Beloved Yorkshire wedding venue restored with the help of Start Up Loan
A Yorkshire couple have returned the magic and romance to a timeless rural wedding venue. A Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, delivered by the Business Enterprise Fund helped make this exciting expansion possible.
Birdforth Hall is a charming Estate with over 350 years of history, nestling between Thirsk and York. But when Paul and Sue Sadler took it over, it’s holiday cottages and leisure complex needed extensive refurbishment.
Having been managed remotely and closed for two and a half years through Covid, these historic walls were lacking that love and personal attention to detail they needed. Sue explains “But we knew it could be something very special. We wanted to create a space to relax, somewhere of quality and comfort where guests can feel at home and make lasting memories”.
First the 4 large barn conversions were revamped throughout, with the addition of modern appliances, smart new decor and hot tubs in individual garden areas.
Next, a redundant barn was converted into a smart, fully licensed wedding and functions venue. Nestled as it is in the centre of the Barn accommodation this has proven very popular for wedding ‘weekends’ – a place to party, relax and have your wedding celebrations without leaving The Hall.
“The views over the parkland are always loved by Guests” says Sue, “The only problem was the weather could sometimes compromise the use of the rear terrace”.
This is when Paul and Sue turned to BEF for funding on the next part of their journey, with a 5 figure Start Up Loan.
To overcome this problem, Paul & Sue decided to cover this area. The Sun Terrace now has a 15 metre sliding glass door unit which can open fully onto the rear lawned area, fabulous for outdoor or Festival feel Weddings.
“The Loan gave us freedom to do the job properly,” said Sue. “It’s completely transformed The Forge, you can be snug and warm whilst still feeling that you are outside – even if it’s pouring with rain!”
Now the venue has bookings into 2028, and Birdforth Hall is steadily growing a reputation for relaxed country weddings – where anything is possible!
“Paul and Sue had a clear vision and incredible drive,” says Julie Micklethwaite, Investment Manager at BEF. “Birdforth Hall is a fantastic example of how Start Up Loans can help small businesses unlock potential and bring fresh energy to rural communities. The transformation is remarkable.”
From being tired and in need of care, attention and fresh ideas, to a thriving country retreat, Birdforth Hall’s return to former glory shows what’s possible when good ideas meet great opportunity. All it takes is the right support from local experts who see the potential in a business owner’s vision.