Jess says yes!

Boyfriend stages fireworks and fairy lights on Farncombe Estate.  Could this be the world’s most romantic wedding proposal?

Harvey Appleton, a 20-year-old student from Long Marston, wanted to stage a wedding proposal that would sweep girlfriend Jess off her unsuspecting feet.  So he spent months planning the day, the setting, the fireworks, the subterfuge cameraman… and his parents hiding in the bushes.  It was all to take place at sunset on the 400-acre Farncombe Estate near Broadway.

 “She said yes, no hesitation!” said Harvey, a first-year Media Technology student at Oxford Brookes University.  “It’s amazing – we are so happy.

Harvey’s proposal began months before with an email to staff at the private Farncombe Estate, home to Farncombe Conference Centre and the wedding/party venue Foxhill Manor.  He sent over detailed diagrams of his imagined Proposal Platform, complete with red carpet and fairy lights, and carefully marked the spot where he planned to pop the question.  Kerry Jones, assistant estates manager, took up the top-secret project.

On Friday 9^th May, Harvey took Jess up to the beauty spot which overlooks Broadway, the Vale of Evesham and the Malvern hills beyond. 

“Jess thought we’d just come up to see the sunset,” said Harvey.  “We even ‘bumped into’ my photographer, who pretended he was working on a project about couples in love!  Jess and I had talked about getting married, but she didn’t know this was the moment until I blindfolded her and led her to the little garden on the estate.

“She just loved it.  With all the lights it was magical. We walked through the archway to the garden and I went down on one knee at the pagoda by the pond.  She said yes immediately.”

Harvey had thought of everything.  His mother Vanessa was camouflaged in bushes nearby with a flask of tea, a set of binoculars and a flashlight.  On her son’s signal, she shone her torch to John, Harvey’s dad, who was stationed higher up the Estate on firework duty.  After a couple of attempts, the fireworks were finally lit – a signal that all staff on Farncombe Estate had been waiting for with baited breath.  Jess had said yes.

Keep Calm and Eat Cupcakes

Garden Party Cupcakes at Farncombe! 

Everyone loves cupcakes and also cookies, so what better way to dress up the summer table with a collection of both – perfect for a party, afternoon tea or just any excuse to dress up some pretty cakes and biscuits.  There are many skills you will learn in this class, including how to create the perfect dome-topped cupcake using fondant and dressing the cupcakes and cookies with an embossed effect, miniature roses, mini flowers and much more.  We share recipes to create ultra light cupcakes and crisp delicate cookies that you will use over and over again.

Run by the Creative Cake Academy, Garden Party Cupcakes will be running on the 1st June and 20th July at the beautiful Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds. 

To book your place, please call 0333 456 8580

Rewarding Groups at Farncombe

Groups just love the location of our 400 acre estate near Broadway in the Cotswolds, centrally situated between Cheltenham and Stratford –upon- Avon, there’s plenty of surrounding activities to enhance your group’s stay. We have beautiful country views, long walks and 30 great gardens within 30 miles.

Our rolling countryside and picturesque Japanese Garden provide ultimate tranquillity to relax and unwind, escaping the stresses of day-to life. And if the weather is not on your side, bring your group inside to one of our 9 flexible meeting spaces.

There are now even more reasons to bring your group to Farncombe, we are rewarding organisers who brings groups of 6 or more. 

Oganisers who book and confirm more than one event with us throughout the year will receive the following perks...

-A section on our Group Partnership page on the website to promote your event

-One complimentary B&B stay prior to your first event, for planning purposes (subject to availability) 

-A dedicated Event Manager

-Bottle of house wine in the room on arrival on the first set of dates 

Now those are what you really would call perks!

To book your next event and to find out more about our rewards scheme, please contact our dedicated special group events manager, Abbi Yates on 01386 854293 or email abbiy@farncombeestate.co.uk 

Miss England Semi-Finalists Take On Xtreme Challenge at Farncombe

Beauty got a ‘beasting’ in Worcestershire this morning, as determined Miss England 2014 contestants took part in their first military boot camp.

