanfield Housewe are getting from the brides who are booking with us so far is that the experience they are having working with us on their plans is far removed from the more familiar ‘package’ experience of so many other venues. Being able to curate their dream day with lots of flexibility is liberating and thrilling and being obliged to fill lots of expensive bedrooms with guests is also a huge appeal. So far we feel Tanfield House is able to stay true to its mission of delivering a truly bespoke, intimate and affordable option to couples wishing to curate their perfect day their way, in a very special setting!
For more, visit www.riversideeventsyorkshire.co.uk.
