Express & Star

Grade I listed Staffordshire building will host weddings after £250k revamp

It was once completely obscured by shrubs and trees – now this Grade I listed building will host summer weddings.

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A two-year, £250,000 project to breathe life into the old forcing house at Hilton Hall has been completed, with the Staffordshire venue set to welcome happy couples to use the building as a place for wedding ceremonies.

Up until three years ago, the forcing house – which was previously used by the home's owners to grow plants – had been covered up completely.

Historic England teamed up with the owners of Hilton Hall, as well as Wolverhampton Council, to bring the building back to life, while staying true to its heritage.

Martin Richards, who is the weddings and events manager at Hilton Hall, said: "The forcing house is a beautiful, historic building and we are glad to see it looking as good as it possibly can.

"It has taken a lot of work, but it is fortunate that we even have the opportunity to do this.

"At one point, the building was completely obscured, it was only when our gardening team discovered it that we had to think about restoring it.

The Grade I listed old forcing house at Hilton Hall was used to grow plants

"Originally that was forecast to take about 18 months but it took closer to two years in the end, there are a lot of intricacies involved but we are happy with the job.

"We are looking forward to welcoming happy couples for weddings, it will make a great outdoor location and a few have already expressed their interest in having their ceremony there."

Hilton Hall is stunning mansion, set in 25 acres of unspoiled woodland.

It is licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships, and has a marquee pavilion for larger outdoor occasions.

The current Hall is an example of early Georgian architecture.

It was completed around 1720, commissioned by Henry Vernon who was then High Sheriff of Staffordshire.

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