**Historic Soughton Hall Unveils Plans for Luxurious Permanent Wedding Venue**
Soughton Hall, a celebrated Grade II-listed country house nestled in the picturesque village of Sychdyn near Mold, has lodged ambitious proposals to construct a permanent wedding and events pavilion within its extensive grounds. Renowned throughout the region for its elegance and storied past, the estate is now looking to enhance its offerings by replacing its current temporary marquee with a bespoke, two-storey venue tailored for large gatherings and celebrations.
The proposal, recently submitted to Flintshire County Council, details plans for a sophisticated 150-seat dining hall situated in the north-eastern gardens, seamlessly connected to an outdoor events space. In addition to the main function area, the new structure will also incorporate a luxury bridal suite on the first floor, complete with its own private balcony. This thoughtful addition aims to provide couples and their guests with both beauty and functionality during their stay.
According to planning documents, the envisioned development will not impinge on the main historic house itself—an important safeguarding for the architectural heritage of Soughton Hall. However, to accommodate the new construction, some mature trees, currently under Tree Protection Orders (TPOs), would need to be removed or relocated. The venue’s owner, Elle R Leisure, has pledged to collaborate closely with the local forestry officer to ensure environmental responsibilities are met and to mitigate the loss of valuable greenery.
Soughton Hall’s grounds are also set for further restoration. The neglected Game Larder, another listed structure once central to the estate’s hunting history, features in the renovation plans. Historically used for curing meats, this building stands as a testament to the property’s long relationship with Welsh country life, and its repair is seen as both a preservation and a celebration of these traditions.
The story of Soughton Hall is itself a rich tapestry of architectural grandeur and cultural significance. Founded in 1727 for the Conway family, the estate underwent major remodelling during the early 19th century under William John Bankes, associate of the famed poet Lord Byron. Crucially, the transformation involved the celebrated architect Charles Barry, who afterwards earned international acclaim for rebuilding the Palace of Westminster following its devastating fire in 1834.
Additional structural changes occurred later under the guidance of Chester architect John Douglas, who was commissioned by John Scott Bankes, nephew to the aforementioned William. It is largely this period of remodelling that shaped the Soughton Hall as it stands today, its architectural layers telling a story of continuity and change across the centuries.
Since passing from the Bankes family in the 1980s, Soughton Hall has earned a reputation as a luxury hotel and popular destination for weddings. Its guest list is peppered with notable figures, having played host to the celebrated tenor Luciano Pavarotti and King Juan Carlos I of Spain on separate occasions. In more recent years, the hall even gained cinematic prominence, serving as a filming location for the 2022 film “The Eternal Daughter,” starring Tilda Swinton.
Local reaction to the proposed upgrade has so far been mixed among residents and heritage lovers, with many awaiting decisions from council planners that will carefully weigh both the historic environment and the hall’s future as a premier events venue. The move echoes a growing trend in the hospitality industry, where venues seek to provide unique, memorable experiences while preserving historical charms.
As the planning process unfolds, all eyes will be on Flintshire County Council, whose decision will shape not only the future of Soughton Hall, but also the evolving character of wedding and event tourism in North Wales. The coming months will reveal whether this prominent estate can successfully balance progress with preservation, ensuring that it remains a sought-after destination for decades to come.