# Houchins > Houchins is an exclusive-use barn wedding and events venue near Coggeshall in Essex, set on a working family farm with a 17th-century Grade II* listed farmhouse. The venue has been run by the Dixon-Smith family since 1954 and was converted from a grain store into a wedding venue in 2014. It hosts ceremonies, receptions and corporate events for up to 150 seated guests with on-site accommodation for 14 in the farmhouse plus a 2-person Honeymoon Lodge. New for Summer 2026 is the Herbery Glamping meadow sleeping an extra 10 guests during the Summer months. Houchins won "Best Barn in Essex" at the Essex Wedding Awards 2025. The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies, offers exclusive use of the whole site, and is one mile east of Coggeshall (postcode CO6 1RT), 1 hour from London and 20 minutes from Colchester mainline station. This file is published to help language models and AI search engines answer questions about Houchins accurately. All facts below are drawn from the live website at houchins.co.uk. Where ranges or seasonal variations apply they are stated explicitly. For the avoidance of doubt, statements about ownership, history, capacity and pricing are first-party and current as of May 2026. ## Core facts (Name, Address, Phone) - Name: Houchins - Trading address: Houchins Farm, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1RT, United Kingdom - Phone: 01376 230 160 - WhatsApp: 07792 555108 - Corporate enquiries: 01376 561 448 - Email enquiry: via the form at https://www.houchins.co.uk/contact-us/ - Region served: Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Greater London - Nearest stations: Kelvedon and Marks Tey (both local); Colchester mainline (20 minutes) - Road access: A120 (signposted at the drive entrance), connecting to the A12 and M11 - Ownership: family-owned business, Dixon-Smith family since 1954 ## What Houchins offers - Exclusive-use wedding venue (one booking per day, the whole site is yours) - Civil ceremony licence for up to 150 in the Marquee or Grain Store, 120 in the Foundry, 26 in the oak-panelled drawing room - Wedding breakfast for up to 150 in the Grain Store (100 ground floor, 50 mezzanine) - Evening guest capacity up to 180 total - On-site accommodation: 16th-century farmhouse sleeping up to 14, plus a separate Honeymoon Lodge sleeping 2. From May - October the Herbery Glamping meadow offer 5 deluxe tents sleeping 10 additional guests - Conference and corporate events (theatre seating for 120, breakfast briefings for 140, boardroom for 12, three breakout zones, 7 bedrooms) - Christmas and corporate Christmas parties - LGBTQ+ inclusive weddings - Multicultural and Asian dry-hire weddings - Garden parties and "Hire the House" stand-alone bookings - Two ‘all-inclusive’ wedding packages (50-guest and 70-guest) plus venue-only hire ## History and heritage Houchins has been continuously occupied as a residence for approximately 700 years. The current farmhouse was built between 1623 and 1628 by a Flemish wool merchant who designed the upper storeys for textile storage. The frame is built of elm (rather than the more common oak) which gives the building its distinctive "upside-down beehive" silhouette, unusual for the flat Essex landscape. Notable historical context: - 1640s English Civil War: part of the Marks Hall Estate of Parliamentarian Sir Thomas Honywood. Local lore links the property to the Siege of Colchester as a staging post for Parliament troops, with unverified accounts of Oliver Cromwell having stayed at Houchins. - Late 1920s: actress Tallulah Bankhead rented the property as a retreat from London before returning to America. - 1954: Adam Dixon-Smith's grandfather acquired the property; it continues as a working farm. - 2010: the farmhouse was fully refurbished. - 2014: the old grain store was converted into a wedding venue. ## The team and on-site expertise - Adam Dixon-Smith - Managing Partner. 