Country House Weddings: Announcing Our Plans for The Old Deanery
Have you heard our latest news?
We’re starting a new business venture; we’re now the proud proprietors of Ripon's iconic The Old Deanery Hotel.
Here at Galtres Lodge, we’ve been overwhelmed with support from the public since reopening, and we hope the reception of The Old Deanery will be the same, as we work to make it an integral part of the Ripon community:
Country House Weddings: The Old Deanery
Formerly operating as a hotel and wedding venue, The Old Deanery was forced to close its doors for good earlier this year after months of lockdown. Following the success of our hotel, we’re hoping to reinvigorate this historic Grade II listed building before re-opening primarily as a wedding and events venue later in the year.
Chris, one of the proprietors here at Galtres Lodge, said: “Having lived in neighbouring Knaresborough for many years, Rebecca and I are delighted to be returning to our old stomping ground and to be undertaking a brand-new business venture in a place that holds many fond memories.”
Reinvigorating the Building for Country House Weddings
Lending their expertise to the redevelopment of The Old Deanery Hotel will be our experienced general manager, David Macdonald, and consultant chef Stephanie Moon - both of whom have been highly influential in the development of our hotel.
Located opposite the beautiful Ripon cathedral, The Old Deanery Hotel boasts 11 bedrooms, stunning gardens, and several public areas. We plan to restore it back to a country house that will be available for weddings and exclusive use events.
Rebecca and Chris’ Plans for The Old Deanery
Rebecca, the owner here at Galtres Lodge, can’t wait to get started on this project and transform The Old Deanery into a country house weddings and events venue.
She said: “We are beyond excited to take on The Old Deanery. It is such a beautiful property in the heart of a beautiful city, and we cannot wait to become a key part of the community. The welcome has already been incredible, and we are so grateful for the kind messages that we have received so far."
“As we are still in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, we plan on taking a cautious approach and start by opening primarily as a wedding and events venue. We plan to be available for winter weddings and Christmas parties this November/December and fully up-and-running as a country house weddings and events venue from spring 2022.”
“We also hope to organise smaller public events, such as open days and afternoon tea parties, to keep The Old Deanery as open to the public as possible. We believe this approach will strike the perfect balance of being open enough to ensure we become a vital part of the community.”
“Overall, we want The Old Deanery to be a jewel in Ripon’s crown and be “the place” to celebrate country house weddings, birthdays and Christenings. We are currently in the process of planning some informal open days to meet everyone, as getting to know our local community is of vital importance to us,” Rebecca concluded.
The new country house weddings venue will be an extension of our brand, and we look forward to the refurbishment taking place so we can open the doors and start taking bookings.
If you’d like to know more about our proposed plans and dates, please contact us here at Galtres Lodge.
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to see why York could be the perfect place for your big day?