So I may be bias but I love a barn venue. So much so my own wedding was held at one, although sadly they no longer have weddings.
But there are more than one type of barn venue. It doesn’t just come down to the barn itself, it also comes down to the people, and at the Corn Barn in Cullompton you are in for a real treat.
The Farm
The Corn Barn is a working family farm. The majority of the land is dedicated to apple orchards which are used by Cider manufacturer Thatchers. A pint of which you can be served at the onsite bar.
But you will also find sheep, lambs and beef cattle at various times of the year. A new addition, a lockdown project was an additional barn conversion creating the Loom Shed which is a hub for education and training for all textile activities.
The Corn Barn is not only for weddings, it is also used for live music events and theatrical performances that take place at different points in the year.
When you arrive at the Corn Barn (which I found really easy to find travelling from Cullompton) you are met with a sense of relaxed calm. On a wedding day you will obviously have the accompanying energy and excitement but the overall sense is calm, serene and peacefulness. It’s a great location for a party without the interruptions of the outside world.
The location
Located on the outskirts of the Devon market town of Cullompton, lovingly known as Cully to the locals, the Corn barn has excellent travel links.
The farm itself is seemingly in the middle of nowhere, but Padbrook park, the most local hotel, and on the far side of town is little over a 2 mile drive. There is suitable access for coaches, and horse drawn carriages with a generous car park on hard standing. There are numerous taxi firms that happily shuttle guests to town as well.
Guests travelling from a far will have an easy journey. The M5 is only 2 miles away. The nearest mainline railway station of Tiverton Parkway only a 15 minute drive.
The People
As I’ve already mentioned the Corn Barn is very much a family run farm. Ian and Yta Batchelor, along with their four children, have created this beautiful venue. They personally run all the weddings and do so with all the dedication of a traditional co-ordinator but with the experience, skills and adaptability of a farmer.
These skills notably came to the fore after storm Eunice this year. The massive storm on the Friday led to no power in the area thanks to wide scale power cuts. They were able to utilise their tractor, generator, an electrician and some ingenuity to ensure there was power for lights and catering so a wedding could go ahead on the Saturday.
Having farmed the land for many years they decided to convert the 18th century barn back to it’s former glory, which was completed in 2010.
Meeting and chatting to Yta in person there is no denying the love and passion for what they are doing with the Corn barn both as a farm and a wedding venue. They have spent a significant amount of time making the Corn Barn wedding experience a flexible, customisable and fantastic one for their clients. Yta is particular is particularly passionate about making each couple’s day the best experience possible. If there is something that a couple want they will do their best to make it happen (within reason obviously!).
The Corn Barn as a Venue
The main Corn Barn is actually two barns making a right angled corner shape surrounding two sides of an enclosed court yard. The main barn of traditional stone construction is used most commonly for ceremonies (if not outside) and the wedding breakfast. It’s large glass doors and multiple windows makes it bright and airy even on overcast days.
The secondary barn, the Linhay, which originally housed cattle, has a timber clad wall with lots of glazing flooding it with natural light. It is an adaptable space. Used commonly for under cover reception drinks, the bar, and a bit of a chill out zone during the evening’s festivities, amongst other things.
The court yard is a fantastic flexible space. Some couples choose if for their ceremony. When dry it’s great for reception drinks. A chill out zone away from the party, and also a safe enclosed area for kids to play.
When hiring the barn for your wedding it’s not just for the day. You can set up on the Friday so to give you plenty of time to get things just right. No rushing around on the morning to put all the dressing elements together. Yta and the team then take everything down for you to take away that evening or any remaining elements can be collected on the Monday. It is important to note that there is no access on a Sunday. As a family run venue Sunday is the designated day off!
The Preparations
A great addition to the barn is the well sized charming annex located at the end of the Linhay. It’s not offered as overnight accommodation but offers the perfect location for bridal preparations. A large airy bathroom with shower, plus a small kitchenette are included in addition to comfy seating and a double bed.
The room also acts as a peaceful retreat for tired children during the day reception where they can have a sleep without having to leave early.
The Ceremony
With the recent changes in the law licensing a venue rather than a room there is more flexibility on ceremony location than ever before. The Corn Barn has three main ceremony locations, the main barn, the courtyard and the cider orchards (pictured above/right) but the law changes offers more flexibility.
