Behind the Scenes at Alfriston Gardens

As one of the most beautiful and luxurious venues in the South Downs area, Alfriston Gardens is an ideal setting for weddings, parties, events and more.

Run by a passionate team who care about each and every one of the people sharing their celebrations here, Alfriston Gardens is a venue steeped in history that also enjoys the very best of contemporary design.

Read on to find out more about the history of this charming venue, and meet the team who bring beautiful weddings and events to life.

Alfriston Gardens started life as a wine centre in the 1970s, before growing to include a restaurant, lodge and wedding barn. But with basic facilities and limited accommodation, it was in desperate need of an overhaul.

Star Property Group saw Alfriston Gardens’ amazing potential, and took it over in 2019. It’s now been completely transformed with an extensive £5 million restoration into a stunning wedding and events venue, as well as providing exclusive accommodation for up to 58 guests – something that only a limited number of wedding venues in the UK can offer.

The original restaurant was built on a historic site, which was of interest to English Heritage prior to our development. It’s now been transformed and extended into Vine Lodge, a new accommodation complex and meeting room. In keeping with the heritage of the site, we salvaged as much of the original building as possible, including the beams and original red brick external walls.

Lavender Lodge and the shepherd’s huts were also added to increase the accommodation capacity. Lavender Lodge is our beautiful honeymoon cottage, which enjoys beautiful panoramic views and a host of luxurious touches, including bumblebee wall art from the acclaimed British jeweller, Alex Monroe. The ensuite shepherd’s huts are found in the wildflower meadow, and offer a glamping-style experience in a simply gorgeous setting.

The Century Barn is the pièce de résistance at Alfriston Gardens and cements our position as one of Sussex’s premier wedding and events venues. Originally built in the 17th century, it underwent a considered restoration that honoured its heritage. It’s also been extended with the brand-new Woodland Barn, which was skilfully integrated using traditional building techniques. This melding of old and new has created a luxurious ceremony setting for up to 155 guests, all while maintaining a deep respect for the building’s historical significance.

Behind every great venue is a great team, and we pride ourselves on having one of the very best! When you book your wedding or event at Alfriston Gardens, you’ll be working with Janie and India in our friendly events team, who are supported by marketing manager Harriet.

With a background in working at other wedding and events venues, Janie and India bring a wealth of expertise and experience to Alfriston Gardens. “Everyone is welcome – we’re a totally inclusive venue, with a very sharp eye on exquisite delivery and excellent customer service,” says Janie.

Janie has been with Alfriston Gardens since it was being redeveloped into the stunning venue it is today, and has worked hard to create an unparalleled experience for everyone who walks through the door. “I was very keen to ensure the venue was truly bespoke, so every event is unique,” explains Janie. “It really is your day, your way – from a celebrant or hand fasting to a blessing, Morris dancers to grunge metal, harpists and jazz. Your event is as important to my team and me as it is to you.”

When you book a wedding or event at Alfriston Gardens, Janie and India will be with you every step of the way. “I love getting to know each couple personally and helping them through the planning process, then seeing it come to life on the day,” explains India.

“It’s wonderful to see the different ways our couples put their personal stamp on their weddings,” adds Harriet. “The barns receive a complete transformation, and this is always exciting to see.”

For Harriet, the skilful blending of contemporary and heritage in the Woodland Barn is her favourite part of Alfriston Gardens. “The Woodland Barn is simply stunning. Even without a lick of decoration it’s beautiful. You would never know, either, that it’s a completely new building, because the materials and design were carefully thought through to make it blend in with the adjacent Century Barn. I’m in love with all the exposed beams!”

Another integral part of Alfriston Gardens is the gardening team, led by head gardener Lee Mckay and assistant head gardener Luci Mills-Barton. “It’s great to be part of a small, tight-knit team, creating and maintaining an amazing venue for people to celebrate special occasions,” says Lee.

Lee and Luci look after the formal gardens that frame the buildings as well as the beautiful wildflower meadow, which is one of the spots that Janie loves. “The sight, sound and fragrance from the wildflower meadow is incredible,” she enthuses. “Cheerful daisies, majestic foxgloves and other blooms are all woven into a rich tapestry of colour and depth. Bees and butterflies add a touch of ethereal magic and natural balance.”

Lee and Luci are always thinking long-term about how to enhance the gardens, while also giving plants time to grow and seeing what thrives and works best. “I’m looking at training a number of climbing plants such as wisteria and roses on the Century Barn,” shares Lee. “I’d like to create more definition in the wildflower areas, while still keeping that gorgeous wildness. I’ll also be creating a new lawn area in front of Oak Lodge to help it blend in better with the rest of the gardens, and I’d love to create a small kitchen garden to provide herbs and edible flowers for the food we serve.”

And his favourite part of the garden? “The original garden around the main lawn, which is full of mature shrubs and trees that have grown and come together over a long time. You don’t achieve a garden like that overnight. I’m excited to see how the rest of the gardens mature in the years to come.”