Beloved Yorkshire wedding venue restored with the help of Start Up Loan
A Yorkshire couple have returned the magic and romance to a timeless rural wedding venue with the support of the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).
Birdforth Hall is a charming estate with over 350 years of history, nestled between Thirsk and York. But when Paul and Sue Sadler took it over, it’s holiday cottages and leisure complex needed extensive refurbishment.
Having been managed remotely and closed for two and a half years through Covid, the historic venue was in need of a lot of work to bring it back to life. Sue explains: “We knew it could be something very special. We wanted to create a space to relax, somewhere of quality and comfort where guests can feel at home and make lasting memories”.
Initially, the four large barn conversions were revamped throughout, with the addition of modern appliances, smart new decor and hot tubs in individual garden areas. Next, a redundant barn was converted into a smart, fully licensed wedding and functions venue. The refurbishments have already proven very popular for wedding ‘weekends’, allowing people to celebrate without the need to leave the Hall.
“The views over the parkland are always loved by Guests” says Sue. “The only problem was the weather could sometimes compromise the use of the rear terrace”.
This is when Paul and Sue turned to BEF for funding on the next part of their journey, with a five-figure Start Up Loan. By covering the area, the sun terrace now has a 15 metre sliding glass door unit which can open fully onto the rear lawned area, ideal for outdoor weddings even during unfavourable weather conditions.
“The Start Up Loan gave us freedom to do the job properly,” said Sue. “It’s completely transformed The Forge. You can be snug and warm whilst still feeling that you are outside – even if it’s pouring with rain!”
Now the venue has bookings into 2028, and Birdforth Hall is steadily growing a reputation for relaxed country weddings.
“Paul and Sue had a clear vision and incredible drive,” says Julie Micklethwaite, investment manager at BEF. “Birdforth Hall is a fantastic example of how Start Up Loans can help small businesses unlock potential and bring fresh energy to rural communities. The transformation is remarkable.”