October 15, 2022
Nicola Denny

A Time of New Beginnings

This is a very exciting time in the 1,400-year history of the St Osyth Priory Estate.


At the heart of the estate, the iconic Darcy House has been undergoing something of a revitalisation with the promise of an exciting new beginning. With some parts of the house originating from the 16th century, Darcy House takes its name from the 1st Lord Darcy who rose to become Lord Chamberlain of the household under Edward VI.


Over recent years, Darcy House has been undergoing a comprehensive restoration. Beautifully ornate ceilings, ancient stonework, elegant wood panelling and sparkling chandeliers have all been painstakingly and professionally reconditioned, creating two main function suites over two floors, each with the capacity for 110 seated guests.


While the sense of history remains, Darcy House has become a modern and luxurious wedding venue in the wondrous parkland setting of St Osyth Priory. The refurbishment so far includes Darcy House Great Hall on the ground floor, which will be used to host civil ceremonies followed by drinks and canapes. While upstairs, Darcy House The Gallery is where guests can enjoy a fine dining wedding breakfast and the chance to celebrate with the happy couple.


And this is just the start of the story, with the continuing multi-million-pound restoration of the historic site set to see further wedding facilities introduced to the estate including the expansive Tithe Barn and The Chapel, plus a Gazebo overlooking the 1920s Lily Pond for outside weddings.


Visited twice by Queen Elizabeth I during her Royal Progresses of the 16th century, St Osyth Priory Estate offers wedding guests the chance to follow in these royal footsteps, while the sprawling parkland features ancient lakes and breath-taking woodland, providing an incredible natural habitat for wildlife and birdlife.


These latest innovations on the St Osyth Priory Estate are part of the final stages of a substantial project of redevelopment which has seen the restoration and preservation of 16 buildings of historic importance on the estate and will see the introduction of a sumptuous boutique hotel, delightful country retreats and a state-of-the-art wellbeing centre.

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