\n
You\u2019ve heard of heritage-listed homes, chapels and barns, but what about a heritage-listed hallway? Yes it\u2019s a real thing. And it owes its protection to the tastes and traditions of a bygone era.<\/p>\n
According to new owners Deborah and Andrew, the hallway that wends it way through Marybrooke Manor<\/a> – a destination guesthouse in the Dandenong Ranges – enjoys heritage listing because of its unusual design, which takes the form of a curve.<\/p>\n \u201cThe building itself isn\u2019t heritage listed, just the hallway,\u201d Deborah explains. And its origins are all tied in with appearances.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the owners originally built the property in the 1930s, they didn\u2019t want to have one big, long narrow corridor, so they decided to have a curved hallway,\u201d Deborah says.<\/p>\n However, the job was much easier said than done, as it involved both the ceiling and the cornicing, incorporating only 20cm at a time.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would have been almost impossible to do,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would have literally involved joining 20cm pieces all together and then seamlessly joining, sanding and buffeting them so you couldn\u2019t tell they were separate,\u201d she says. Just imagine the time and dedication it must have taken.<\/p>\n But it\u2019s stories such as this, which cast a romantic eye on history, that make heritage-listed properties an increasingly popular option for modern weddings.<\/p>\n Here are some others perspectives to consider.<\/p>\n Properties that incorporate heritage listing are well protected, so any renovations or expansions must be done with a careful and considered approach. This ensures a seamless blend between the spirit of yesterday and the full complement of modern conveniences.<\/p>\n \u201cHeritage and ambience are something you can\u2019t fake or replicate,\u201d says Deborah<\/a>.<\/p>\n People can absolutely tell when something is the real deal and that\u2019s why heritage properties walk a fine line to ensure features such as old fireplaces or ornate ceilings are enhanced, rather than overshadowed, by luxuries such as private ensuites, self-controlled heating and flatscreen TVs.<\/p>\n It\u2019s all about tapping into the rich character of history and following in the footsteps of those who came before, while still ensuring your guests enjoy the full complement of modern amenities.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Heritage-element homes often date back to a time when formal gardens were lovingly created with precision and perfection, from stunning rose gardens to water features. This opens up perfect locations for wedding celebrations that encompass the great outdoors.<\/p>\n \u201cThe beauty of these types of garden is they\u2019re not something you find everywhere,\u201d says Deborah, whose eight-acre property encompasses elegant English-style gardens. \u201cThey\u2019re very structured, with lots of hedges and lots of manicured lawns.\u201d It\u2019s absolutely breathtaking.<\/p>\n The types of trees that feature are also different, with pine trees and conifers taking the place of the usual natives found in more rustic designs.<\/p>\n \u201cWe actually don\u2019t have any gum trees at all,\u201d says Deborah, pointing to other drawcards such as a wine garden, outdoor garden gazebo and waterfall.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a massive oak tree that tries pride of place in the front roundabout, providing a signature element and stunning welcome in line with the property\u2019s English guesthouse character.<\/p>\n \u201cIn autumn it\u2019s just amazing,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s an orange burgundy sort of colour, which is just sensational.\u201d<\/p>\n And don\u2019t worry if it rains \u2013 most heritage properties have indoor ceremony options available.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Treat the architecture as a character<\/span><\/p>\n From sprawling staircases to hidden water features, polished timber floors, ornate ceilings and exquisite garden statues, heritage-styled homes are more than just four walls and a house. They\u2019re a readymade and beautiful backdrop for celebrations big and small, so bring them front and centre.<\/p>\n You could make your entrance down an aisle laid out in stone or serve canap\u00e9s under an enormous veranda that cries out for cocktails and chatter.<\/p>\n The key is to go exploring and find the nooks and crannies that will help create just the atmosphere you\u2019re looking for, from a love seat perfect for couples to the perfect spot to let babies have a crawl on a picnic blanket.\u00a0 The fun, as always, is in the exploration.<\/p>\n By nature of their outlook, heritage-feel homes feature untold photographic backdrops that can be used to tell a wonderful story. This could be something as small as an ornate cupboard with intricate craftsmanship on the doors to a spectacular handmade chandelier. Thanks go to the old-fashioned eyes that valued beauty big and small.<\/p>\n \u201cTo give you an example, we have a library, or drawing room, which is very much in keeping with the original building from the 1930s,\u201d says Deborah<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has gorgeous timber walls and, when you walk in, it has that beautiful antique smell, just like a house from Canterbury. It features a three-piece lounge suite and a coffee table with an oil lamp and it has amazing lighting. In the afternoon, with the sun streaming through the window, it\u2019s an amazing place to take photographs.\u201d<\/p>\n Likewise the property has beautiful wrought iron gates and a striking timber staircase that allows the train to flow behind the bride as she descends. Again, exploration is the key to uncovering the perfect photo location.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n A wedding is the ultimate love story, and the place you choose to make it official can contribute a wealth of material to the tale. Guests often bring a sense of curiosity with them to a new venue, and there are lots of ways you could feed it.<\/p>\n You could reserve a page of your ceremony booklet or reception menu to detail the history of your venue or even arrange a guided tour or talk if available. Your friends and family will be amazed at the stories old buildings have to tell.<\/p>\n Marybrooke <\/a>is no different. Having began life as the grandest guesthouse in a chain of six, all of which used the prefix Mary in their names, it eventually fell into disrepair, to the point where it was nearly bulldozed 20 years ago.<\/p>\n Today, after a two-part renovation, it now stands as the largest and grandest guesthouse in the Dandenongs, and can cater for a sit-down reception of 110 people or 160 for a cocktail-style celebration. Want to know more about the transformation? That\u2019s something you\u2019ll have to discover for yourself.<\/p>\n\n As destination weddings have continued to grow in popularity, many heritage properties have been able to capitalise on the interest by offering accommodation options that allow one-stop celebrations. Deborah, who oversees a restaurant and bar, two function rooms and 20 accommodation suites, says this can ensure a magical time.<\/p>\n \u201cThe bride can come up the night before and have dinner with her attendants. Then the groom and his groomsmen arrive and they\u2019ll get ready at separate ends of the house so they don\u2019t see each other before the ceremony. With guests, you\u2019ll sometimes find they come up early and have lunch before checking in or they\u2019ll congregate in the wine garden, which has beautiful timber tables and chairs in the sun. The next morning they all enjoy breakfast in a private function room before heading off, so a destination weekend is a wonderful chance to rekindle a sense of friends and family.\u201d<\/p>\n Embrace tradition<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s fair to say heritage-themed properties are ripe with opportunities to enjoy an elegant moment or setting straight from days of old.<\/p>\n A glass of port in an old-fashioned armchair. A private heritage bridal suite to relax with attendants amidst the craziness of the big day. A small sitting room where children can be entertained away from the main event.<\/p>\n It\u2019s almost like taking a step back in time, and it\u2019s something many couples welcome the chance to share with guests.<\/p>\n It\u2019s certainly something that has long held sway over Andrew, who also owns another Dandenongs wedding venue, Chateau Wyuna<\/a>.<\/p>\nEnjoy the blend of old and new<\/h2>\n
Use the gardens<\/h2>\n
Capture a photographic journey<\/h2>\n
Create a story for your guests<\/h2>\n
Make a weekend of it<\/h2>\n