We moved to Long Bennington from London in 1974 to Moonbeam Cottage where we started our successful business making unusual dresses. They sold all over the world and were worn by stars, page three girls and just ordinary people who love looking glamorous. They were on lots of TV programs, mostly for dancers in variety shows and comedies. We provided all the wedding dresses for "Getting Married on TV" with Shane Ritchi.
We purchased Priory House in 1986. As artists, a fashion designer and a sculptor, we revelled in the exciting project to renovate and refurbish this rather grand historic house, which is by far the biggest in the village of Long Bennington. It still, fortunately, retains its large garden and orchard, which is sadly becoming a rarity in this age of building on every available piece of land.
When manufacturing in England became commercially unviable, even for the exotic one off creations which the Carole Lee label was famous for, it was an obvious choice to let Priory House work for its living. We opened up our two lovely ensuite guest rooms as B&B's. We renovated the Brew House, next to Priory House, making it into a very unusual romantic hideaway self catering cottage. We reflected the Oriental theme created by the carved screen installed over 100 years ago in the furnishings and decoration.
Then, a couple of years ago the idea to use the beautiful Georgian rooms as a wedding venue was suggested by a young lady.
Big historic houses with large gardens have to be used. Opening them up to the public and giving them a real role to play in the community is the only way they can survive intact. We love Priory House and want to preserve it.