We visited this blank-canvas venue in Methven, near Perth, and discovered serene surroundings, top-notch accommodation and party spaces just waiting to be personalised
Words by Nicola Smith
This was a trip I’d been looking forward to for quite some time. It wasn’t just the dreamy location I was looking forward to seeing (though it did sound incredible); as the date approached, the team at Bachilton Barn had let slip that I would be sleeping in my own cottage (amazing), having a nosy around the venue that’s on a working farm (eat your heart out, Countryfile) and blasting through the fields on a quad bike (OMG, yes).
Upon arrival, marketing manager Nazan Ünlütürk took me on a tour of five new cottages. Named Nine Trees, Cairnies, Dove Cote, Lochy and Langside, they are a recent addition to Bachilton’s wedding offering. Handily, they are a five-minute walk from the venue, are kitted out with fresh linen and fully equipped kitchens, and sleep up to 28 between them.
My home for the night was Cairnies, but it wasn’t time to settle in just yet: it was quad bike time. After a quick lesson from instructor Stuart, I sped off through the 700-acre grounds, which was a surprisingly effective way to take in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. I flew past a flock of pheasants and even spotted a deer on my travels.
Once my adrenaline levels had returned to normal, I met with sales and event manager Sarah Lennon for a tour of the stunning buildings which host ceremonies and celebrations. There are two main rooms: the one to the front, mainly favoured for the vows, thanks to its views of the grounds, is flooded with natural light and can be decorated in any way you like. There are standard gold and blue banqueting chairs already at the venue, while upgraded chiavari chairs can be arranged via one of Bachilton’s approved caterers.
The room just behind this is where you can enjoy your meal and dance the night away. It has exposed beams, white stone walls and colourful uplighters and is party-ready. There are also smaller spaces for more intimate groups. Just share your specifics with the team and they’ll point you in the right direction.
As this is an exclusive-use venue, you’ll have the grounds, gazebo, cottages and all the barn buildings to yourselves. No one will gatecrash your day, unless a rogue sheep makes an appearance – something that has actually happened in the past.
Couples have been flocking to Methven since the barn was opened up to weddings a few years ago, and weekday dates are now being offered in a bid to keep up with demand.
Need to know
Numbers: Up to 180 people can gather for the wedding meal at Bachilton Barn. If that doesn’t cover everyone you know, a further 120 can come along to the evening reception. If your guest list exceeds even this, don’t worry – there’s space in the grounds for a large marquee to be hired so you can invite up to 500 for the party to end all parties.
Accommodation: The five cottages are a five-minute walk from the venue. With your booking, a two-night stay in these is included in the price. Up to 28 can sleep in a variety of twin rooms, double rooms, bunk beds and sofa beds. Each cottage is tastefully decorated and blessed with plenty of natural light.
Prices: Off-peak and midweek 2019 packages start at £3,625, with peak season dates beginning at £4,300. For this, you’ll get venue and grounds hire, the services of a member of staff on hand all day, tables and chairs, fairylights and canopy in the barn, planters, barrels, staging, a PA system, picnic benches around the pond and much more besides. Bachilton is a self-catering venue so you’ll have to hire in someone to serve up food and drinks on the day. If you’re stuck for ideas, the wedding team have a healthy list of companies ready and waiting to cook up a feast for your guests.