Business Details
13 Years
experience
Exclusive Event Venue on Jurassic Coast
Established in 2013, Smedmore House offers exclusive access to an 18th-century Dorset seaside manor for weddings, corporate events, holidays, and film productions. Nestled between Swyre Hill and Kimmeridge Bay, our venue combines historic elegance with modern comforts, sleeping up to 24 guests across 11 bedrooms. The property features two acres of walled gardens, panoramic sea views, and proximity to the Jurassic Coasts unique geological formations. Our experienced team facilitates seamless event planning, leveraging over a decade of expertise in hospitality management. Sited within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the house provides tranquil surroundings while remaining accessible via major transport links to London.We maintain the propertys heritage integrity while offering contemporary amenities, including a newly refurbished bridal suite with vaulted ceilings. Guests consistently praise our ability to balance National Trust-quality preservation with relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Our location adjacent to Kimmeridge Bay enables water sports enthusiasts to explore fossil-rich shorelines moments from their accommodation. We collaborate with local suppliers like Clavells Tower Landmark Trust to curate bespoke experiences for visitors. This rare combination of historical significance, scenic beauty, and operational excellence establishes Smedmore House as Dorsets premier exclusive-use venue.
Services
Wedding Venues
Corporate Events
Holiday Rentals
Film Location Hire
Accommodation
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Exclusive 18th-century manor with uninterrupted Jurassic Coast views
- Sleeps 24 guests across 11 uniquely styled bedrooms
- Two acres of walled gardens and direct access to Kimmeridge Bay
- Experience hosting film productions and high-profile weddings
- Award-winning architectural preservation balancing heritage with modern comfort
What people say
Most beautiful house
Perfect venue
Tranquil privacy
Historic charm
Breathtaking views
Services
Wedding Venues
Exclusive hire of a Grade II-listed manor for weddings, civil ceremonies, and receptions. The venue accommodates 16-24 guests with dedicated bridal suite, formal gardens, and panoramic sea views. Perfect for both intimate celebrations and grand events.
Corporate Events
Historic venue for corporate retreats, board meetings, and team-building. Features period meeting rooms with modern AV equipment, 24-guest accommodation, and expansive grounds fostering creativity. Ideal for combining business with leisure in a private coastal setting.
Holiday Rentals
Luxury self-catering rental of an 18th-century manor with 11 bedrooms, formal gardens, and uninterrupted Jurassic Coast vistas. Sleeps 24 guests with modern amenities in a heritage-protected environment, perfect for special occasion vacations.
Film Location Hire
Period property available as filming location showcasing Georgian architecture and coastal scenery. Equipped with production-friendly infrastructure while maintaining historical authenticity. Recently used for period dramas and lifestyle content requiring authentic British heritage settings.
Event Planning
Tailored event management services for weddings and corporate functions. Our team curates local suppliers, manages logistics, and ensures compliance with heritage site regulations while delivering seamless guest experiences in this exclusive coastal venue.
People
Laura Dugdale
Event Management Consultant
With 12 years' experience in luxury event coordination, Laura oversees wedding and corporate bookings at Smedmore House. She ensures flawless execution of events while maintaining the property's historical integrity.
Jack Wren
Caretaker
Responsible for maintenance and operations at Smedmore House, Jack has 15 years' experience managing historic properties. He ensures the building's preservation while facilitating guest comfort and accessibility.
Eilish Butterfield
Wedding Coordinator
Specialising in nautical-themed weddings, Eilish has coordinated 150+ ceremonies at Smedmore House. Her expertise includes managing seasonal challenges while maintaining guest satisfaction and venue protection.
Alice Baker
Estate Manager
Overseeing Smedmore Estate's long-term preservation, Alice combines property management with environmental stewardship. Her work ensures sustainable tourism practices alongside protection of Kimmeridge Bay's geological heritage.
Questions
What types of events can I host at Smedmore House?
We host weddings, civil ceremonies, corporate retreats, family holidays, and film productions. Our venue accommodates groups up to 24 guests with exclusive use of the property and grounds.
Is accommodation included with event bookings?
Yes, our standard rental includes 11 bedrooms sleeping 24 guests. Additional accommodations are available nearby at Clavell’s Tower and local B&Bs.
What makes Smedmore House unique as an event venue?
Our combination of Georgian architecture, uninterrupted Jurassic Coast views, and proximity to Kimmeridge Bay’s geological formations creates a distinctive setting unmatched by conventional venues.
Are there environmental considerations for events?
We enforce strict sustainability practices, including waste management systems and eco-friendly transportation recommendations to protect our AONB location.
How accessible is Smedmore House for international visitors?
Nearest airports are Bournemouth and Southampton. We recommend pre-arranged taxi transfers through Jurassic Cabs or Phil’s Cabs for reliable transportation to our rural location.
Can I visit the property before booking?
Wedding viewings are available via appointment with Eilish Butterfield. Corporate and film production tours require advance arrangements with our management team.
