Caswell House in Oxford opened its doors to several wedding planners and the media. I was invited to attend the inaugural Cotswold Experience, which showcased the venue’s wedding offerings and was an unforgettable day filled with delightful activities, gourmet food, and excellent company.
Caswell House, nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, is a hidden gem with a rich family history and breathtaking rustic architecture.
Arrival and First Impressions
Upon arriving at Caswell House, I was immediately captivated by the picturesque countryside and charming historic buildings. The welcoming committee made the check-in process smooth, and their warm smiles made me feel right at home. The venue’s timeless elegance and serene atmosphere set the perfect tone for the day.
My Room at Caswell House
I was shown to my room, which was love at first sight. The room was a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The exposed wooden beams added character, while the large, comfortable bed with plush bedding promised a restful night’s sleep.
On the bed, I found a delightful welcome gift: a beautifully packaged selection of lavender biscuits from The Pretty Cake Company and a bottle of Cotswolds Garden Cocktail Gin paired with pressed apple and elderflower. These thoughtful touches set a luxurious tone for my stay. The en-suite bathroom featured a spacious shower with excellent water pressure and luxurious toiletries, providing a perfect retreat to relax and unwind.
Welcome Drinks and Light Lunch
Caswell Kitchen, led by chefs Anthony Robinson and Abbie Allen, created the welcome drinks and a light lunch. The drinks were refreshing, and the lunch spread was light and satisfying, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It was an excellent opportunity to mingle with other guests and meet the superb staff guiding us through the day.
Introduction to Caswell House and Venue Tour
We set out on a tour of Caswell House, led by Sara, Sales & Events Manager. Learning about the venue’s history, dating back to the 15th century, was fascinating. This is not just a wedding venue but a family business, which becomes more true after talks with brother and sister duo Will and Katherine. The Matthews family, who own Caswell House, has preserved its heritage while updating it with modern amenities. Walking through the stunning gardens, beautifully restored barns Joslin Barn, Bartletts Barn and Wenmans Barn, and elegant ceremony and reception areas, I could easily envision the magic of a wedding here. Each space had its unique charm: stone walls, high ceilings, and exquisite decor blending rustic and contemporary styles.
The Matthews Family and the Staff
The heart and soul behind Caswell House are William and Katherine Matthews, the next generation of the Matthews family. Their dedication to maintaining the estate’s historical integrity while providing modern comforts is evident in every detail. Throughout the event, both William and Katherine engaged with guests, sharing stories about Caswell House and their vision for its future. Their genuine warmth and hospitality made the experience even more special. The staff at Caswell House were equally remarkable (especially hosting up to five weddings per week). Their professionalism, attention to detail, and friendliness ensured that every aspect of the event ran smoothly.
Garden Tea and Treats & Joga
After the venue tour, some attendees had a Yin Yoga and sound bowls activity with Yogalina Wellness Centre held in the Joslins Barn; this is an excellent idea for pre-wedding activities. After a few hours, we gathered for garden tea and treats such as homemade cakes. One of my favourite moments was sipping fragrant tea and indulging in delicious pastries while enjoying the lush garden scenery. The conversations flowed easily, and sharing experiences with fellow attendees was fantastic.
Cocktail and Canapés
We reconvened for cocktails and canapés. Ollie from Liquid Spirit crafted various creative and delicious cocktails that were a hit with everyone. The canapés, prepared by Caswell Kitchen, were equally delightful—each bite was a perfect blend of flavours and textures.
Cocktail Masterclass
The Cocktail Masterclass was both fun and informative. Ollie guided us through making classic and innovative cocktails, sharing tips and tricks we could use at home. It was a lively and interactive session that added a lot of fun to the evening.
Four-Course Dinner
The highlight of the evening was the four-course dinner, created by our talented chefs, Anthony Robinson and Abbie Allen from Caswell Kitchen, who prepared each course as a culinary masterpiece. The dishes were paired with exquisite wines selected by Tim Bradley from the Oxford Wine Company, enhancing the flavours and creating a truly memorable dining experience. Every bite was a delight, from the beautifully presented appetizers to the decadent desserts.
Throughout the dinner, Georgia Roe’s enchanting voice serenaded us. Her melodic tones provided a romantic and elegant backdrop to the meal, enhancing the ambience and making the evening even more special.
