Business Details
37 Years
experience
Weddings, Wines & Accommodation in Essex
Great Lodge is a family-run rural estate in North West Essex with a heritage spanning over a century. Established in the late 19th century as tenant farmers, our family acquired the estate in the 1940s. In 1989, Alan Jordan pioneered the Bardfield Vineyard, producing award-winning wines, while his daughter Rebecca expanded the business in 2014 by transforming the Grade I Anne of Cleves Barn into a sought-after wedding and event venue. Our expertise extends to converting historic barns into stylish holiday accommodation, offering guests a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The vineyard, certified organic by the Soil Association since 2020, cultivates Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Seyval Blanc, and Pinot Meunier grapes in East Anglia's favourable climate.Our wedding services emphasize flexibility, allowing couples to personalise their celebrations with options like fairground stalls or croquet on the lawn. The estate also features therapeutic horticulture projects in partnership with MIND West Essex, supporting mental health through gardening. With generations of agricultural and hospitality experience, we combine tradition with innovation. Our team, including Rebeccas daughter Elizabeth, ensures every guest benefits from our deep local knowledge and commitment to sustainability. This legacy of stewardship and service positions Great Lodge as a trusted destination for weddings, wine, and wellness.
Services
Wedding Venue
Vineyard Tours
Holiday Accommodation
Alpaca Wool Sales
Therapeutic Horticulture
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Family-run with over 100 years of agricultural heritage in Essex
- Award-winning organic wines produced since 1989
- Flexible wedding planning with exclusive use of grounds
- Grade I listed Anne of Cleves Barn for historic charm
- Therapeutic horticulture projects supporting mental wellbeing
Associations and certifications
- Soil Association
What people say
Wedding of our dreams
Flexible and friendly approach
Perfect venue
Super special weekend
Amazing at what they do
Services
Wedding Venue
The Grade I Anne of Cleves Barn hosts up to 25 weddings annually, offering exclusive use of grounds including a lake-side ceremony pavilion. Couples receive unlimited planning visits and flexible supplier choices, with no corkage fees for wines. The venue combines historic Tudor architecture with modern amenities for ceremonies, receptions, and accommodation.
Vineyard Tours
Guided tours operate May-September in our Grade 1 listed barn, featuring wine tastings of Bacchus, Pinot Noir, and sparkling varieties. Self-guided trails with information sheets available during shop hours. Group visits can include ploughmans lunches or afternoon tea, showcasing our Soil Association-certified organic viticulture practices.
Holiday Accommodation
Converted timber barns offer self-catering stays for weddings and general guests. Options include the Bridal Suite with four-poster bed, family-friendly Stables with bunk beds, and Cart Lodge for groups. All properties feature kitchen facilities and private courtyards, with pet-friendly options available by arrangement.
Alpaca Wool Sales
Our small alpaca herd produces high-quality wool available for purchase. Visitors may assist with feeding by prior arrangement. The wool comes from a selectively bred herd descended from original 2012 stock, with crias named through community engagement initiatives.
Therapeutic Horticulture
The 'Keep Growing' project partners with MIND West Essex to support adults with mental health challenges. Weekly gardening sessions in our vineyard and gardens aim to reduce isolation, teach new skills, and improve confidence through structured horticultural activities in a supportive environment.
People
Rebecca Jordan
Business Owner
Rebecca established Great Lodge's wedding business in 2011, drawing on her family's agricultural heritage. She manages daily operations and events, combining traditional estate management with modern hospitality services. Her daughter Elizabeth assists with social media and event coordination.
Alan Jordan
Founder
Alan planted the Bardfield Vineyard in 1989, pioneering organic viticulture in Essex. He transitioned from arable farming to wine production, creating award-winning varieties. His expertise in sustainable agriculture forms the foundation of Great Lodge's environmental commitments.
Questions
Can we customise our wedding at Great Lodge?
Yes, we offer complete flexibility for decorations, suppliers, and activities like fairground stalls or croquet.
Are wine tastings available to non-wedding guests?
Yes, guided tours and tastings operate May-September, with self-guided options during shop hours.
Is the accommodation pet-friendly?
Dogs are welcome but require prior discussion to ensure suitability with our rural setting.
How does the therapeutic horticulture project work?
'Keep Growing' runs weekly gardening sessions in partnership with MIND West Essex for mental health support.
Can we bring our own wines to events?
Yes, we charge no corkage fees and can supply our organic wines if preferred.
What local attractions are nearby?
The estate offers walking trails, alpaca feeding, and vineyard tours. Historic Braintree and Colchester are within 30 minutes.
