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Venue Type
Country House
City
Barnstaple
Region
South West
Standing
200
theatre
200
dinner
200
bedrooms
13
About
Ash Barton Estate
Ash Barton Estate is an exclusive-use country estate near Braunton in North Devon, offering an exceptionally flexible setting for weddings, corporate events, private parties, retreats and celebrations. Set within around 25 acres of woodland, fields, gardens, wildflower meadows and lakes, the estate combines a substantial manor house with two event barns, an old chapel, courtyards, gardens and extensive recreational facilities.
What particularly sets Ash Barton apart is its genuinely flexible dry-hire approach. Clients have exclusive use of the estate and are free to select their own caterers, bars, production companies and other suppliers. A commercial catering kitchen is provided for external caterers, while there is no corkage and no curfew, giving organisers considerably more freedom than at many traditional country-house venues.
Event Spaces
Big Party Barn
The main event space at Ash Barton, the Big Party Barn accommodates up to 200 guests for seated celebrations and parties. The barn includes a dance floor, lighting and sound system, with a commercial catering kitchen positioned immediately behind it for external caterers. With no fixed closing time, it works particularly well for parties, dinners, weddings and larger corporate celebrations.
Threshing Barn
A second substantial barn providing an alternative setting for ceremonies, dinners and events for up to 200 guests. Its rustic character provides a blank canvas for organisers to bring in their own styling, production and suppliers, and it can be used alongside the Party Barn for larger or multi-space events.
Old Chapel
An intimate character space accommodating up to 50 guests seated. The Chapel provides a distinctive setting for smaller ceremonies, meetings, presentations and private gatherings away from the larger barns.
Manor House Dining Room
Located within the main house, the Dining Room seats up to 30 guests and is specifically promoted for company meetings and lunches as well as private dinners and intimate celebrations. It provides a useful smaller meeting and hospitality space for residential groups.
Games Barn
A substantial recreational space incorporating full-size snooker and pool tables, indoor five-a-side football, badminton, basketball, table tennis, air hockey and other activities. It is particularly useful for corporate away days, residential retreats and team-building events.
Courtyard, Gardens & Grounds
The estate's courtyards, lawns, gardens, meadows and lakes provide extensive outdoor event possibilities, from drinks receptions and summer parties to outdoor dining, team activities and festival-style events. A flat 27m x 23m area is also available for camping, bell tents and yurts.
Facilities and Services
Ash Barton is primarily a dry-hire venue rather than a fully serviced events operation. Tables and chairs are provided, including 39 round tables, 34 trestle tables and 220 chairs, while the Party Barn has its own sound and lighting facilities. Clients then bring in the caterers, event planners, bars, entertainment and production required for their event.
Ideal For
Weddings
Corporate Retreats
Corporate Parties
Residential Events
Private Parties
Team Away Days
Celebrations
Festival-Style Events
Filming & Photography
Exclusive-Use Events
Key Features
200 Guest Capacity
Exclusive Use
External Catering
Dry Hire
No Corkage
No Curfew
12/13 Bedrooms
Sleeps Up To 46
25-Acre Estate
Commercial Catering Kitchen
200 Guest Capacity
Exclusive Use
External Catering
Dry Hire
No Corkage
No Curfew
12/13 Bedrooms
Sleeps Up To 46
25-Acre Estate
Commercial Catering Kitchen
Why Hire
Ash Barton is particularly strong for clients who want to create their own event rather than fit into a venue's predetermined package. Organisers are explicitly free to appoint their own caterers and suppliers, while the commercial kitchen, furniture, sound system and existing infrastructure provide the practical facilities needed to deliver an event.
Its residential element is another major advantage. The manor house can accommodate up to 46 guests across 12/13 bedrooms, allowing corporate groups, wedding parties and private clients to take over the estate for several days rather than simply hiring an event room for an evening.
Capabilities
Venue Features
Venue Tech
Venue Catering
Venue Gallery
Location
Location and Access
Ash Barton Estate is located on Ash Road near Braunton in North Devon, surrounded by countryside and more than a mile from its nearest neighbour. The secluded setting is particularly suited to exclusive-use events and explains why the estate can operate without a conventional event curfew.
Despite its rural location, Barnstaple is within easy reach and provides the nearest railway connection. The estate has its own car park accommodating more than 50 vehicles, with straightforward road access from the wider North Devon area.
Barnstaple Railway Station | 5 miles
Braunton | 4 miles
Exeter Airport | 55 miles
VENUE INFO
Event spaces
6
meeting rooms
4
bedrooms
13
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