Think of a grand French chateau in miniature, wonderful grounds with waterways, woodland, lawns and flower gardens, dotted with statues and ornate ‘follies’. Then visualise your corporate occasion set against the breathtaking backdrop of this magical early 19th century mansion and its magnificent 90-acre gardens. With a choice of elegant gilded rooms inside the mansion and a wonderful light and airy Orangery, plus magnificent gardens all exclusively yours, these superb historic surroundings will lift your corporate event into a unique and unforgettable occasion.
The approach to Wrest Park couldn’t be more impressive. A long drive takes guests directly to the front of the house where cars drop them off and there is a large car park just beyond. Once inside, doors open directly from an outer, oval entrance hall into a second soaring hall with a sweeping staircase, as portraits of the de Grey family in their ornate gilded frames look down from above. As guests walk through to a series of interconnecting rooms they are struck by Wrest Park’s wow factor – a breathtaking and iconic vista framed by high French doors down the ‘long canal’ to the 17th-century Archer Pavilion, where the de Grey family once partied, took tea and entertained in style.
Library
Lined with books on three walls and with elaborate gilded plasterwork, this elegant room was a favourite with the de Grey family because of its stunning views from the floor to ceiling windows.
Dining Room
In dramatic gold and white and with its original parquet wood floor, this room is often used for meetings, or for evening events, and it can be used for dancing.
Drawing Room
Once the setting for dances and entertainment, the rich blue Drawing Room boasts original Louis XV features including a painted gilded ceiling and elegant fireplace.
Ante Library and Terrace
With glass doors leading onto the wide terrace and showing off the glorious grounds to perfection, this area is ideal for drinks receptions. In fine weather, guests can step directly outside onto the terrace. All these rooms work wonderfully well used together. By day, meetings and conferences can make full use of them as break-out areas, for registration or exhibition areas and for keeping refreshments away from the main business. By night, guests can mingle for drinks in one, dine in another and walk through gilded double doors for dancing.
Gardens – Orangery
Once home to some of the largest orange trees in England, this grand garden pavilion, just a short walk from the main house, is the perfect location for a summer drinks reception or evening dinner. A marquee site on the lawns nearby, shaded by lovely mature trees, can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for team building or activity days or for balls, dining or dinner dances in this magical garden setting – one of the most important historic landscapes in the country.