The Barn gives flexible options for a ceremony which vary according to the number of guests. It also acts as a fantastic backup in the event of adverse weather ruining outdoor ceremony plans.
The Courtyard has an amphitheatre type feel with both hard standing and grass areas of the garden providing options.
Across the country lane you have the option of the orchards. A long grass aisle leads you down to a grassy opening in front of the little barn. Behind stands the most magnificent Ash tree.
My photos were taken in late March and therefore didn’t yet include the blossoms, leaves and colours of spring. But even in its ‘bare’ state the orchard still offered a beauty that works as a majestic backdrop for weddings all year round.
The Wedding Breakfast
After the ceremony couples can enjoy welcome drinks in the courtyard or lower barn before moving into the main barn for the wedding breakfast. The barn ideally seats 150 but can take up to 180 guests. There is even option to seat some guests on the upper gallery level otherwise known as the Loft which is normally used as a relaxing snug area with sofas.
Couples are free to use their own caterers, who in turn can use the on-site kitchen. This gives couples the ability to bring all their ideal elements together.
The barn’s white walls and tall open ceiling give a great sense of space whilst also providing extensive dressing options. In the photos you can see draped lights and dressed chandeliers hanging from the beams from the wedding the previous weekend.
In the colder months the barn has the luxury of underfloor heating and a wood burning stove to keep everyone warm and cosy.
If the drinks element is important to you don’t worry the Corn Barn has you covered. They look after all the drinks elements for you providing your choices of welcome and reception drinks in addition to the well stocked bar later in the day. The bar even has Thatchers on tap which can include their own apples.
The Celebrations
Ian and Yta are keen to allow you to have your day your way. If you have a unique idea they will go that extra mile to help make it happen. Unlike some venues where you have little scope to individualise your day, at the Corn Barn if it’s safe and legal, if it can happen they will be on board to help you make it happen.
The Loft is also an ideal location for musicians and bands at various points in the day if wanting to give maximum space down below for your guests to circulate. The main barn also benefits from an integrated sound system to achieve the best sound quality.
In the Linhay there is even a grand piano, so you could have a pianist, or a competent guest play a tune!
An important note for my horsey couples out there, yes you can have your horse attend your wedding. There is ample parking for a lorry and space away from the main car park for a groom to prepare them. Personally I think it would look absolutely stunning to ride down the aisle in the orchard to the little barn, but admittedly there are not many horses you can trust to that level! There is certainly the option for a horse to be included in photos though.
The Scenery
If it wasn’t already obvious the Corn Barn is located in a pretty scenic part of the world.
Couples have several areas they can venture round for some photos and a quiet moment together away from the party. There are of course the extensive orchards that look particular stunning in bloom, but still striking in the winter months. The different varieties mean a large harvest season providing a beautiful colour changing backdrop well into the autumn.
There are fields available and even possibly a friendly tame lamb or two depending on the time of year.
The country lane leading up and past the farm was also a visual highlight for me just asking to be used for couple photos. When adorned with foliage the trees will create an impressive canopy.
The Details
A lot of thought has gone into the restoration of the barns as a wedding venue. It was very important to Ian and Yta that the barn retained it’s character whilst also being functional and practical.
The Linhay barn gives vital under cover space if the main barn has to be turned round from a ceremony to wedding breakfast on an inclement day. This is quite rare with Barn venues who can have restricted space in the event of rain.
The bathrooms are large, airy and spacious, there is even a chair in the ladies if a quick time out is needed before returning to the dance floor.
I loved the attention that had been made for the details affecting the comfort of guests. There is disabled access to both barns in addition to comfortable toilet facilities for guests with restricted mobility.
As previously mentioned there is underfloor heating throughout to keep everyone warm even on the coldest days.
It’s all the little things like this that make it such a versatile and practical venue.
What makes the Corn Barn Different?
Many of the details that make the Corn Barn different from other barn venues I’ve already mentioned but to make them crystal clear please allow me the luxury of repeating myself!
- Fabulously friendly family run venue
- Experienced and practical team
- Your day your way
- Amazing scenery
- Exclusive hire
- Rural but close to hotels and the motorway
Want to find out more?
If you like what you hear above you really need to go see the Corn barn in the flesh. If you contact Yta she will be ready to answer all your questions and help you plan your dream relaxed barn wedding.
Gallery
Enjoy some more images below from The Corn Barn. Please note all photos were taken in late March
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