Lewtrenchard Manor

We had our wedding at Coombe Trenchard on 22nd July 2017. Sarah + Team / Wedding Planning We made our booking around 18 months prior to the big day itself. Throughout that time we made many visits to Coombe Trenchard to hone and plan all aspects of the day. Sarah was incredibly welcoming and helpful in our planning; I personally felt so reassured to know that she was ultimately responsible for the day. She was so conscientious, reliable, thorough and passionate about making everything perfect for us. The reassurance this affords you as a couple is priceless. House and gardens: Both are breathtaking! Our guests particularly loved the croquet lawn and the seating area on the Italian Terrace, on which we toasted marshmallows over the fire pits! The Coach House is perfectly formed, combining an area for dancing with comfy sofas and a log fire. Bridal suite: The room has been beautifully decorated, with a large bathroom. It was an incredibly relaxing place to wake up as husband and wife! Afternoon tea: We opted for afternoon tea as our 'wedding breakfast' freshly prepared / homemade by Sarah and her team. My wife and I love afternoon tea, and have tried the offerings of many fine venues including the Dorchester, Woburn Abbey, and Boughton House. We both agree that the afternoon tea we had on our wedding tea was the best. Everything homemade, exquisite flavourings and many varieties of sandwiches and cakes, delicious scones with jam and clotted cream, and special shortbread biscuits hanging on ribbons for the bride and groom. But aside from the flavours, the display of everything was breathtaking. Tea served in a collection vintage cups and saucers, tiered plates at every table and many beautiful flowers cut freshly from the gardens in decoration. We are so grateful to Sarah, Emily, Philip and team for allowing us to have our wedding at Coombe Trenchard, and for all they did for us.

On July 18th 2017 our U3A group leader had booked a tour with tea at this place of which we had no previous knowledge of. Our group from Cornwall along with a group from Devon and a couple of small individual groups numbered about 45 upwards. On arrival, we were greeted by the owner, Sarah Marsh who I can best describe as being charming, delightful and enchanting in the way she presented herself and her wonderful home all through our contact with her on our visit. She has a way of presentation that puts many TV presenters well into the shade when it comes to history, knowledge, research, and personality. We were split into two groups, with one to have a guided tour through the ground floor of the house, and the other a guided tour of the grounds. I was part of the group to tour the grounds first and so enjoyed the first downpour after a while, that did nothing to dampen our spirits. Most had brollies anyway! The gardens and grounds were very interesting. The Acetylene Gas house sited, understandably, somewhat distant from the main house was a unique feature. I will say no more because you really need to visit and take in the character and history of this amazing place. The house tour was equally fascinating. The hidden wall history well worth hearing about, and seeing. I never counted them but there are many servant bells in full working order. The ground floor rooms are all well worth seeing. Again, I will say no more because I hope your interest is sufficient that you will visit. The included refreshments comprised of numerous tea and coffee and refills, and cakes, including the Devon Cream Tea versions, which will always clash with the Cornish. I won't elaborate as would hope you visit both Counties and make your own minds up! I would add that Sarah gets involved with the baking and is a devout user of contributions by way of eggs from her duckie family. You will never find cause to complain from their offerings for the cakes. That will prove far more rewarding than reading other reviews. They are licenced to carry out weddings, and we have seen pics of those and along with the setting will prove very memorable. Accommodation is also offered and from the reviews I have read, is very impressive. All in all, the location is perfect, the hosting is perfect, as will prove to be, the experience, and if you decide to stay overnight, then we are assured the breakfast options will be 'Life threatening!' I joke, because, who really cares beyond happiness, enjoyment, and pleasure? Please find the time, and it will be time well spent.

We visited as part of An invitation to view evening which allowed us to see the house decorated for Christmas.What an absolute treat this was:Beautiful candlelit rooms with elegant lights created a perfect festive ambience & served as a superb backdrop for the extremely informative talk by Sarah.We were treated to a glass of hot mulled wine to start the evening off & Our festive tea was sumptuous, with a delightful array of tempting savouries,mouth watering cakes & copious amounts of tea!