History

Originally built in 1798 as a dower house by the Earl of Ilchester, the edifice was actually extended by the renowned Victorian-era novelist Thomas Hardy (also an architect) in 1893. Taking a fair number of inspirations for his novels from the village of Evershot (Evershead in 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles'), the stunning Drawing Room, where you can host your ceremony, is also of his design. Having undergone just a modest handful of ownership changes, today the building is privately owned by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and is currently a member of internationally-renowned Relais and Châteaux, a very prestigious association indeed.

Facilities

The Drawing Room

Get married in the beautiful Drawing Room, designed originally by the novelist Thomas Hardy for his close friend the 6th Earl of Ilchester. Normally a divine lounging area, this delightful space can be transformed into a bright and airy ceremony room. You'll be in good company; this room was considered to be the perfect location for a number of scenes in successful Hollywood movies including 'Sense And Sensibility' and the Oscar-winning 'Emma'.

Ceremony Capacity - 40 guests

Restaurant And Conservatory

These graceful, large and bright spaces host the majority of the hotel's wedding breakfasts and receptions, looking out across the spendidly manicured lawns from the beautiful conservatory. The Restaurant can seat 56 guests, the Conservatory 20 more, separately. It's easy to combine the two to seat up to 76 guests.

Formal Reception Capacity - 76 guests

Dorchester Suite

This elegant and refined wood-panelled room is eminently suited to smaller, more intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Ceremony And Reception Capacity - 24 guests

Catering

Summer Lodge benefits from the superlative culinary skills of the multi-award-winning executive chef, Steven Titman, whose team will conceive and create an extremely fine wedding menu for you and your guests to enjoy, sourcing only the best of West Dorset's seasonal local produce. Take a peek at a sample menu below:-

Sample Menu

A well-stocked cellar of fine wines is represented by one of the most highly-respected Sommeliers in the world, Eric Zwiebel.

Accommodation

The hotel has a total of 24 ensuite bedrooms at your disposal, all designed with the utmost luxury in mind. These bedrooms, which between them can effectively accommodate up to 50 guests, are situated in various buildings within close proximity on the estate.

The picturesque 16th-century Acorn Inn, located in the village, also has 10 lovely bedrooms available at cost-effective rates.

All exclusive-use weddings that take place at the hotel include a complimentary luxury bridal suite. You can use this on the night of your wedding - or even on your first anniversary if so desired!

Get in touch with the wedding coordination team at Summer Lodge by clicking the 'Make An Enquiry' button above, or by revealing the telephone number and then giving them a call.