Nightcap
We ended the evening with a nightcap. It was a cosy and intimate moment, perfect for reflecting on the day’s experiences and enjoying a final toast with new friends.
Breakfast The following day,
We were treated to a beautiful breakfast, the perfect end to our stay. The delicious breakfast items satisfied us and prepared us for the day.
Weddings at Caswell House
Holding 180 weddings a year, Caswell House is a dream wedding venue uniquely blends historic charm and modern luxury. Here’s what makes weddings at Caswell House so unique:
Ceremony Spaces Caswell House offers various stunning spaces for wedding ceremonies. Couples can exchange vows in the beautifully restored barns featuring high ceilings, stone walls, and large windows. For those preferring an outdoor ceremony, the picturesque gardens provide a breathtaking backdrop with lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
Reception Areas The reception areas at Caswell House are equally impressive. The spacious barns can be elegantly decorated to match any wedding theme, offering a perfect setting for dining and dancing. Designed to accommodate intimate gatherings and more significant celebrations, the reception areas ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Accommodation and Guest Capacity Caswell House offers luxurious accommodations for wedding parties and guests. The estate features several beautifully appointed rooms, each blending rustic charm and modern comfort. The venue can comfortably host up to 140 guests for the wedding ceremony and reception. Limited overnight accommodations are available for the wedding party and close family members, providing convenience and comfort.
Catering Caswell Kitchen, led by chefs Anthony Robinson and Abbie Allen, provides exceptional catering services. The catering team works closely with couples to create personalized menus that reflect their tastes and preferences. From gourmet canapés to lavish multi-course dinners, the food at Caswell House is sure to impress.
Floral Design and Decor Joanna Carter and The Luxe Collection collaborate to create stunning floral designs and table decor for weddings. Their creativity and attention to detail make every wedding uniquely beautiful, enhancing the venue’s natural charm.
Photography and Videography Char Cook Photography, Poppy Carter, and Matt PS Visuals are the talented professionals who capture the magic of weddings at Caswell House. Their expertise ensures that every special moment is beautifully documented.
Entertainment live entertainment at Caswell House adds elegance and joy to weddings. Georgia Roe’s enchanting singing and Robert Benson’s captivating saxophone performances enhance the celebrations.
Exceptional Services Caswell House offers special services to make each wedding unique, from bespoke stationery by Louise Ralphs to rustic furniture hire by Hire Love and Chipping Norton Event Hire. Lighting by Oakwood Events adds to the ambience, while custom cakes and lavender biscuits by The Pretty Cake Company provide a sweet finishing touch.
Personal Reflections Reflecting on my experience at the Cotswold Experience, I admire Caswell House. The venue’s charm, exceptional service, and meticulous attention to detail make it a premier wedding choice. The Matthews family’s dedication and the staff’s hard work were evident throughout the event, ensuring that every moment was enjoyable and memorable. One suggestion for future events would be offering guests more overnight accommodations, adding convenience and enhancing the overall experience.
The inaugural Cotswold Experience at Caswell House was an absolute delight. The venue’s stunning setting, outstanding service, and thoughtfully curated activities make it an ideal choice for any special occasion, especially weddings.
Many thanks to the team hosting the Costwold Experience
- Venue Caswell House
- Catering – Caswell Kitchen @Anthony Robinson and @Abbie Allen
- Wine Pairing – Oxford Wine Company @Tim Bradley DipWSET
- Floral Design & Silver Birch Trees – @Joanna Carter
- Table Décor – @The Luxe Collection Jen and Sam
- Stationary – @Louise Ralphs
- Furniture Hire – Hire Love @Rachael – Hire Love
- Cocktails & Master Class – Liquid Spirit @[email protected] Ollie
- Photo & Video – @Char Cook Photography @Poppy Carter @Matt PS Visuals
- Singer – @Georgia Roe
- Sax – @[email protected]
- Yoga & Sounds Bowls – Yogalina @Alina Skuba
- Lighting – @Oakwood Events
- Cake Display & Lavender Biscuits – @The Pretty Cake Company Samantha
- Rustic Tables – @Chipping Norton Event Hire Shane
Caswell House
Caswell Lane, Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, England OX18 3NJ, United Kingdom
Call: 01993 701064
