History

Originally a farmhouse, Knighton House was absorbed into the Portman family estate in 1774 when it was purchased as part of Durweston village. Extended in 1830, it served as the dowager house for the Portman family, who also owned Bryanston House.

The Portman family resided in the house until 1950 when ownership was passed to the Crown Estate in settlement of outstanding death duties. At this time, John and Peggy Booker wished to establish a new preparatory school in the area, and Knighton House was the perfect fit. It still runs as a successful girls' boarding school, and has recently become available for weddings and events.

Facilities

There is something to suit all tastes at Knighton House. With a choice of indoor rooms and outdoor areas all licensed to host civil ceremonies, and various options for a lavish reception party, you'll be sure to enjoy an amazing celebration, whatever your style!

Reception Hall

Perfect for welcome drinks or post-ceremony champagne and canapés, this versatile area showcases a grand wooden staircase and can be used later on as a sitting area, to host an evening buffet or as a chill-out space. It is also licensed for civil ceremonies.

Terrace

This area overlooks the picturesque lawned gardens, surrounded by blissful Dorset countryside, and is ideal for welcome drinks.

The Portman Suite

This dedicated events suite comprises both a Library and Drawing Room, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Central to the 18th-century life of the house, each of the rooms has been restored to its former prestige, offering Georgian colour palates and period décor, including original wood flooring and an imposing fireplace. The interconnected rooms can fit up to 90 guests for a wedding breakfast. The French doors open out onto the wide terrace, and both areas have a civil ceremony licence.

Gardens

The gardens at Knighton House are absolutely breathtaking. With stunning vistas of the Dorset hills, a charming celebration can be hosted outside. The Library spills out onto the spacious terrace, making that area perfect for a drinks and canapés reception.

Couples can arrange an outdoor civil ceremony to be conducted either on the front lawn, in the woodland area or the courtyard.

Marquee

Perfect for a reception, the main lawn can hold a marquee for up to 140 guests; a larger one can be put up on the games lawn.

Catering

The professional in-house caterers work exceptionally well at Knighton House and can offer a range of culinary delights, including a traditional wedding breakfast, afternoon tea or a buffet. They readily cater for any number of guests and offer easily adaptable sample menus. A dedicated wedding coordinator assists throughout. Wedding parties are welcome to provide their own alcohol.

Accommodation

There is a large area where guests are invited to put up their own tents or use the equipment from their recommended suppliers, Honeybells, who provide a deluxe glamping experience, delivering and setting up their bell tents ready for guest check-in. There are three different hire options, and in all over 300 guests can be accommodated. The tents range from basic to luxury, featuring exterior lighting, carpet, bunting and beds. All tents carry a personalised Honeybells label so wedding guests can tell them apart!

The charming wedding tent is exclusive for the bride and groom. A five-metre bell tent with a wrought-iron double bed, the superb accommodation ensures that the newlywed couple will spend their night in blissful luxury. The wedding tent also features bedside tables, lanterns, floor cushions and a chest of drawers, and the couple are welcomed in with chilled champagne and chocolates.

Further luxurious offerings from Honeybells are furnished Moroccan-style chill-out tents, pamper tents and a children's play area.

To get in touch with the hospitality team at Knighton House, please click on the contact details just below this listing.