By Josie Wright
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April 8, 2025
St Osyth Priory welcomed VIPs, heritage enthusiasts and members of the community to celebrate the official opening of its magnificently restored Gatehouse – a treasured symbol of the estate’s rich history and future as a luxury wedding venue. The event was marked by a special guest appearance from renowned TV architect George Clarke, known for his Channel 4 shows The Restoration Man and Amazing Spaces. George cut the ribbon and praised the extraordinary work carried out to restore the Gatehouse, which dates back to 1481 and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest examples of flint flushwork. The day’s celebrations included guided tours of the priory estate, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship and architectural heritage that defines St Osyth Priory. Visitors were also given a glimpse inside the recently restored Darcy House – now a beautifully reimagined events space, combining historical grandeur with modern comfort. A highlight of the event was a lively panel discussion and Q&A session featuring George Clarke, restoration experts and representatives from St Osyth Priory. Together, they discussed the challenges and triumphs of restoring such an important heritage site, as well as the vision for its sustainable future. The Gatehouse restoration is part of a long-standing project led by the Sargeant family, who have owned the estate since 1999. “It has been a labour of love,” said William Grinsted, Managing Director. “To now make the Gatehouse the centrepiece of a luxury wedding venue will mean this incredible building will host many more memories that will last a lifetime.” Simon Vernon-Harcourt, Design & Planning Director at City & Country Group, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the estate’s ongoing role in creating a unique community in a setting steeped in history. St Osyth Priory now stands not only as a monument to the past but also as a beacon for future celebrations, bringing heritage and hospitality together in one extraordinary place.
