Listed building transformation complete
It was once completely obscured by shrubs and trees - now this grade one listed building will host summer weddings.
A two year, £250,000 project to breathe new life into the listed forcing house at Hilton Hall has been completed, with the Staffordshire site set to welcome happy couples to use the building as a place for wedding ceremonies.
Up until three years ago, the forcing house - which was previously used by the historic home's owners to grow plants - had been covered up completely, until it was uncovered by the gardening team.
From there, Historic England teamed up with the owners of Hilton Hall, as well as Wolverhampton Council, to bring the building back to life, while staying true to its heritage.
Martin Richards, who is the weddings and events manager at Hilton Hall, said: "The forcing house is a beautiful, historic building and we are glad to see it looking as good as it possibly can.
"It has taken a lot of work, but it is fortunate that we even have the opportunity to do this.
"At one point, the building was completely obscured, it was only when our gardening team discovered it that we had to think about restoring it.
"Originally that was forecast to take about 18 months but it took closer to two years in the end, there are a lot of intricacies involved but we are happy with the job.
"We are looking forward to welcoming happy couples for weddings, it will make a great outdoor location and a few have already expressed their interest in having their ceremony there."
Hilton Hall is stunning mansion, set in 25 acres of unspoiled woodland.
It is licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships, and has a Marquee pavilion for larger outdoor occasions.
The current Hall is an example of early Georgian architecture.
It was completed around 1720, commissioned by Henry Vernon who was then High Sheriff of Staffordshire.
However, the estate was first occupied by Sir Henry Swynnerton who built a manor house with moat in the 14th century.
Another famous ancestor was Richard Vernon who bred horses at Hilton Hall and was a co-founder of the Jockey Club of Great Britain.
For commercial or event enquiries please email reception@hiltonhall.co.uk ring 01902 863030 or visit the website at www.hiltonhall.co.uk