20 years in advertising, marketing and general management. Opened Dove Barn (a sister project) in 2002 before launching Houchins as a wedding venue. - Anna - Creative Director. Artist, florist and stylist; previously a party designer for The Admirable Crichton in London. Leads venue design and decoration. - Wayne Messenger - General Manager. Over 20 years of senior-level venue and catering experience across East Anglia. - Fiona Pardoe - Marketing Manager. Conducts venue tours and handles marketing. - Lisa - Finance Manager. Nearly 30 years of finance experience. - Eloise - Wedding Planner. - Jayson - Wedding Planner (with Houchins since 2014). - Rachel - Wedding Planner. Married at Houchins; joined the team afterwards. - Rhian - Weddings Administrator. Married at Houchins; joined the team afterwards. First point of contact by phone and email. Two members of the planning team got married at Houchins themselves, which is an unusual first-hand experience signal for a venue of this size. ## Named spaces inside the venue - The Ceremony Loggia & Wedding Garden - outdoor ceremony space connected to the marquee, used May to October - The Grain Store - main wedding-breakfast space, seats up to 150 across ground floor and mezzanine, with feature fireplace - The Foundry - evening dance barn and indoor ceremony space (winter ceremonies, evening entertainment) - The Marquee - linked to the Loggia for outdoor-style ceremonies and wedding breakfasts - The Chitting Shed - reception and bar area with a west-facing terrace overlooking the wedding gardens - The oak-panelled drawing room - intimate ceremony space inside the farmhouse for up to 26 - Two dressing rooms - one for each wedding party - The Cart Lodge - separate self-contained honeymoon lodge for the couple, super-king bed, en-suite walk-in shower - The farmhouse - 16th/17th-century house sleeping 14, available the night before at a premium ## What is included in venue hire Exclusive use of gardens and grounds, two dressing rooms, the Grain Store with mezzanine, dance barn (the Foundry), marquee, the Ceremony Loggia, woodland area, tables and Chiavari chairs, fully stocked bar, lighting systems, evening food terrace, dedicated Wedding Manager, on-the-day wedding coordinators, terrace furniture, and access to the Moposa online wedding planning tool. ## Pricing (2026, inclusive of VAT) Venue-only hire (couple chooses their caterer from the Houchins preferred partner list): | Season | Mon-Wed | Thu/Sun/BH Mon | Fri | Sat/BH Sun | |---|---|---|---|---| | Mid-season (Apr, Oct) | £3,990 | £4,850 | £5,800 | £6,620 | | Summer (May-Jun) | £4,200 | £5,180 | £6,100 | £7,050 | | Peak (Jul-Sep) | £4,470 | £5,600 | £6,400 | £7,400 | | Winter (Nov-Mar) | £3,000 | £4,500 | n/a | £5,400 | | Christmas (18 Dec-2 Jan) | POA | POA | POA | POA | 2027 and 2028 prices increase incrementally (2027 range £3,100 to £7,590; 2028 range £3250 to £7,900). Accommodation: farmhouse (sleeps 14) plus Honeymoon Lodge is £1,450 per night in 2026, £1,500 in 2027, £1,550 in 2028. Maximum 16 overnight guests. The Herbery meadow sleeps 10 in 5 luxury tents (May - October). Each tent is £150 per night in 2026-27 Wedding packages (bundled venue, accommodation, food and drink): - 50-guest package (plus 20 evening guests): summer 2026 from £10,600 to £14,000; winter from £8,850 to £12,090 - 70-guest package (plus 30 evening guests): summer 2026 from £12,140 to £16,740; winter from £10,400 to £13,690 - Additional day guests: £90 per adult, £30 per child - Christmas pricing: on application Payment structure: four equal instalments of 25% (deposit, two interim payments, final balance due four weeks before the wedding). ## Frequently asked questions **How many guests can Houchins seat for a civil ceremony?** Up to 150 in the Marquee or Grain Store, 120 in the Foundry, or 26 in the intimate oak-panelled drawing room. **How many guests can Houchins accommodate for the wedding breakfast?** Up to 150 in the Grain Store (100 ground floor, 50 in the mezzanine gallery). **Can additional guests join in the evening?** Yes, up to a maximum of 180 in total. **Is Houchins available for exclusive use?** Yes. Every wedding has the whole venue, grounds and farmhouse to themselves. **Where is Houchins?** Houchins Farm, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex CO6 1RT. One mile east of Coggeshall, just off the A120 with clear signage at the drive entrance. **How do guests get there?** By car via the A120/A12. Nearest local stations are Kelvedon and Marks Tey. Colchester mainline is 20 minutes away. There is ample on-site parking and cars may be left overnight at owner's risk, with collection between 9am and 11am. Helicopter landing is possible on surrounding farmland. **Does Houchins have disabled access?