Evesham-based Xtreme Boot Camps put the girls through their paces in preparation for the final of the competition in June.

James Evans, co-founder of Xtreme Boot Camps, the Official Boot Camp of Miss England 2014, said: “We wanted to give the Miss England contestants the chance to show they are more than just pretty faces and test their mental determination as well as physical abilities. They made it through a full-on military level boot camp and the girls did really well to push past their limits.”

The contestants, Chelsie Griffin (Miss Nuneaton), Holly Desai (Miss Leicestershire), Selina Singleton (Miss Rugby runner-up), Holly Steele (Miss Popularity Cheltenham) and Ruby Bowater (Miss Black Country runner-up) spent one hour running through lakes and woods at the Farncombe Estate on the Cotswold escarpment as well as military circuits and army crawls on the hills.

Xtreme Boot Camps will next be seen running the Official Boot Camp for Miss England 2014 at the semi-finals on 19^th May at Kelham Hall, Nottingham, where the last girl standing will win a place in the final.

As the Official Boot Camp of Miss England 2014, Xtreme Boot Camps will help crown Miss Sportswoman 2014 at the finals on 23^rd June in Torquay.

For more information visit www.xtremebootcamps.com

Make Farncombe Your Destination This Summer

This Spring/Summer make Farncombe your destination for the perfect Cotswold break....

The Cotswolds is a beautiful place to visit during the Spring/Summer months, and where better to stay than Farncombe Estate, nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, set in 400 acres of rolling countryside. 

Here are just some of the reasons why you should make Farncombe your destination this summer.....

• With many fantastic walks just on our doorstep, it's the perfect chance to get exploring and get those wellies muddy! We have lots of different walking routes which will take you round some of the prettiest parts of the estate with breathtaking views across the Vale of Evesham.
• Batsford, Sezincote and Mill Dene (just to name a few!) are examples of the 30 gardens we've got located with 30 miles, not forgetting our own private Japanese Garden. 
• Why not let your little ones get up close and personal with farmyard animals at Adam Henson's farm - just a short journey away. 
• With Broadway Golf club just around the corner - why not get a round in....off and on the course! Reward yourself with a well deserved drink in our relaxing bar. 
• We are surrounded by beautiful villages full of history and most importantly great for shopaholics!
• We have plenty of onsite activities from our Nature Trail and archery, to our cycle routes - so get on your bike and try one of our cycle routes. 

Finding the Perfect Partner

Love Match Weekends cordially invite YOU to Farncombe Estate

Launch Day and Evening Party

Saturday 10th May 9am – 11pm

We are delighted to invite you to our Special Launch Day and Evening Party

During the day you will learn the following in single sex groups:

How to attract the right person into your life through effective and appropriate confidence and communication skills

Dressing to impress, is your style in need of a refresh or a total revamp?

Our Expert will work with small groups to ensure you are maximising all your assets!

How do YOU come across when you first meet someone, we will give you the tips and tools you need to make sure you are “giving off” the right signals!

Our team will watch you during the day when you get the chance to meet guests from the opposite sex during events and meals, and give you helpful tips to ensure you are making the most of who you are.

Are you unsure how to promote yourself online? For those who want to join us on Sunday morning, we will give you the tools to promote yourself online, help with photos, ice breakers and getting you started.

£195 for the Day and the Gala Dinner in the Evening (80 places available)

£295 for the overnight stay and the Sunday Workshop (20 places available)

To book email us at genevieve@lovematchweekends.co.uk

www.lovematchweekends.co.uk

Easter fun at Farncombe!

Spring has sprung at Farncombe!

Spring is our favourite season at Farncombe - the daffodils are in full bloom, wildlife is roaming across the Estate and the baby lambs are just emerging!

With Easter just around the corner, it's a beautiful time to visit the Estate and take part in all the local activities on offer.

Explore our onsite Nature Trail, designed by our Estate team to guide you round some of the prettiest parts of the Estate, with views of the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and the Wrekin in Shropshire.

