ABOUT THE FARM
The Fleming family has been looking after the land at Southend Farm since 1960.
In the sixties and seventies, it was Hugh Fleming who grew a mixture of crops such as wheat, beans, peas for human consumption and barley and grass for the 120 dairy cows.
In the eighties, with a focus on production of the arable crops, wheat and oilseed rape, the dairy cows were auctioned off and the farm was then used for arable crops only. With the cows gone from the farm, several buildings became redundant.
OUR HISTORY
William succeeded in the farming partnership of H. Fleming and Son in the early nineties and together with Mariella started a salad business growing romaine and gem lettuce for the supermarkets. The salad company was sold 20 years later and with that came a plan to make use of the old Sussex barns that had stood empty for several decades.
The buildings dating back to 1801 were sympathetically restored and enhanced to create Southend Barns Wedding Venue. Many people have been able to enjoy the surroundings of the beautiful barns whilst attending weddings and parties.
NOW, THEN & THE FUTURE
A REAL VIEW OF THE FARM
SOUTHEND BARNS
Our luxury wedding venue consists of a courtyard surrounded by various barns.
The sizeable 220 year old Threshing barn was re-purposed in the 1960’s to a grainstore for the cereal crops that were grown on the fields surrounding it. When converting the building we opted to keep the old grain bins and shoots as they give the barn an authentic feel and are still visible in the eaves.
The Threshing barn can sit upto 150 people for a wedding breakfast and combines the old existing wooden features with a modern concrete floor and of high windows where the doors used to be to allow lots of natural light to stream in. In the evening the barn converts into a proper party barn with a stage for bands or DJ.
DAIRY BARN
Ceremony Room
The striking red with yellow brick building opposite the Threshing Barn was built in 1868 as a dairy unit and is now our Dairy Barn Ceremony Room which houses our 20-meter-long aisle, perfect for an impressive bridal party entrance.
The room has a serene feel with its whitewashed walls and handmade wooden benches covered in neutral cushions and can be adapted to different wedding styles to suit the couples personal taste.
SECRET GARDEN
Adjacent to the Dairy Barn is the Secret Garden where couples can choose to say their vows in a tranquil outdoor space surrounded by plants and flowers and still protected from the wind by the elegant pagoda at the end.
The area has speakers so that the wedding music chosen by the couple can be played. This outside space has stylish benches which we can cover with rugged sheepskins for that cosy feel.
Photo: Jasmine Andrews
OLD MILKING PARLOUR
The Old Milking Parlour, built in 1867 is now a preparation area for the bridal party to get ready in. It is positioned in the middle of a private courtyard with an idyllic water feature enclosed by a rose and dahlia garden.
To have a private space during the day has proved very relaxing for the couple and also allows them to stay the night after their wedding.
Photo: Jasmine Andrews
THE COLLECTION YARD
The Dairy Barn and the Threshing Barn are linked by the Collection Yard. This area has a covered heated terrace with an outside bar where guests can mingle and make use of the comfy and modern looking sofas and seating areas.
Plants and plenty of lanterns with candles and blankets make this a very popular space. Adjoined is the perfectly kept lawn where children and adults play rustic garden games or listen to songs performed by a vocalist, saxophonist or string quartet.
ACCOMMODATION
Guests can stay overnight in the Mamalou Shepherd Hut which is set in the Wildflower Meadow.
In the summer months we also offer the opportunity for glamping in the field. Our luxurious bell tents, are decorated with cushy beds, rugs, furniture and even phone charger units. This glam option offers another 12 guests to stay over after the wedding and enjoy a picnic breakfast next morning.
