The Mill
THE MILL
The Mill
The original Mill was first built in Sopley in 1066. Since then it has been renovated, rebuilt and reborn numerous times. The current Mill was built around 1780 and has been owned by the same family since 1870. It finished it’s life as a working Mill in the mid 50’s and in 2013 we spent a year renovating this wonderful building back to its former glory.
This beautiful building still has the stunning original features of the watermill with oak beams, exposed brick work and incredible views over the Avon water meadows. The gardens and lawn are flanked on both sides by the Avon Millstream. The wild location is picturesque and completely private without another house in view – you would never know we are just 8 minutes from the centre of Bournemouth.
There are 3 main floors to the building, all of which are accessible by the lift. The River View room (3rd floor) has a gorgeous vaulted ceiling, original wooden floor, stunning views across the gardens and meadows. Seating for up to 100 people on 10 tables.
We absolutely LOVE The Granary (2nd floor) for ceremonies. This beautiful room is light, bright and our favourite place to get married. Being south facing we get the sun streaming in through the windows, reflecting off the river below and streaking the ceiling with dancing sun beams. This stunning space is licensed for ceremonies and can seat up to 100 guests.
Our wonderful Avon Suite, on the (1st floor) is your sanctuary for the day. The place for brides and bridesmaids to enjoy getting ready together with a glass of champagne.
The Boat Room, on the (ground floor) is also licensed for more intimate ceremonies of up to 30 guests. In the evening the ground floor Holt Bar, Snug and Boat room are ideal for buffets, photobooths, casinos or anything else you have in mind.
The grounds at the Mill are definitely one of its highlights. Flanked on both sides by the river and with beautiful views it is the most stunning location for your reception drinks. Your guests can relax on the deck sipping cocktails from the River Bar, mingle on the terraces or play garden games on the lawn. You have plenty of space to bring in anything that you think will make your big day amazing and unique. From garden games to bouncy castles, summer fetes, coconut shy, marquees, Bell tents – the options are endless. For the evening we have up-lit the trees and added stunning lighting to the Mill and down the river. As the sunsets over the meadows hundreds of twinkling lights turn on to make the gardens come alive. For winter guests these outside lights come on earlier and give your wedding a truly magical glow.
We want you to be able give your guests the drinks you would like without costing the earth so that is why we don’t charge corkage on any Champagne, wines or beer if you would like to supply your own. Alternatively we think wedding drinks are so important that we leave it to the experts. So that is why we work with Tom’s Bespoke Bars. They really know their stuff and you will be in good hands with them. During the day they can run the Holt Bar on the ground floor and in the evening create delicious cocktails in the Potting Shed Bar. Tom and his team run the Pay Bar at the Mill and offer great value drinks options for your guests during your reception and wedding breakfast.
READ MORENothing is more boring than hunting for a parking space or waking up the next morning in a panic that wardens will get there before you do. Here we have plenty of parking for all your guests. And they are more than welcome to leave their cars overnight. If you are getting married in the Mill or at our beautiful church your guests can park and forget about their cars for the rest of the day. That is the beauty of getting married in the countryside and not in town!