However if you want to venture away from our picturesque surroundings, why not visit the beautiful Batsford, just on our doorstep, they're lots of Easter activities to keep the children entertained:

• The Big Batsford Chicken Hunt: You've heard of an Easter Egg hunt - now find the chickens that laid them! 

• Easter weekend, Living Garden Days: Find out everything you've ever wanted to know about attracting wildlife to your garden 

Don't miss out on our special Easter offer, throughout April we are offering Buy One Get One Free deal!
So whether you are looking to extend your stay or simply add an additional room, we are offering it free of charge!

Half Term at Farncombe

This half term we are offering fun for all the family!

Farncombe is the perfect base from which to explore the Cotswolds! Set within 400 acres, there's plenty of wildlife to discover and woods to roam! 

While you're here, why not tick off that all important list of "50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾” from climbing trees to nature walks, we have plenty of activities to release the ranger, tracker and explorer in you! 

There are plenty of activities on the estate to discover, try our Onsite Nature Trail and look out for all the friendly Farncombe wildlife that are sure to cross your path. The Farncombe Nature trails will guide you round some of the prettiest parts of the estate, where you'll experience breathtaking views of the Vale of Evesham to the Black Mountains. 

How about a little friendly family competition as you all try your hand at Archery? Find the "Archer within" - we offer bespoke lessons on the estate. 

To book your last minute cotswold break this half term please call the team on: 0845 230 8580

Love is in the air at Farncombe.......

As it's the month of love, we are celebrating all the things we love at Farncombe!

With Valentines day just around the corner, fall in love with the Cotswolds again with our very special B&B rate.

Stay at Farncombe this Valentines weekend for an unmissable price of just £79 per night for two, including a full Cotswold breakfast.

Now there's something you're sure to love!

Farncombe Estate is perfectly placed for a short relaxing stay in the north Cotswolds. Our 400-acre private country estate is surrounded by picturesque market towns and gorgeous gardens; a great romantic setting.


We heart Cupcakes!

One of our most popular and requested workshops, is back!
Love our Flower Garden Cupcakes on the 23rd February.
You will produce a glorious boxed set of cupcakes all topped with an array of pretty flowers - just perfect for Spring and Summer (yes it's not too early to get in the summery mood!)

Why Farncombe is the perfect place to stay this new year.....

Are you already feeling the January blues?

Then start your new year off with a stay at Farncombe!

Farncombe Estate is set within 400 acres of glorious countryside with some of the best panoramas in the country. Long stunning views stretching over the Vale of Evesham and the Malverns to the Black Mountains of Wales.

You are perfectly placed for exploring the best of the Cotswolds. So if our Jogging and walking routes and beautiful Japanese Garden aren't enough to keep you occupied, then explore the picture-postcard village of Broadway, just minutes away.

All our 89 en-suite bedrooms, all rated 4* by VisitBritain, are arranged in a village style across the estate, to provide peace and quite. Perfect for relaxing after the busy Christmas period!

There is even more reason to stay this year. For the first two weeks of January we are offering a 2-nights stay for the price of one! The cost is £70.00 per room for 2 nights inclusive of a delicious full English breakfast. (Offer ends 19th January)

Give your home a fresh new look.....

Get creative this New Year with our "Room Style Interior Design" Workshop on the 12th April. 

This course is run by Klara Goldy, an interior designer, author and artist who has worked in the industry for 20 years.  This is the first time Klara is downing her design tools to give away some of her top design tips and insights to help you create top notch design in your home. 

Many people are overwhelmed with choice when it comes to designing their own interiors. This course is packed full of inspiration and creativity coupled with the freshest design concepts, to make creating your dream room a piece of cake!  

This is a day course, starting at 9.30 am, to allow you to pack in all the "creative flair" into one day. 

A three-course lunch is included and afternoon tea. 

To book, please call 0333 456 8580 or visit our website: www.farncombecourses.co.uk 

Try Something Different In The New Year....

Try something new in 2014!

