ONE of Suffolk's most historic houses is reopening as an exclusive wedding venue following several years of private occupation. WoodHall Manor in Sutton near Woodbridge, which dates back to 1566, has been restored and transformed into a 12-bedroom luxurious property operating specifically in the weddings market.

ONE of Suffolk's most historic houses is reopening as an exclusive wedding venue following several years of private occupation.

WoodHall Manor in Sutton near Woodbridge, which dates back to 1566, has been restored and transformed into a 12-bedroom luxurious property operating specifically in the weddings market.

New owners Tammy and Michael Chittenden bought the property after searching for a wedding venue for their own nuptials that combined a beautiful setting with flexibility and choice for the bride and groom.

“We wanted to create our very own day using our caterers, favourite wines and musicians,” explains Tammy Chittenden.

“We wanted a venue to be adaptable to our every whim. We never found one. We discovered WoodHall after searching for a new home and thought it was the perfect place for the increasingly popular 'bespoke wedding'.”

The couple has also bought the nearby Sorrell Horse pub which they will run alongside the manor. The pub will be refurbished to provide additional bedrooms for overnight stays, offering further accommodation possibilities for wedding parties.

WoodHall Manor has a banqueting suite that sits 120 guests, plus a bar area and dance floor. Wedding couples can choose to provide their own catering or use the house chef. All guests enjoy exclusive use of the Manor and its facilities, which include squash court, gym, tennis courts, cinema room and swimming pool.