If you’re a regular to my site you will already know I love a barn venue, especially those with personality. I’m so pleased to share with you a brand new wedding venue, namely Valleyside Barn located in the village of Bickleigh, near Tiverton Devon.
The Story behind the barn
Valleyside Barn is located on the site of the former Devonshire centre, which prior to that was part of Bickleigh Mill. Bickleigh Mill Hotel which was once part of the same estate is just round the corner. Devasting floods in the 1960s led to the Mill closing the splitting down of the site and the creation of the Devonshire centre. This was then closed and sold a few times until being purchased by it’s current owners and Valleyside Barn creators Matt and Emma.
Matt and Emma were inspired after their own barn wedding to open their own wedding venue. They made the move from London to Devon 4 years ago now to fulfil their dream.
Firstly they built up their award winning Glamping business Valleyside escapes (more about that later!) before progressing to the barn.
Unlike many barn venues Valleyside Barn is not a simple conversion. Although it is sited where a timber shack used to be sited and retains the same footprint and shape, being modernised to sound proof it, and make it fit-for-purpose has enabled Matt and Emma to give it a modern industrial twist. Despite the industrial feel the barn fits perfectly in it’s surroundings.
The location
Valleyside Barn is located in the small village of Bickleigh, to the south of Tiverton and West of Cullompton. As the crow flies it’s about equidistant between the two but it’s only a 6 minute drive from Tiverton whereas its a 15 minute drive from Cullompton.
It is just 20 minutes from the M5 and Tiverton Parkway railway station, and the county capital Exeter so has excellent transport links.
In addition to the on-site accommodation there is also a selection in walking distance. Just down the road within staggering distance is the Fisherman’s Cot hotel and the newly converted Leaping Trout and there are also some B&Bs in the village. More details about the on-site accommodation below.
The People
Matt & Emma have poured their heart into setting up both Valleyside Escapes and the Valleyside Barn and sure does it show. They have put their personal stamp on the venue, which includes a lot of hand made elements created by Matt’s own fair hands.
Emma’s passion is infectious and she is dedicated to ensuring Valleyside barn can deliver their couples’ dream weddings.
The Home Made Industrial Twist
So many elements of the barn have been expertly crafted by Matt. It’s these elements that make the bar stand out with its modern industrial feel.
Some of the key items he has made are the square suspended lighting rigs and the rustic tables. There has been a lot of attention to detail in the renovations to ensure the barn has character of its own.
Preparations
A recent addition to the venue is the beautifully renovated honeymoon suite which also doubles as a preparations area. A large airy double room bathed with light, with plenty of room for the entire wedding party to get ready if needed. There is also a large luxury bathroom attached, in addition to a beauty station with a large mirror in the main room. A separate dressing room is also available for the other partner.
Access is via two doors, one ‘secret’ door through the barn, and a second from the balcony overlooking the courtyard, perfect for a statement entrance to the ceremony.
The Ceremony
Most ceremonies at Valleyside barn take place in the courtyard which is surrounded by trailing honeysuckle. The photo left/above shows the view down from the balcony from the honeymoon suite. Please note this photo was taken in early spring before all the plants had regained their leaves. After the ceremony guests can enjoy a drink in the rustic adjoining bar situated in one of the surrounding barns.
For alternative ceremony locations there is of course the barn, or for those wishing to have a church ceremony, St Mary’s church is located in Bickleigh village. Or with the relaxation of the licensing laws other locations on site can potentially be utilised for the ceremony.
The Wedding Breakfast
Welcome drinks are normally served either in the courtyard or the patio behind the barn. Guests can then move on to a wedding breakfast in the barn.
You are not tied to a specific caterer or even a traditional wedding breakfast. Matt & Emma are keen that you can have your own day your way which includes the food! A previous couples have chose a fish & chip van for their catering.
The Celebrations
You can party the night away at Valleyside barn either inside the barn or on the surrounding patio areas. In the barn there is a bar separated from the main barn area by a large glass divider. This section means there is a quieter area when music is playing for guests to sit and relax, especially if the weather is inclement outside.
The bar is well stocked and operated by the venue. Included within the stocked beverages is wine from the nearby vineyard that can be seen if viewed from the glamping tents.
The Scenery
The name is somewhat of a giveaway but Valleyside barn is located in an idyllic valley through which part of the river Exe runs. From the glamping tents you can see the beautiful green hills of the surrounding valley. Barely a building in sight, just fields, woods and countryside galore.
It is such a peaceful location, chance to get away from the fast paced world and celebrate in your own little bubble of countryside wonderfulness.
For couple photos you are spoilt for choice. The barn side pond, the courtyard, the surrounding fields and valley. You could also pop down to the lane and within walking distance to the road and the gorgeous stone Bickleigh bridge
The Accommodation
As already mentioned there is the glorious honeymoon suite available for the couple to escape to after the party subsides. There are also three award winning luxury glamping tents on site. Located on the side of the valley they are a quick walk up the hill from the main barn.
To be honest it is a disservice to call them tents as they offer proper bedrooms and even kitchen facilities. Hot water bottles await to keep you toasty overnight and each can sleep up to 6. There is also a play area for the younger guests, fire pits and even deck chairs to sit in and admire the astounding views.
For those guests happy with more conventional tents a field in the valley is available to be used as a campsite.
Is Valleyside Barn The venue For You?
The best things about the Valleyside Barn for me are;
- Emma & Matt – They are paramount to the venue’s brilliance
- Modern magic – The handmade industrial touches
- Your day your way
- Peaceful calm – easy to find but totally away from it all
- Exclusive hire
- On site accommodation with more in walking distance
Want to find out more?
If you like what you hear above you really need to go see the Valleyside barn in the flesh. If you contact Emma she will be ready to answer all your questions and more.
Gallery
Enjoy some more images below from The Valleyside Barn. Please note all photos were taken in April
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