Venue spotlight
Meet in the 'Garden of England'
Chapel House Estate in Manston, Kent, feels like stepping into the pages of a Laurie Lee novel—a serene haven nestled in the heart of England's garden.
Tall, wild daisies and hedgerows bustling with birds greet you on the short descent from the private, gated car park into the estate, where wildflower meadows, sycamore tree canopies and lovingly restored buildings are waiting to impress all who visit.
Set on 35 acres of manicured, yet inviting land in the Kent countryside, Chapel House Estate is a family-owned retreat. The former working farm was purchased by local property developer Darren Ellis in 2023 and has since been transformed into a pocket of bliss.
Most recently, the historic Chapel House Estate unveiled its elegant new event space, the Glass Courtyard.
The Glass Courtyard effortlessly merges indoor and outdoor living, showcasing floor-to-ceiling glass windows, bi-fold doors, and a retractable glass roof—all framed by an oak centrepiece. Overlooking a charming walled garden and bordered by the estate's wild apple orchard, this event space, for up to 100 standing, is a jewel among the Estate’s event spaces.
The Glass Courtyard
The Glass Courtyard
The Glass Courtyard complements the existing event spaces, including the glass-walled Thorne Barn with a side-facing projector, space for 150 seated and 200 standing, a private bar and additional use of patio and paddock space.
The Old Malt Granary, accommodating up to 150 people in theatre style, has been thoughtfully revitalised with the addition of glass doors, while the flint walls and oak beams pay homage to its original use.
The Green Room is ideal for smaller meetings, breakout sessions, board meetings, and product launches, accommodating up to 22 people. The Lounge Bar (50-pax) and Number Nine Restaurant (34-pax) flank the Glass Courtyard, creating ideal spaces for cocktail receptions, private dinners, and breakout areas.
“Since our inception just two years ago, the Chapel House Estate has experienced remarkable growth, with clients appreciating our tranquil, rural setting, outstanding amenities, and top-tier food and accommodation,” explains Darren Ellis, owner of the Chapel House Estate.
“The stunning new Glass Courtyard will further enhance our meetings and events offer. Thoughtfully designed to complement the fabric of the surrounding buildings, this all-weather space beautifully combines contemporary elegance with rustic charm, providing a tranquil, nature-filled retreat that is the ideal setting to unwind, collaborate, and learn."
Given the estate’s blissful, expansive setting, teambuilding days and incentive experiences come naturally to the property.
The in-house events team can help organisers design a start-to-finish package to suit the client brief, including, but not limited to, falconry, indoor and outdoor yoga, axe throwing and foraging.
“At Chapel House Estate, our key USP lies in the bespoke nature of everything we offer – whether it’s for a corporate retreat, strategy day, or celebration. No two events are ever the same,” says Abby Townsend, Chapel House Estate marketing manager.
“The story we want guests to take away is one of complete escape – a sense that they’ve left the everyday behind. Whether you’re a local business or visiting from further afield, we aim to create a seamless journey with exceptional attention to detail. From the first enquiry to the final goodbye, our care and hospitality shine through, leaving guests feeling like they’ve discovered a hidden gem, far from Kent – almost as if they’ve been transported abroad.”
After soaking up the rural charm of the Chapel House Estate, delegates can unwind in one of the nine beautifully appointed lodges featuring en-suite double rooms overlooking the paddock where wrens, robins and house sparrows, along with bees and butterflies, can frequently be seen swooping about.
The lodges were created with sustainability in mind, each featuring solar panels to power the accommodation. The plush furnishings create a luxury, yet cosy feel, while the well-stocked minibar, featuring local spirits and soft drinks, invites you to relax a while longer.
Alongside the eco-chic Hideaway Lodges, the original 12th-century Chapel House is available for hire and can sleep up to 10 people. Offering three en-suite bedrooms, an adult-sized bunk room, an executive suite with a roll-top bath, three sitting rooms, a kitchen, a private garden, TVs, complimentary tea and coffee, and a secret private terrace.
Thorne Cottage, next door to Chapel Cottage, features two bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a roomy garden to enjoy in the sunshine. And Chapel Cottage, a retreat on the edge of the estate, features three cosy bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
Cool, luxurious interior of Hidaway Lodges
Cool, luxurious interior of Hidaway Lodges
Chapel House private garden
Chapel House private garden
Chapel House Estate is committed to sustainability, with energy-efficient systems and waste reduction initiatives, locally sourced, organic ingredients, homegrown produce and a dedicated environmentalist to oversee habitat management across the site.
The estate holds Gold Level status with EcoSmart and is working towards B Corp certification. Chapel House Estate aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions within ten years.
Future plans
As well as plans to build another 50 Hideaway Lodges, Chapel House Estate is also investing in a natural swimming lake with self-sufficient, chemical-free planting and reed beds.
The new Lodges, designed with the environment in mind, will surround the natural swimming lake with timber decking for year-round swimming and wellness.
There are also plans for a reception, café/restaurant, and a shop that will feature natural, sustainable products and locally sourced produce.
Getting there
Chapel House Estate is easily accessible by car, train, taxi and helicopter. The closest train stations to Chapel House Estate are Thanet Parkway and Minster Station, both just a five-minute drive away.
With Southeastern High-Speed services running directly to Thanet Parkway from London St Pancras, Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate, and other key locations, reaching the property is both quick and convenient, with the journey from London taking just over an hour.
But if you exclusively travel by helicopter, fear not, as Chapel House Estate has a private helipad.
Find out more about Chapel House Estate here.
