It was built in 1889 and was originally a farm.
A new wedding venue has exceeded its booking targets for the summer season by 100%.
The 19th century Hall Barns recently accepted its 55th event booking since it opened in 2021 in the grounds of Prestwold Hall near Loughborough.
It's meant there's been a huge return on investment.
After a refurbishment project, the 6,200 sq. ft venue will have repaid the initial investment in half the original time predicted.
Hall Barns was identified by specialist land management and property consultancy Mather Jamie as 'an ideal prospect for a rural wedding and events venue'. Hamish Byers, who is from the firm, manages the Prestwold Estate.
The barn was built in 1889 by Sir Edward Hussey Packe, private secretary and High Sheriff of Leicestershire, and was originally used as a model farm.
It sat in ruins until Edward Packe-Drury-Lowe, the current owner of the Prestwold Estate and great-grandson of Sir Edward, began the extensive renovation with valued advice and guidance from Hamish.
Edward Packe-Drury-Lowe, from the Prestwold Estate said: “Mather Jamie help us manage the complicated functions of a busy, thriving estate and we value their ongoing advice and experience in helping us to diversify our activities to increase revenue so we can protect the estate for the enjoyment of future generations.”
Commenting on the success of the venue, Hamish added: “This is a tremendous achievement. When refurbishing historic listed buildings in rural locations it is always a challenge to ensure the refurbishment is carried out in a sympathetic way and within the strict planning regulations.
"It is also important to carefully balance budgets so that the finished product is market appropriate whilst having a realistic chance of guaranteeing a good return on investment.
"We began the conversion during covid restrictions and had to make a careful considered approach to what effect the pandemic might have on the future events business.
"We are very lucky that that building is very versatile and we have designed it to be as flexible as possible."
Tucked away in its own secluded spot, Hall Barns is a quaint and characterful venue featuring exposed wooden beams and a capacity to host up to 70 seated wedding guests or 150 partygoers.
