We go behind the scenes with Victoria Hale, Lead Event Manager for Weddings at Wilderness Reserve.
Having previously worked in Rural Estate Management, Victoria Hale joined Wilderness Reserve with a well-established love of the English countryside. With its vast estate of woodlands, lakes, and rolling pastures—dotted with an eclectic collection of lovingly restored Suffolk houses – Wilderness Reserve proved to be the perfect setting to kick-start her career in the events industry.
After acquiring the Sibton Park Estate in 2005, the Hunt family opened Wilderness Reserve to guests in 2010 as a collection of properties suited to romantic getaways, family holidays, or as a glorious wedding venue – all just two hours from London. As a family-run enterprise, the owners place great importance on creating the perfect setting for guests to relax and bond with their loved ones. Victoria truly feels it is the ultimate destination where luxury meets the quintessential English countryside.
How would you describe Wilderness Reserve?
Wilderness Reserve is the epitome of uniqueness. Every stay offers a one-of-a-kind experience, whether it’s the property’s individual interior design and decorative pargetting, or the number of loved ones you share the space with – each property has its own offering and appeal.
Additionally, guests can tailor their stay at Wilderness Reserve with as little or as much service as they wish, giving them the chance to enjoy true privacy or an action-packed adventure. From massages among wildflowers, to Fire Feast dining in magical woodlands, to a choice of over 40 experiences, there is something for everyone. This is what entices our ‘Wild Friend’ returning guests back time and time again!
Tell us something most people don’t know about Wilderness Reserve?
At its heart, Wilderness Reserve is a conservation project. We are home to thousands of different species – and just 27 houses for humans. A huge part of our ethos is bringing people closer to nature and helping them connect with it in the best possible way. We’re fortunate to have expert Ecologists working alongside Wildlife Advisors, helping us celebrate the land we share with incredible species and continually improve it for them.
What kind of people hang out here?
We welcome a wide variety of guests, from those seeking an escape from city life to international visitors who want to experience the true English countryside. Our wonderful cottages also make the perfect base to explore the nearby Suffolk Heritage Coast.
Who has checked into Wilderness Reserve over the years?
Due to the private and remote nature of our site, we often appeal to those wishing to relax away from the public eye. We pride ourselves on being a safe and discreet space for all clients, and we always maintain their privacy.
Who’s thrown parties here, any standout stories? And famous weddings?
We’ve been lucky to welcome a variety of high-profile couples who have chosen to tie the knot with us. Working alongside teams of talented wedding planners and event organisers, we’ve seen some incredible installations, event designs, and transformations across our estates and houses.
Whilst we don’t disclose who has stayed with us, some guests do choose to tag us on social media – so familiar faces often appear on our Instagram tagged page.
Any hidden corners at Wilderness Reserve?
As a guest, you can explore the grounds on foot, by bicycle, or by rowboat. One of my favourite hidden spots is the beautiful lakeside Tipi site on the Chapel Barn Estate. A late-afternoon row across the lake, followed by watching the sunset from the decking, is a truly magical experience.
Favourite property to stay in at Wilderness Reserve?
That’s a very tricky question, as they all have their own charm! I would have to say either Mawthers or Stump, as they are the epitome of a ‘fairytale cottage.’ Each is set in a secluded woodland area but comes with all the spa facilities you could need. Relaxing in the hot tub under a sky full of stars, immersed in the sounds of nature, is an unforgettable experience.
What kind of couples get married here?
The couples we welcome for their wedding celebrations are as diverse as our range of ceremony locations and properties. With the chance to marry in the heart of our historic woodland or beside one of our tranquil lakes, we appeal to couples who want to exchange vows in the presence of nature. For those who prefer a traditional and decadent experience, the 19th-century Georgian Sibton Manor offers historic grandeur and even a secret crypt for partygoers to dance the night away!
Most notably, I’d describe our couples as considerate. When inviting their friends and families for their four-day celebrations, they aim to create a diverse and mesmerising experience. Blyth Barn is perfect for this – with its ascending pool floor and beautiful olive-lined terrace, the space transforms from a ceremony venue into the ideal spot for a Sunday pool party or BBQ.
And finally, what’s next for Wilderness Reserve…
The next chapter is all about continuing our long-term commitment to nature and wildlife. This includes extensive tree planting and the regeneration of parkland and ancient forests, restoring the landscape to its natural beauty. Alongside this, we’re planning to add a handful of new properties to the Sibton Estate area in the coming years, including a charming country pub – although there’s no fixed timeline for this yet.
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