Image by Scott Spock, all others by Sean Elliott
There are wedding venues with the wow-factor and then there’s the likes of Le Petit Chateau, a brand new venue to the North East, which pushes the jaw-dropping bar even higher.
When we first learned that the award-winning Apartment Group were working on a new wedding venture following the success of their other venues, including the gorgeous Newton Hall, we were told to expect something luxurious and different – and that’s exactly what they’ve delivered.
Situated within beautiful countryside in Otterburn, Northumberland, Le Petit Chateau started life in the form of a 17th Century Coaching Inn, in its previous incarnation as The Percy Arms Hotel, but it has now been transformed into a first class wedding venue, complete with spectacular function rooms, boutique bedrooms and perfectly manicured Mediterranean Gardens.
As we heard more about the venue during its development stages the excitement grew, we were intrigued by its South of France influences and talk of a breath-taking ceremony room, and then as images of the venue started to emerge, we became desperate to see for ourselves if Le Petit Chateau lived up to the hype.
Thankfully we didn’t have to wait long as the wonderful Apartment Group team invited us for an overnight stay at Le Petit Chateau, not long after opening its doors. As Julia had not long welcomed her beautiful second daughter Lili, I took one for the team (it’s a hard life) and snapped up the invitation, taking my mum along with me for a girly weekend away (much to my boyfriend’s disappointment).
On the weekend that we visited the venue was hosting no less than three weddings, one on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which proves its instant popularity. As an exclusive use venue Le Petit Chateau only ever hold one wedding per day and the building has been cleverly designed so that brides, grooms and guests don’t clash with previous wedding parties, or members of the public.
Upon arrival we enjoyed a drink in the William de Percy, Coaching Inn and Creperie, which sits on the site of the old Percy Arms. Its warm atmosphere and chic rustic décor give us a slight taste of what’s to come. It’s not long before we are shown to our room and the real opulence and extravagance of Le Petit Chateau is revealed. Passing through reception we climb to our first floor twin room, which causes us to gasp as we enter. Looking like a bedroom that one would expect to find in a luxurious French manor, the décor and furnishings were nothing short of stunning. Known for their incredible attention to detail the Apartment Group have thought of everything to make guests’ stay both a unique and unforgettable, with each of the 29 bedrooms individually designed for to create that certain je ne sais quois.
After the incredible detail, the next thing to hit you about Le Petit Chateau is the hospitality. All the staff are friendly and attentive, creating a warm and enjoyable atmosphere which encourages people to instantly relax and have fun. During our visit we were incredibly well looked after by the General Manager Dale, while the wonderful Master of Ceremonies Tim took time out to give us a tour of the function side and the venue and head of housekeeping was proud to show off the rooms that she and her team lovingly look after. Beyond that, all the bar, waiter and events staff also go about their work in a happy and enthusiastic manner, which all in all says to me that couples marrying at the venue would be incredibly well looked after!
As a wedding was well underway in the other part of the venue, we changed for dinner and headed back to the William de Percy. The carefully selected bar staff are known for their cocktails and so we thought it would be rude not to sample one for ourselves. We found this to be another element of the venue that lived up to the hype as we enjoyed the best Porn Star Martinis that we’ve ever had before enjoying a truly delicious three-course – that’s right, the food is fabulous too!
The menu included a tempting choice of meat, fish and vegetarian options, featuring locally sourced ingredients, as while attracting visitors and wedding couples from a far, Le Petit Chateau is also eager to support those close by.
As mum and I have very similar taste we ordered the same: tandoori spiced Scottish salmon served with cucumber, apple, poppadum and fresh mint yoghurt to start, followed by lemon and rosemary rump of Ingram Valley lamb accompanied by goats curd creamed potatoes, peas, broad beans and rosemary gravy for main, finishing with a pistachio and raspberry Bakewell with apricot anglaise, to share for dessert. Every course was equally pleasing on the eye and the palate with beautifully presented dishes that emitted imagination, flair and flavour. Clearly the chefs here know what they’re doing, and they do it well!
A bottle (or so) of Pinot Grigio later, and we were ready for bed. Removing the little bags of lavender from our pillows (again, the details!) we settled in for a truly relaxing night’s sleep whilst looking forward to seeing the rest of the venue the following day.
Showered (in the most stunning walk-in shower I’ve ever seen) and dressed we enjoyed a fine breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs before sitting out in Le Petit Chateau’s spectacular Mediterranean Gardens, located on the other side of the building. This area is exclusively for wedding guests, though my blogger status got us a temporary pass. Just like a well-kept secret, the floor-to-ceiling blinds in the impressive function room were drawn back to reveal the garden and neighbouring Belle Époque ceremony room. We felt as if we had just entered the pages of a story book with incredible colour and beauty provided by the gardens unusual and plentiful plants and palms, as well as the ceremony room’s quaint pink exterior, complete with timber shingle roof.
Explaining to us how weddings at Le Petit Chateau work, Master of Ceremonies Tim pointed out that when the bride arrives at the venue her bedroom is located at the far end of the venue so she can enjoy her stay and getting ready with her nearest and dearest whilst being kept away from the staff busily working hard to bring the wedding together.
When sitting in the stunning gardens you could be forgiven for thinking that you were actually in the South of France with only a cool North East breeze serving as a reminder of the venue’s Northumberland roots. As well as its impressive collection of plants, the garden also features a fire/water fountain feature, fire pits and a retractable roof, so wedding parties can enjoy canapes and reception drinks in the open air no matter what the weather.
Next we are shown the ceremony room and this is where the jaw-dropping happened! With beautiful French inspired décor, elegant furnishings, a fabulous marble fireplace and high beam-lined ceiling, the setting is enough to make anyone accept a proposal and hotfoot it down the stunning aisle.
The reception rooms and function suite are also beautifully decorated and provide attractive spaces for guests to move to during different parts of the day so that the proceedings flow with complete ease. We were also fortunate to have a sneak peek at some of the larger bedrooms, which along with lavish décor, included individual features such as four-poster beds, free-standing bathtubs and private roof terraces.
Just like that feeling when a fabulous wedding comes to an end, we didn’t want to leave. Though with plans in the pipeline for further development down by the river side of Le Petit Chateau, we’re hopeful of a return visit soon.
My advice to those of you who like what you see – view Le Petit Chateau for yourselves, whether you book in for an overnight stay to sample the goods as we did, or attend one of the venue’s open days. The next open day is this Sunday (21st August) so if you’re free, pop along between 12 noon and 4pm to meet the wonderful wedding coordinators along with a handpicked selection of some of the North East’s top wedding suppliers, and view the amazing rooms, accommodation and gardens for yourselves. We hear they’ll be complimentary cocktails and canapes for all those attending too!
