104 | Bangor Farm T T Ange Davidson Function venue with the wow factor At the end of an impressive avenue of old English oak trees is Bangor Farm, a function and wedding venue near the mid-Canterbury town of Darfield. The venue is set amongst 20 hectares of park style grounds with oak and redwood trees, ponds, and stunning views of Mount Hutt, Torlesse and the Southern Alps. The venue called The Deer Shed, has separate spaces that can comfortably accommodate 300 people or a small family gathering. The Deer Shed was originally a trophy museum, function and sales facility built by renowned red deer stud breeder Clive Jeremy. India and Mark van der Wilt purchased the complex with 60 hectares of land in 2016 and converted it into two function rooms while keeping the original Auditorium. “We had intended to buy the Bangor homestead but once we drove up the kilometre-long tree lined driveway into the park like grounds surrounded by oak trees and incredible views, we knew this was it,” says India. “We were wondering what to do with the deer shed and had talked about the possibility of turning it into a venue. It all came together when a local deer farmer bought the internal workings of the shed and our vision of a venue became a reality. “People love coming out here, it’s a really unique environment. The magnificent driveway was originally the entrance to the Bangor homestead and it still makes us go ‘wow’ when we drive in,” India says. Inside the 1680qs Deer Shed is the elegantly rustic Barn Room that seats 300 people, the Long Room which seats up to 120 guests for dining, and the Auditorium equipped with sound equipment, microphones and projector. There is a kitchen, bridal room/office and bathrooms inside while paved terraces and a veranda outside the Deer Shed extend the area and provide an all-weather option for ceremonies and other activities. Outdoors is The Folly, a soft lime-chip clearing amongst the oak trees complete with old cast iron columns, a chandelier and mountain backdrop. There is a Marquee site on the mown wedding lawn and at the ponds. Photo opportunities are wherever you look. “Bangor Farm is super versatile and we are hosting two-three weddings a week during the season. We provide the infrastructure for a wedding or function and clients will provide the rest. We’re like a biscuit tin with everything in it and clients choose what they want or bring their own extras. We can even provide horses and old classic cars on request,” says India. “We have a fully appointed kitchen and clients book their own caterers. We do have caterers we work with and can make recomEVENTS mendations. Clients also supply their own alcohol and can hire our bar and wait staff.” “We will help a couple through the planning process and get them to come through the venue a few times, bring their friends and family, even a tape measure, so they’re relaxed and on top of their game on their wedding day,”. The family run business caps wedding numbers at 180 -200 so there’s plenty of room for socialising and dancing and they recommend couples hire a wedding coordinator once numbers climb over 150. For private functions, corporate events and product launches they can recommend event stylists and floral designers. India, Mark and their daughter Emma run the show with their other three children helping out when they are around. “We know our strengths and we are great organisers and communicators. We like to have all our ducks in a row and provide an incredible venue to ensure weddings and events at Bangor Farm are a truly amazing experience. We’re only half an hour from Christchurch, but a world away from the city.” “The magnificent driveway was originally the entrance to the Bangor homestead and it still makes us go ‘wow’ when we drive in.” www.countryfeasts.co.nz I info@countryfeasts.co,nz
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