THE Bathurst Estate has announced that work has commenced on a historic building in Cirencester.

Corinium Construction Ltd has recently started work on transforming the historic Ivy Lodge and surrounding outbuildings in Cirencester Park into an exclusive hospitality and wedding venue.

The buildings are located next to Cirencester Park Polo Club in the heart of the historic privately-owned parkland.

This project has been created in partnership with popular Cotswold wedding company Cripps & Co.

It is anticipated to open in Spring 2025, with bookings taken from Autumn 2023.

The application to convert and restore the Ivy Lodge and the attached farm buildings, walls and shelter shed into a wedding venue was first submitted to the Cotswold District Council in January.

Due to the fact they are Grade II listed buildings this application had to undergo extensive consultation with Historic England and CDC.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: What the Ivy Lodge will look like after development What the Ivy Lodge will look like after development (Image: The Bathurst Estate)

Plans were approved in May, where a number of conditions were imposed - for example details of glazed screens within the barn, fire escape, new handrail, internal wall and finishes to the barn must be approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to their installation.

The Ivy Lodge was first established in the 14th century and was subsequently developed to its 18th-century Gothic Revival form by the 1st Earl Bathurst. 

Over the last few years the barn, yards and outbuildings have also been used as a home, as offices and farm buildings.

Peter Clegg of The Bathurst Estate said: "We, along with Cripps & Co. are delighted to have secured planning consent from Cotswold District Council. 

"It’s exciting to restore Ivy Lodge to its former glory, giving it a new purpose so that it contributes to life on the estate today, and so that more people can enjoy its architecture and setting.

"Cirencester Park and the Polo Club are an incredible back drop for a wedding venue, and we look forward to welcoming Cripps & Co. and their guests when it opens in Spring 2025."

The Bathurst Estate has also received planning permission for the refurbishment of the Tunnel House Inn in Coates and the addition of six eco lodges within the pub grounds.

However, the Bathurst Estate team has confirmed that work has not started on this project yet.

These new hospitality venture adds to The Bathurst Estate’s growing leisure portfolio which currently comprises of pubs The Bathurst Arms at North Cerney and The Bell at Sapperton, the recently opened Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden Restaurant at The Old Kennels and the newly refurbished holiday cottages, Keeper’s Barn and Clover Barn at Kemble.