There’s a quiet magic to Manor by the Lake. Nestled among sweeping gardens and a shimmering lake, the manor doesn’t just host weddings – it tells stories. For Jose, the managing director, those stories are what make every celebration feel timeless find out more now with our new series Meet the Makers.
What’s your favourite detail or feature of the manor that may go unnoticed?
“People often notice the warmth of the library or the grandeur of the rooms,” Jose says, “but the details are where the manor truly speaks. The carved wood, the delicate ceiling panels – they’re like whispers from the craftsmen of the Victorian era. If you pause, really look, you can feel their presence.”
“I love watching guests discover little things they might have missed – the way the sunlight catches a carving in the afternoon, or the way a garden path curves or the ways the years old Yew trees line the path up to the Manor house. These are the moments that make Manor by the Lake feel alive.”
What do you think makes a wedding or event at Manor by the Lake unforgettable?
”What makes a wedding or event here unforgettable is how well the space supports the day. The manor itself sets the tone, but it’s the combination of a good layout, smooth logistics, and attention to detail that makes an event stand out. When everything works together- the service, the food, the flow, between spaces- it creates an experience that guests remember long after the day is over.”
If you could describe the manor in three words, what would they be?
He sums up the manor in three words: timeless, functional, enduring.
“Timeless because the design and layout still work for modern events and provide a backdrop that never feels dated. Functional because the spaces are practical for weddings – from ceremonies and receptions to photography and guest flow- making it easier for couples to bring their vision to life. And enduring because the manor has survived history while continuing to operate smoothly today, hosting celebrations that feel both significant and seamless. It’s a place where history and modern weddings come together naturally, creating events that are memorable for both the couple and their guests,” he explains.
How do you think the manor’s history and architecture influence the weddings and events held here?
“The manor’s Gothic Revival style and the layout of the gardens shape how events naturally flow,” Jose explains. “Guests moving through the spaces follow paths that make sense, and the way rooms and outdoor areas connect helps the day run smoothly. The design also creates natural moments for photos, gatherings, or quiet breaks without needing extra planning. It gives each wedding a sense of continuity and structure, and even though it’s a historic setting, it’s functional for modern events. That combination of atmosphere and practicality is what makes celebrations here feel complete.”
If you could give the manor a ‘voice,’ what would it say about the weddings it hosts?
If the manor could speak, he imagines it saying: “I have heard vows whispered and laughter ringing through my halls. Each celebration renews me, weaving fresh stories into my old stones. Though built in the 18th century, I live in the joy I witness today.”
If you could host any dream event (no limits), what would it be and why?
Jose’s own vision for a perfect celebration reflects his love for history and theatre. “I’ve always dreamed of reviving a Victorian masquerade ball,” he says. “Candlelit chandeliers, velvet drapes, dancers in silks and satins – it would be a living celebration of the manor’s past. Lanterns glinting on the lake, music spilling through every hall… it would be a night where history steps forward and invites you in.”
What’s the most surprising thing guests might not know about you?
Running a historic venue takes more than managerial skill – it takes attention, intuition, and an almost obsessive eye for detail. “People are often surprised at how much I notice,” Jose admits. “I watch how light moves through a room, how guests flow from one space to another. Those little things shape the experience more than anyone realizes.”
And the reward? “There’s nothing like seeing a wedding come together – the smiles, the laughter, the joy. Knowing that the manor is still creating memories after all these years is incredibly special.”
The What’s the most rewarding part of leading such a historic and loved venue?
For Jose, the secret to a memorable wedding is authenticity. “The manor provides the setting – the rooms, the gardens, the lake – but the celebrations that stick in people’s minds are the ones where couples shape the day to fit their vision. It could be a family tradition, a meaningful song, or even just a well-planned flow between spaces that keeps guests comfortable. History gives the venue character, but it’s the couple’s choices and how they use the space that make each wedding stand out. When the planning is thoughtful and the day runs smoothly, the result is a celebration that feels personal and unforgettable,” he explains.
Having seen so many weddings here, what do you think is the secret tip to an unforgettable celebration?
Jose answered ”The secret to an unforgettable celebration is planning with purpose. The manor provides the space and the atmosphere, but it’s the details that make a difference- how the day flows, how guests move through the venue, and small touches that feel intentional rather than forced. Couples who focus on making the event practical, organized, and true to their vision end up with celebrations that run smoothly and leave a lasting impression.”
As Jose highlights, the manor’s charm lies not only in its grandeur but in the small details that make each event unique. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a milestone celebration, or simply seeking inspiration, the manor reminds us that thoughtful touches and authenticity are what make any occasion truly unforgettable.
Ready to start planning your own celebration at Manor by the Lake? Discover more about the venue and begin envisioning your dream event today.
Which story will we uncover in the next blog?
