The house was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was rebuilt in 1669 and for over 400 years it was owned by King’s College, Cambridge. In 1691 Gabriel Whistler leased the Manor and at this time it is said Charles II and Nell Gwynne visited. Gabriel died in 1710 and is buried in the Combe churchyard. The Russell family have lived here since the 1960’s.
The manor and its barns now serve as a beautiful wedding venue, set against the stunning rolling hills of the Berkshire countryside around Combe.
The L-shaped position of the two great barns offer very flexible space. It has a stage at the angle of the barns ideal for bands, discoteque etc. It has a license with West Berkshire Council to conduct civil ceremonies in the Barns and can seat an audience of over 150 for a marriage ceremony. There is also a delightful small Norman church (Grade 1 Listed) next door to the Manor. This can be used for the wedding ceremony subject to discussion with the local Rector and agreement with the Church of England. The church is just 50 metres’ walk to the barns. Some couples prefer to be married in their local parish church and then come to Combe Manor Barns for the reception afterwards.
After the marriage formalities, the guests can then pass into the dining barn, where they can enjoy a fully served meal shortly afterwards. During the summer months the barn courtyard provides a popular meeting place, where guests may sit down, stand, talk and enjoy a drink in the sun. The beautiful gardens and courtyards at Combe Manor are available for photographs and in addition, in the case of inclement weather, we offer the formal Drawing Room in the Manor as an additional photographic space for small family groups. The Bridal Bedroom in the Manor house, with en suite bathroom, is also at the brideʼs disposal for changing before and after the ceremony.
Combe is located in West Berkshire, at the very southernmost tip of the county. To the west lies Wiltshire, Basingstoke and Deane to the east, and the Test Valley to the south. It is within easy driving distance of Newbury, Hungerford, Basingstoke, Reading and Swindon. The village has a colourful history dating back to the bronze age. Probably most famous for being the home of Combe Gibbet, on Walbury Hill, the highest point in West Berkshire, and indeed South East England, from where, on a clear day you can have spectacular views of four counties: Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
With so much history and so much beautiful countryside in one place Combe really is perfectly located as the most beautiful wedding venue in West Berkshire.
Visit the Combe Manor website at https://www.combemanor.com/