If you are looking for something special and a new experience, how about taking part in our Singing Weekend: Gospel Spirituals course at Farncombe Estate.

Taking place on the 10th -12th January, this course is an up-lifting experience, where not only will you learn new skills, but meet new people and have fun!

Explore the richness of the gospel choral sound and learn something about the music's historical context at the same time. Born out of the struggle and hardship of the slave trade in the Deep South of America, spirituals are work songs, protest and celebration songs of hope springing from despair.
During your time on the course, you will sing traditional and contemporary arrangements of popular spirituals, as well as some lesser-known songs. No previous singing experience or ability to read music notation is necessary.

For more information and to book, visit our website: http://farncombecourses.co.uk/our-course/singing-weekend-gospel-spirituals/#.UsLKYU2Ya70

Farncombe Awarded Silver for Business Tourism

Cotswold Tourism Awards 2014


We are very excited to announce that Farncombe has been honoured by Cotswold Tourism as winner of the "Silver Business Tourism Award" 2014.

The Cotswold Tourism awards recognise the huge commitment that companies have shown to the industry across various categories including; Access for All Tourism Award, Large Visitor Attraction and Tourism Experience of the Year.

Dormy House Hotel, also part of the Farncombe family of businesses, picked up the Silver award for Small Hotel of the Year.  

For the second year running the awards are in alignment with the VisitEngland National Awards. The gold and silver winners for each category will automatically go through to the VisitEngland National Awards and will be in for a chance of picking up an award nationally.

Sarah Tyler of Cotswold Tourism and GFirst LEP said: "This year we have seen a record number of applicants across all categories and the competition has been steep. The judges had a difficult job but feel they have rewarded our biggest achievers and highlight what is great about our area."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Year at Farncombe

Kick off the New Year at Farncombe! 

Throughout January we have a fabulous selection of different courses for all tastes, from singing your heart out to studying a painting - there is something for everyone!

So if you're feeling a bit low after the festive period, come to Farncombe Estate. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds near the picturesque village of Broadway, our 400 acre estate has stunning countryside views that are even more magical in the winter.

Here are a list of some of our courses throughout January. For more information or to book your place, please call the team on 0333 456 8580


Singing Weekend: Gospel Spirituals 10th - 12th 
Explore the richness of the gospel choral sound and learn something about the music's historical context at the same time.

Life and Travels of Florence Nightingale 17 - 19th 
Learn all about the woman herself and the different experiences which shaped who she was.

How to Read a Painting 18th 
"Every picture tells a story" - become a picture detective and unlock the meaning!

Everyone can sing 24 - 26th 
There's no need to be an established singer - this course will bring out your voice and you'll have fun at the same time! You will be shown how to sing in tune and make new friends along the way.

They're Coming Home!

This Saturday we welcome the return of William Reddaway and his horse Strider back to Farncombe. 

On 11th May, the pair set off from Farncombe for their mammoth journey around England to raise awareness for charities, the Family Holiday Association and the Wormwood Scrubs Pony. They so far have raised £45,000 for both charities.  

Join us in welcoming them back at 2 pm on Saturday 7th December. We will be hosting a party here at Farncombe to celebrate where it all began. We will be offering light refreshments throughout the afternoon with a chance to speak to William about his experience. The event is free of charge, however all donations are welcome to the chosen charities. For more information about this event and to confirm your place please call 0333 456 8580. 

Finding That Perfect Gift....

If you're looking for an unusual gift this Christmas, why not consider a Farncombe gift voucher? It makes an unique present that will never be forgotten. 

So if you're stuck finding the perfect present for that fussy someone then look no further! The gift for someone who has everything! 

You can spend any amount, from £5 to the cost of a complete residential course. 

So whether it's a cupcake decorating day course or a painting weekend, there are plenty of different faculties to choose from. 

Our gift vouchers make a lovely surprise and allow the recipient to browse the brochure - or internet - to choose a suitable topic or leisure activity. 

