An old haunt of esteemed novelist Jane Austen, Goodnestone offers the quintessential English destination for the return of grand weddings, events and UK getaways

This summer, the famed Goodnestone Park reveals a host of announcements from a new state of the art Orangery - the ultimate space for weddings and events - to eco initiatives and new gastronomic pleasures, sure to delight countryside seekers locally or from further afield.

Goodnestone Park is a vast, privately-owned estate in the heart of Kent countryside, an hour’s journey from London. The grand house, first built in 1704, is steeped in a rich history including frequent visits from Jane Austen who enjoyed strolls around the gardens and along the Serpentine. One of her favourite retreats, the renowned estate was once home to the acclaimed novelist’s brother, Edward, who settled here shortly after he married Elizabeth Bridges. In 1796, Jane Austen decided to use the estate as a writing retreat, penning her most famous novel, Pride & Prejudice. Literary scholars believe Goodnestone Park inspired some of the houses in Austen’s works since the author frequently wrote about the stately home in her letters.

THE ORANGERY LAUNCH

The historic pile is launching a custom-made luxury timber-framed marquee - the first Orangery to be built on the estate, uniquely situated next to Goodnestone House and overlooking the parkland.
In partnership with progressive marquee specialists, LPM Bohemia, The Orangery will play the perfect host to a Goodnestone wedding, as well as corporate events and family milestone celebrations. Very few listed houses have achieved an adjacent semi-permanent structure; an immense accomplishment after months of consulting with Dover District Council. The Orangery’s design was carefully considered by LPM Bohemia, reflecting 17th to 19th century gardening trends, imagining Jane Austen herself hosting a soirée within.

‘When conceptualising The Orangery’s design, we aimed to seamlessly fuse the historical setting of Goodnestone with a modern sensibility, whilst honouring the timeless gardens via the marquee’s botanical themed lining. We’re delighted to partner with the esteemed estate, on creating such a unique setting that will elevate the property’s wedding and event offerings to a new level.’ - John Preston, Director and Co-Owner, LPM Bohemia.

Tents are the oldest and arguably the truest form of architecture, with immense potential to embody majestic beauty, sophistication and symbolism. Inspired by global architectural influences, LPM Bohemia brings a contemporary addition to the estate that simultaneously pays homage to the past. Structures are hand-crafted in the heart of Kent using locally sourced natural materials and sustainably sourced timber.
Drawing upon celebrated forms such as Palladianism, The Orangery serves as a seamless extension of the private Grade II* listed house - offering an architecturally distinguished additional reception room. Guests can book the marquee for an all-encompassing Goodnestone experience in the heart of the countryside destination. Private hire encapsulates the vast fifteen acres of greenery and the Serpentine Walk, additional guest accommodation at the charming Bonnington Cottage, and the option of an evening tipple and bite at the local Fitzwalter Arms village pub, owned by the Estate.

Expanding on A Goodnestone Wedding, the estate has teamed up with The Wedding Dolls, Kent’s leading wedding planning service that combines two decades of industry experience to organise sensational celebrations from rustic barn festivities to grand ceremonies within majestic castles and exotic gardens. Celebrating its ten year anniversary in 2022, The Wedding Dolls continue to fuse upcoming industry trends with high quality execution, and will personally work together with Goodnestone couples to realise their bespoke vision.

OLD DAIRY CAFÉ LAUNCHES SUPPER CLUBS

Following popular demand, on-site hotspot Old Dairy Café is launching a new wave of monthly supper clubs that boast seasonal menus championing local ingredients sourced directly from the estate’s garden. From shredded duck to local asparagus and mushroom risotto with truffle dressing - plus a showstopper sweet board finale - the sumptuous spread is sure to tickle taste buds this summer.

WELLNESS AND ECO-LUXURY

Celebrating the paramount pillar of wellness, the Goodnestone grounds provide the ultimate R&R setting with endless woodland walks and a cocktail of garden additions for the season - from new barn owl boxes and nature trail signage for ardent ramblers; to the opening of The Goodnestone Glasshouse in the walled garden, an exotic exhibition space home to cacti, succulents, cycads and other botanically enchanting flora, accessible for visitor viewing. The estate has also partnered with MIND charity, hosting experience days peppered throughout the year that champion the healing properties of gardening and natural spaces.
Goodnestone Park has been at the forefront of UK eco-luxury destinations for years. Advocating biodiversity, Head Gardener Paul Bagshaw’s immense passion for the environment shines through his copious horticultural methods including: wildflower meadow sowing to encourage pollination; the in-house production of compost; the walled garden’s sustainable ‘no-dig’ vegetable patch; wood repurposing from storm damage to build hedgehog habitats; and the creation of a bee bank for solitary bees. Peat based compost, slug pellets, pesticides and insecticides aren’t welcome in the running of the garden. Proving that wildlife and landscaped gardens are not mutually exclusive, Goodnestone Park is still a quintessentially traditional English garden with romantic rose gardens, a formal parterre fronting the mansion, themed borders, lawns, a tropical garden and naturalistic woodland walks. With a degree in Environmental Studies and several years’ experience working for the Environment Agency, Paul aims to further position Goodnestone as an exemplary garden. The Estate no longer runs a driven shoot and operates with a ‘nature first’ strategy. All the estate’s woodland and agricultural land is in the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, aimed at protecting and enhancing habitats. This has included working with Kent Wildlife Trust consultancy who have provided a baseline assessment of the various habitats across the estate and what can be done to increase biodiversity levels.

Goodnestone’s contract farming is performed by the neighbouring 400-acre family-owned Leaf Demonstration Farm, Nonington - a Leaf Marque Certified enterprise providing an environmental assurance system to recognise sustainably-produced products. Only 2% of grain produced in the country is Leaf Marque certified.

To further celebrate the assortment of news on the Goodnestone table, the estate boasts an impressive lineup of upcoming events, such as the coveted Fork to Fork Food & Drink Festival on 28 August - a gastronomic celebration of local goods and an Open Day for visitors to view The Orangery in all its glory.

Nestled in a bucolic setting, Goodnestone offers the quintessential spot for lazy afternoons of cream teas and croquet. The estate is excited to welcome guests to the iconic grounds to enjoy the new offerings, whether seeking a weekend staycation getaway, a visit to the gardens, or the ultimate spot for the wedding of the season.