The Corn Barn - a
bespoke wedding and conference venue at Sutton Barton, Devon - is
the remarkable and beautiful result of a very determined couple,
Ian and Yta Batchelor.
When the Batchelors bought Sutton Barton, it was home to several
tired and neglected barns, used mainly for storing and threshing
corn. The Batchelors wanted to restore the barns and make proper
use of them, initially planning to convert them into offices. When
their request for planning permission was declined, the Batchelors
decided to convert the barns into a wedding venue. Ian explains,
"We attended a wedding which was held at a venue very similar in
principle to the Corn Barn today. We were really impressed with the
work that had been done there and thought it could be a good idea
to offer weddings in our barns."
After obtaining Rural Development Plan Funding early last year,
the Batchelors began renovation work in earnest. Much of the
materials used were either sourced from the barns themselves or
from the local area, and by August the work was complete. Many new
complimentary features were added to the barns including a raised
balcony, from where the main barn can be viewed.
Today, the Corn Barn is a truly unique venue for both weddings
and conferences. Complete with a bar, covered area for barbecues
and a south-facing landscaped courtyard, the barns and its grounds
are enclosed and therefore afford total privacy. As they have been
neutrally finished, the barns can also be decorated and laid out to
suit each individual event.
"We give people a free rein at the Corn Barn", adds Yta, "We
like them to think of the barns as a blank canvas, meaning the
event - whether a wedding or a conference - can be run exactly how
they want it to be. A wedding in particular is very personal. We
allow people to make the Corn Barn their own for that day, making
it a truly unique and individual experience."
The Batchelors are relatively new Cornish Mutual Members, having
only joined the company once the Corn Barn was complete. Ian says,
"We changed to Cornish Mutual from our previous insurer on a
friend's recommendation. The quote we received from Cornish Mutual
was in fact very similar to those of our previous insurer - the
advantage that they had over the other company, however, was our
local Insurance Inspector Nick Wales. I can contact Nick directly,
and he will actually come out and visit us if we need him to. Apart
from making our lives much easier, we know for certain that we have
exactly the right cover for our needs." The Batchelors now have all
their insurances with Cornish Mutual, including home, fleet and farm
insurance.
Nick Wales is the local Insurance Inspector for Crediton,
Budleigh Salterton and Teignmouth. He is the first port of call for
Ian and Yta should they have any questions or problems. "Living and
working alongside our Members means that we really get to know each
other" explains Nick, "I have a great relationship with Ian and Yta
and am happy to call in any time to discuss their insurances - I'm
even thinking about suggesting the Corn Barn for one of our own
Inspectors' meetings."
If you would like to find out more about the Corn Barn, visit
their website www.thecornbarn.com, or call Ian and Yta on
01884 32107.
