Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Stanton Guildhouse: Historic Event Venue & Accommodation in the Cotswolds
Stanton Guildhouse, established in 1973, is a Grade II Listed Manor House nestled in the Cotswolds, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern functionality. Founded by Mary Osborn, inspired by Gandhian principles of creativity and community, we provide bespoke residential experiences, arts and crafts courses, and versatile event spaces. Our venue accommodates conferences, weddings, and retreats, with 17 bedrooms and facilities for up to 40 guests.We combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary needs, hosting weekly workshops in woodcarving, pottery, and visual arts, alongside corporate and social events. Under the leadership of Lord Mawson, we champion social entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration between sectors to deliver sustainable community impact. Our team ensures tailored services, from private tutoring to film location hires, all within a setting of exceptional natural beauty.
Services
Venue Hire
Accommodation
Wood Carving
Pottery Courses
Art Workshops
Catering Services
Film Location Hire
Private Tutoring
Walking Holidays
Residential Retreats
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Grade II Listed historic building with stunning Cotswold views
- Flexible event spaces for conferences, weddings, and retreats
- Nationally renowned arts and crafts courses year-round
- Experienced team in social enterprise and community development
- Bespoke residential experiences with tailored catering options
Services
Venue Hire
Stanton Guildhouse offers versatile event spaces for conferences, weddings, and retreats. With capacity for up to 40 guests, our Grade II Listed Manor House provides a unique backdrop combining historic charm with modern amenities. The main hall features a Yorkshire stone floor and wood-burning stove, while dedicated studios cater to creative workshops. Clients benefit from bespoke planning support and flexible hire options tailored to their specific needs.
Arts & Crafts Courses
We provide nationally recognized arts and crafts courses including woodcarving, pottery, and visual arts. Led by experienced tutors, sessions cater to all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners. Courses run weekly during term time with options for day classes or residential stays. Participants gain hands-on experience with traditional techniques while enjoying the inspirational Cotswold setting that has nurtured creativity since 1973.
Accommodation
Our Manor House sleeps up to 17 guests across 8 bedrooms, featuring twin, double, family, and single rooms with modern bathrooms. Ideal for group bookings, the property offers self-catered or fully catered options with locally sourced meals available. Residents enjoy complimentary WiFi and exclusive use of the property's grounds, with panoramic views stretching to the Brecon Beacons, creating perfect conditions for creative retreats or family gatherings.
Catering Services
Professional catering is available for events and residential stays, accommodating up to 30 guests. Our local caterer specializes in seasonal Cotswold cuisine using fresh, regional ingredients. Services include breakfast, dinner, and full-day catering options that can be tailored to dietary requirements. Meals can be served in the main hall or arranged as informal gatherings in our landscaped gardens, enhancing the overall experience of your stay or event.
Private Tutoring
Beyond public courses, we offer private tutoring in various arts and crafts disciplines for individuals or small groups. Sessions can be customized to specific skill levels and interests, whether mastering watercolour techniques or advanced woodcarving. Instruction takes place in our dedicated studios with professional equipment, allowing focused learning in the same inspirational environment that has nurtured artists since the Guildhouse's founding in 1973.
People
Lord Mawson
President
Founder of the Bromley-by-Bow Centre, Lord Mawson has championed social entrepreneurship for over 35 years. He revitalized Stanton Guildhouse in 1996, transforming it into a sustainable social enterprise while preserving its historic legacy. His leadership focuses on community development through integrated health, education, and business initiatives.
Angel Mawson
Bookings Manager
Angel manages all accommodation and venue bookings, ensuring personalized service for guests and event organizers. With extensive knowledge of the property's capabilities, she coordinates bespoke stays and events, drawing on years of experience in hospitality and event management within the Cotswolds region.
Matthew Burt
Furniture Designer
Award-winning designer Matthew Burt creates bespoke 21st-century English furniture for the Guildhouse. His work, crafted from rare timbers like elm, embodies the ethos of 'Labour is Prayer' that defined founder Mary Osborn. He has designed key elements of the Guildhouse including the archive cabinet celebrating its founder's legacy.
Tony Jones
Wood Turning Tutor
Tony leads our woodturning courses, sharing expertise in working with natural woods. With decades of experience, he guides students through traditional and contemporary techniques, emphasizing the importance of understanding wood grain and tool maintenance in creating expressive wooden forms.
Helen
Fused Glass Tutor
Helen specializes in fused glass techniques, teaching both beginners and experienced artists. Her courses cover cutting, foiling, and kiln-working methods to create functional and decorative glass pieces. She provides accessible materials lists to accommodate varying budgets while encouraging creative exploration.
Questions
How do I book accommodation at Stanton Guildhouse?
Contact bookings manager Angel Mawson directly via mobile 07784 240 166 to discuss availability and requirements for residential stays.
Can I hire the venue for a private event?
Yes, the Guildhouse accommodates events for up to 40 guests including weddings, conferences, and retreats. Contact us for specific quotations and planning support.
What arts and crafts courses are available?
We offer woodcarving, pottery, fused glass, drawing, painting, and watercolour courses with expert tutors. Weekly sessions run during term time for all skill levels.
Is catering included with venue hire?
Catering for up to 30 guests is available through our local caterer, with options for breakfast, dinner, or full-day service using regional ingredients.
What is the historical significance of the Guildhouse?
Founded in 1973 by Mary Osborn, inspired by her friendship with Gandhi, the Guildhouse promotes traditional crafts and social enterprise. It's a Grade II Listed building constructed from reclaimed materials.
Are there facilities for film or photo shoots?
Yes, the Guildhouse is available as a filming or photography location. Contact us directly to discuss production requirements and access arrangements.
Reviews (5)
Karen Sloggett
Oct 14, 2021
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A beautiful house to stay with friends and family . Gorgeous grounds and country walks all around. Rooms are comfortable and warm. It has everything you need for your stay. Very highly recommend.
Christine Perren
Dec 30, 2019
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We had a wonderful family celebration weekend at Stanton Guildhouse in Oct. The house is amazing, spotlessly clean and beautifully furnished. There are new bathrooms and a fantastic new kitchen with Aga. All 14 of us were able to spread out and sit comfortably in the evening by the fire and it was great to wake up to the spectacular views in the morning. We hope to return again one day.
Sandy Stanbridge
Oct 07, 2019
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Wonderful place for family get together.Clean warm cosy but loads of room and all mod cons.plenty of bathrooms !!.There were 15 of us.Very handy pub at bottom of drive.Amazing views
Lesley Morris
Sep 15, 2019
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Had a lovely girls weekend, would go back , although could not get in until 5pm on the Friday and had to vacate by 12 on the Sunday, not really a weekend but good ti.e had by all.
Gill Chadbon
Jun 09, 2019
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Visited for a yoga retreated. The setting is stunning. House was lovely. We shared bathrooms which was the only downside. Views from the terrace are stunning.