On Location - Country charm at the Old Swan & Minster Mill

Enviably set within some of the most handsome gardens in England, when you arrive at the historic Old Swan & Minster Mill, it is hard to imagine a more picturesque and magical location for your wedding in the Cotswolds.

Set in the village of Minster Lovell, the Old Swan & Minster Mill couldn’t be more romantic if it tried.  The village has a timeless air untouched by modern-day living, golden thatched cottages with picture-book gardens that line the main thoroughfare to the church and weeping willows frame your views.  With the hotel sitting alongside the beautiful River Windrush, set in 65 acres of magical gardens, wild-flower meadows and woodland.  They even have their own chickens!!!

The venue has two fabulous locations licensed for civil ceremonies; the Garden Temple on the Mill Pond lawn and the Minstrels Gallery for a more intimate feel.

In 2012, the new Great Hall will be complete. Overlooking the idyllic gardens and the River Windrush, this magnificent room will accommodate up to 150 guests. The Great Hall with its cathedral-style beamed ceiling and grand inglenook fireplace has been designed to blend into the surroundings of the warm honey-toned Cotswold stone. Although traditional in character, the building will be brimming with modern technology and be environmentally, very friendly. The Great Hall will provide a reception area for drinks, dining and unique glass dance floor over the river.  Check out the video too see what this fabulous room will look like.

For more information please visit the website or follow the Old Swan & Minster Mill on Facebook and Twitter.

I was lucky enough to stay at the hotel earlier this year, on my birthday, and I have to say I totally fell in love with its charm.  My boyfriend and I arrived for an early check in and after a delightful tour of the venue we visited the snug in the Old Swan to sit in front of a roaring open fire with a glass of wine. 

We were later treated to a sumptuous dinner before retiring to our room for the night, which was wonderfully comfortable with an enormous bed!  On checking out I was delighted to be offered a box of eggs, laid by the hotels chickens just the day before.  I really can't wait until the Great Hall is completed, it will be an amazing wedding venue, especially with the glass dancefloor over the river!

Lots of Love