The Billiards Room at Kearsney Abbey (Picture: Dover Media Group www.dovermediagroup.co.uk)
Happy couples can now celebrate their wedding day is style at the historic Billiards Room at Kearsney Abbey in Dover.
In January, the Grade II listed venue was granted a licence to host wedding ceremonies for up to 40 people and it has now been licenced to offer receptions, including an evening bar and entertainment, until 10pm.
The carefully restored building, which dates back to the 1870s, can also be used for small meetings and celebrations, art exhibitions and wakes.
The Billiards Room underwent major restoration as part of a £3.1m National Lottery project, which included a modern cafe extension and visitor facilities. The building is fully accessible, including a Changing Places facility.
The unique Billiards Room is the only remaining part of a gothic-style manor house, built c.1821 as a grand country estate for John Minet Fector, one of Dover’s wealthiest families.
It was a later owner, Francis Lyon Barrington, who added the room when he modernised the mansion in the 1870s.
The space boasts floor-to-ceiling oak panelling, period features and views across the picturesque parkland and lake.
The Billiards Room at Kearsney Abbey (Picture: Dover Media Group www.dovermediagroup.co.uk)
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, DDC’s cabinet member for corporate property, said:
“Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens are loved by residents and visitors alike so we’re delighted to offer this historic space, with the stunning parkland as the backdrop, for a couple’s special day.
“The beautiful building has been brought back to life following the completion of our £3.1m Lottery-funded project, which has enhanced the Kearsney Parks offering.”
For more information about hiring the Billiards Room see www.kearsneyparks.co.uk/about/private-event-hire