Teacher of the Year Awards

We are delighted to announce that Tricia and Trona, tutors that teach at Farncombe, were highly commended runners-up in the "Private Music Teacher" category of Classic FM's Music Teacher of the Year Awards 2013, announced earlier this month.  

Celebrating it's 15th year, the prestigious awards recognize and reward those inspirational teachers who have made a real difference to the musical life of young people. 

Tricia and Trona Melville-Mason are a mother-and-daughter team whose performing experience encompasses everything from opera to oompah, Tricia and Trona have over 60 years of woodwind teaching experience between them. 

Their next course at Farncombe is "Introductory Woodwind Ensemble", taking place on the 8th August 2014. This course offers an opportunity for relative beginners on flute, oboe, clarinet or bassoon to enjoy playing together in a small group. 

For more information about their upcoming course or to book, please call us on 0333 4568580 or visit our website: http://farncombecourses.co.uk/our-course/introductory-woodwind-ensemble/#.UpOC4sTIZu4

Group Booking Special Offer

At Farncombe we welcome a number of retreats and groups throughout the year and we are currently offering a special weekend winter rate of £200 inc VAT. On top of that for every 6 guests in your group an extra guest will be complimentary!

At Farncombe we are dedicated to listening to your needs, the package price includes everything listed below, but if there anything else we can do to make your event extra special just let us know;

Fridays

Arrive at your leisure from 4pm

Use of studio for whole of the weekend  - no time restrictions

Private dinner – a wide range of menu options including bespoke healthy options

Overnight accommodation in one of our superior bedrooms

Saturdays

Breakfast – flexible menu options available

Use of the studio all day (no time restrictions)

2 course hot and cold fork buffet lunch served in the dining room – flexible menu options available

Unlimited refreshments throughout the day including a range of tea & coffees

Private dinner with flexible menu options, including bespoke healthy options

Overnight accommodation in one of our superior bedrooms

Sundays

Breakfast – flexible menu options available

Use of the studio all day (no time restrictions)

2 course hot and cold buffet lunch served in the dining room

Unlimited refreshments throughout the day including a rangeof tea & coffees

Depart at your leisure

Optional extras:

Use of the Estate grounds for outdoor activities

Use of our two nature trails

Exclusive access to our private Japanese garden

This offer will expire on Monday 25^th November and only applies to retreats booked to take place during December 2013 or January 2014.

If this is something that would be of interest to you please get in touch with Vicki Jewitt on 01386 854567.

Ride Round England

5 November 2013 – William Reddaway and his horse Strider are heading for home on the final leg of their mammoth journey to the four corners of England.  They have travelled around England via 30 Cathedrals to raise awareness for two charities, the Family Holiday Association and the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre.  He has so far raised £45,000 for both charities, towards his fundraising target of £250,000.

Last week they left Land’s End the final corner and have started to work their way back through Cornwall and Devon.  So far they have travelled over 2,100 miles, visited 27 cathedrals and slept in too many different beds to count!  William walked 1,000 miles when Strider developed a saddle sore and was unable to carry him.

William and Strider are travelling alone, relying on friends and contacts to put them up throughout England. Using bridleways and roads William’s first priority for every night is good, safe grazing for Strider and after that a bed for himself.

The 400-acre Farncombe Estate, above the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds, where William worked for 28 years was the venue for the start and finish of this 2,500 mile journey.

Find Your Inner Chi!

Find your inner chi here at Farncombe! 

Farncombe is the perfect venue for yoga groups looking for a quiet country retreat. 

Set within 400 acres and placed high above the Cotswold escarpment with long beautiful views across the Vale of Evesham, Farncombe provides the perfect outdoor setting to your Yoga retreat. 

Our 89 bedrooms are arranged village-style across the Estate, providing seclusion and privacy for groups who want to relax in their own space. You can simply relax and enjoy your tranquil environment 

As a venue we pride ourselves on flexibility, we'll meet your specific requirements from room layout to different dining options - we will meet your groups' needs. 

For more information about bringing your group to Farncombe, visit our website: 

http://farncombecourses.co.uk/leisure-groups/event/retreats/