About us
Welcome to Launcells Barton. Your Home Away from Home. We’re Matthew and Lara, the husband-and-wife team responsible for transforming an old dairy farm into the award-winning Cornish wedding venue you see today.
our
Venue
Steeped in history and set amidst spectacular wooded countryside, Launcells Barton is a family-owned, Grade II* listed manor house in Launcells, a small parish situated near Bude in North Cornwall. As well as boutique accommodation in our historic country manor house, we provide the perfect setting for both your wedding ceremony and reception, with the capacity to seat up to 200 guests.
Offering exclusive use and a flexible, bespoke service, we’re passionate about helping couples create a unique, relaxed celebration against a stunning backdrop of quintessentially Cornish scenery. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate wedding or a grand occasion, we’re confident you and your guests will love Launcells Barton as much as we do.
our
Story
Matthew’s family have owned Launcells Barton since 1949. He grew up here, surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to the sea. Life on the old dairy farm was idyllic.
Years later, Matthew invited me to meet his family and experience the unique charm of his childhood home. With the property in desperate need of restoration and repair, he found himself apologising all the way to Cornwall, afraid I might never warm to a place without central heating! His fears were unfounded; I immediately fell for the house, its myriad of hallways, the grand exterior and the great sense of history contained within its walls.
That evening, we took a walk together through the surrounding fields. Armed with a brand new pair of wellies, I held Matthew’s hand as he raced up muddy paths towards the top of the farm. Pointing into the distance, he urged me to look out across the horizon. As I watched the sunset over the Cornish Sea, I knew Launcells Barton had stolen my heart.
a new
Era
We decided to take a huge leap, selling our house, leaving our jobs and doing everything we could to secure the funds needed to take over the family farm. Since then, we’ve worked tirelessly to restore the property and transform it into something special. It’s been an adventure!
Launcells Barton needed much more than a quick lick of paint. We gutted the Manor House completely before installing new wiring, plumbing and heating as well as numerous structural trusts and joists. We built a whole new barn and completely renovated the existing Mill Barn. Everything we did took a great deal of time, effort and investment. We’d be lying if we said it was easy, but it was definitely worth it.
After herding cows, replacing joists, and overcoming many other challenges, it’s been an honour to usher in an exciting new era at Launcells Barton. Working alongside our highly skilled in-house team and the best wedding suppliers in the South West, we’ve now hosted over 170 weddings. Some of the very first couples to say ‘I do’ down on the farm have since returned with little ones in tow!
With parts of the property dating back to the Middle Ages, we know this chapter is one of many in a story spanning centuries. Every time we throw open our doors for a wedding or event, we add to its legacy. We can’t wait to weave some of your happiest moments and future memories into the very fabric of the farm.
The people
our Team
Get to know the dedicated team responsible for looking after every inch of the venue and ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly.
Lara
Owner
Lara manages the day-to-day running of the venue, along with marketing, advertising and accounts. She also works alongside Wedding Co-ordinator Ellie to ensure every detail of your day is perfectly executed and delivered.
Matt
Owner
Matt oversees maintenance of the venue, ensuring it functions harmoniously alongside the organic farm. He has a deep passion for the countryside & is committed to farming sustainably. You may also see Matt on your wedding day as he takes you out on his tractor, driving you across the farm to watch the sunset!
Ellie
wedding co-ordinator
Ellie is likely to be the first person you speak to when you get in touch. She’s there to support you throughout your wedding planning journey, answer any questions you may have and offer plenty of advice regarding the running of your day. She can suggest the perfect timings for every aspect of your event, right down to throwing confetti and tossing the bouquet. Having previously worked within the VIP Paddock travelling the world with Formula One, Ellie has great experience dealing with any situation that’s thrown at her!
Ken
maintenance
Ellie
housekeeping
Ellie has been with us for several years and knows every inch of the venue. As well as cleaning the house from top to bottom, she’s responsible for the little details that make your time with us feel so special. From changing beds to making sure the barns have been hoovered, mopped and dusted, Ellie insists on triple checking everything before she’s happy for guests to check in. Her attention to detail and pride in her work means we never have to worry about anything being out of place.
Gardeners
Our green fingers
Our gardeners manage and maintain the gardens and grounds at Launcells Barton. They ensure there’s colour and interest all year round, creating a beautiful seasonal backdrop for your celebration.
Jack
bar supervisor
Jack has been with us since 2017. A master of his craft, he loves getting to know guests and creating delicious cocktails for them to enjoy. Head to the bar at 10pm and he’ll be halfway through making your favourite tipple before you even have to ask!
The Bar Team
Gin Makers & cocktail shakers
Our experienced seasonal bar team, some of whom have been with us for many years, are there to make sure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day, and most importantly, keep the drinks flowing! Always happy to help and with a smile on their face, they see to everything from glassware on tables and welcome drinks in the courtyard to clearing dirty glasses and ensuring the barn is ready for you and your guests to dance the night away.
Freddie
Office pooch
An integral part of the Launcells Barton team, Freddie is a very bouncy, energetic Sprocker Spaniel who loves meeting new people for fusses. If he’s not off riding the tractor with Matt (where he has his own little seat) you’ll find him chasing birds or trying to get as much attention, and as many cuddles, as he can.
Lara
Owner
Lara manages the day-to-day running of the venue, along with marketing, advertising and accounts. She also works alongside Wedding Co-ordinator Ellie to ensure every detail of your day is perfectly executed and delivered.
Matt
Owner
Ellie
wedding co-ordinator
Ken
maintenance
Launcells Barton is still a working organic farm with over 230 acres to care for. When Ken isn’t maintaining and fixing bits around the venue, cutting lawns and making sure everything looks perfect, he’s also looking after the fields and woodland across the farm. Outside of wedding season, there’s plenty to do as we refresh the whole house, venue and barns, ready to welcome guests the following year. We also run a biomass heating system, so there’s a lot of work to be done harvesting timber from our sustainably managed woodland to keep everyone warm and cosy throughout winter.
Ellie
housekeeping
Ellie has been with us for several years and knows every inch of the venue. As well as cleaning the house from top to bottom, she’s responsible for the little details that make your time with us feel so special. From changing beds to making sure the barns have been hoovered, mopped and dusted, Ellie insists on triple checking everything before she’s happy for guests to check in. Her attention to detail and pride in her work means we never have to worry about anything being out of place.
Gardeners
our green fingers
Our gardeners manage and maintain the gardens and grounds at Launcells Barton. They ensure there’s colour and interest all year round, creating a beautiful seasonal backdrop for your celebration.
Jack
Bar supervisor
Jack has been with us since 2017. A master of his craft, he loves getting to know guests and creating delicious cocktails for them to enjoy. Head to the bar at 10pm and he’ll be halfway through making your favourite tipple before you even have to ask!
The bar team
cocktail-makers
Our experienced seasonal bar team, some of whom have been with us for many years, are there to make sure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day, and most importantly, keep the drinks flowing! Always happy to help and with a smile on their face, they see to everything from glassware on tables and welcome drinks in the courtyard to clearing dirty glasses and ensuring the barn is ready for you and your guests to dance the night away.
Freddie
office pooch
An integral part of the Launcells Barton team, Freddie is a very bouncy, energetic Sprocker Spaniel who loves meeting new people for fusses. If he’s not off riding the tractor with Matt (where he has his own little seat) you’ll find him chasing birds or trying to get as much attention, and as many cuddles, as he can.
Our Venue
Before
Launcells Barton before and during its renovation.
Our Venue
After
Brought back to life and lovingly transformed into the wedding venue you see today.
