“The devil is in the detail” (according to Wikipedia) is an idiom that refers to a catch or mysterious element hidden in the details, meaning that something might seem simple at a first look but will take more time and effort to complete than expected and derives from the earlier phrase, “God is in the detail” expressing the idea that whatever one does should be done thoroughly; i.e. details are important.
Here at Thicket Priory, we fully understand both takes on it! As an exclusive use luxury wedding and events venue, it’s the details that make all the difference and create the experience. Every nook and cranny have had love from every member of the team, from the owner down, to make everywhere you look as beautiful, surprising and engaging as the big, wow factor pieces like our chandeliers and fireplaces.
As most guests will only stay with us for one or two nights, they’ll absorb only a handful of the beautiful touches so I wanted to highlight them in this blog and tell some of the stories behind them – maybe you’ll be inspired?! If you like what see, follow us on Pinterest for more food for the eyes!
One of the original logos for Thicket Priory, as seen above, came from the beautiful ceiling mouldings we have in our ballroom, pictured below.
The logo that we now use, our dearly beloved Gryffin, was the coat of arms for the Jefferson family and can be seen in our chapel as a fantastic example of 19th Century stained glass alongside the coat of arms for representing the unison of the Jefferon and Dunnington families and then later the Vavasours.
Above is the stunning main stained-glass window that acts as a backdrop to any chapel wedding ceremonies we hold at Thicket Priory. During the restoration of Thicket Priory, fragments of stained glass were found around the site and lovingly upcycled into the beautiful features found in many of our 35 en suite bedrooms.
The griffins pop up around the building… see if you can find them all!
Apart from the logo, we have many touches that hark to the history of the building such as the servants’ boxes and original servants’ bells.
2 of the bells work – can you find the pull for them?
The original keys have also being imaginatively transformed into a work of art and given a new lease of life as the notes of well knowns songs. Displayed in another of our wedding ceremony rooms, the first song would be very fitting if you tied the knot in the Jefferson Room.
Pictured above is the original key to the silver safe and would have been carried at all times by Frederick Matthews, the head butler of the Dunnington-Jefferson family. Although he’s had a room named after him, what would have been his actual bedroom still contains the silver safe that has been converted into a unique bathroom!
The Old Kitchen has been restored to its former comfort and glory and we’ve added pantries around the building to continue the country house feel and allow guests to make refreshments.
Then of course, there’s the Ironing Room for guests to freshen up their clothes, mend or make alterations, or simply peruse the tiny treasures we’ve provided.
The Ironing Room can be found on our top floor and at the end of the corridor is the Observation Tower, where we’ve had some fun imagining a love story of heartache, grandeur and bad timing inspired by the poem “Love Amongst The Ruins” by Robert Browning and complimented by a print of Burne-Jones’ painting of the same title.
And right at the very, very top we have a Middle Eastern inspired room, complete with a telescope, breath taking views of the countryside and a glimpse of how big Thicket Priory actually is!
Coming back down the stairs, you’ll see Nanny’s staircase – worn from years of tiny footsteps.
And for feet of all sizes we have a colourful collection of wellies for guests to wear out in the gardens to find our fairy door.
There’s even a second floor window!
On that note, I’ll leave you to enjoy more of the beautiful and magical details. We do encourage couples to enjoy a two-day wedding or even three nights here to truly soak up the ambience and luxury of Thicket Priory.
Love Flame x
Photography credits:
Phoebe Jane
Carla Whittingham
Elsie Love Photography