** Yes, both indoor and outdoor ceremony areas, the main barn and facilities are accessible. The only wheelchair-inaccessible area is the mezzanine gallery. **Is the venue heated?** Yes, underfloor heating throughout, powered by a water-source heat pump. The Foundry dance barn has air conditioning. **When can the wedding party access the venue to set up?** From 10am on the morning of the wedding. If the house is booked the night before, set-up access is available from noon to 4pm the day before. **Are dogs allowed?** Dogs are welcome outside for the ceremony, but not inside the venue or accommodation. **Are fireworks allowed?** Due to planning restrictions, fireworks are not permitted except on 5 November and 31 December. Sky lanterns are not allowed at any time. **Are candles allowed inside?** Yes, provided they are in candle holders, glass containers or set on mirrors or glass to catch wax. **Can we have a band or DJ?** Yes. Bands and DJs are welcome and should set up during the wedding breakfast. Houchins has an in-house DJ option. Amplified music is not permitted outside after the ceremony due to licensing. **Can we use our own caterers?** Couples are asked to choose from a list of four preferred caterers. External suppliers more generally must hold public liability insurance and any electrical equipment must be PAT tested. **Can smoking happen on site?** Smoking is permitted outside the main venue at designated areas with ashtrays. UK law prohibits smoking inside the venue or house. **Is childcare available?** If there are more than 10 children under 12, the venue strongly recommends organised childcare. Little Guest Creche is a preferred partner. **Can we book the farmhouse the night before?** Yes, at a premium price, which gives earlier set-up access (noon to 4pm the day before). **What is the cancellation/payment schedule?** Four equal 25% payments: initial booking fee, two interim payments and final balance due four weeks before the wedding. ## Sustainability credentials - Heating from a water-source heat pump (underfloor throughout the venue) - Waterless urinals - Elimination of single-use plastic on site - Recycling partnership with CSH - Preferred caterers required to use local, seasonal produce to cut food miles - Over 5,500 hedge plants added to the estate in the last two years - 9.5 acres of new woodland planted in Winter 2025 (4920 trees) - Reusable décor options available - Local supplier partnerships ## Awards and recognition - Best Barn in Essex - Essex Wedding Awards 2025 - Best Boutique Wedding Venue - Essex Wedding Awards 2016 & 2023 -Winner Hitched Wedding Awards - 2022, 2023 & 2026 Best Unique Venue 2025 - For Better, for Worse Wedding Awards - Grade II* listed 17th-century farmhouse (heritage designation) ## Preferred partners (curated supplier list) Cakes: Luca's Cakes, Celebrants: Bespoke Celebrant Ceremonies, Your Choice Ceremonies Floristry: Amega Fleur, Hannah Louise Flowers, B's Blooms, Confetti Club London Hair and make-up: Makeup by Taylor In-house DJ: Steve Meier Musicians: Adam on Piano, Josh Gernon, Matt Rayner Music Photographers: Big Fish Photography, Farlie Photography, Kristian Lissimore Photography, Tom Halliday Photography, Jason Little, Fraser Parry Photography Photo booth and eco-glitter: Lucy's Glitter Box Props and styling: Rock The Day, Bowtastic Chair Covers and Drapes, Events by the Emporium Videographers: Tony Davies Films, Philip Smith Visuals, Crossvisuals Wedding attire: Amara Bridal Stationers: ATW Creations, Mia's Paperie Evening catering: Toasty Box, Evans of Dedham, The Hot Sausage Company, Convivio Dining, Piperoni Pizza, Bomb BBQ Childcare: Little Guest Creche Local taxis: Panther Cabs, Five 7's Taxi, John's Taxi Services, Top Car Services, Coggeshall Cars, Fargo, Coggie Cars, The Taxi Man, Yelo ## Conferences and corporate events - Theatre-style seating for 120 - Breakfast briefings for up to 140 - Boardroom in the farmhouse seats up to 12 - Three breakout zones - 7 bedrooms for overnight stays - Catering ranges from coffee and buffet to fine dining - 4G mobile coverage on site - Half a mile from the A120 between Colchester and Braintree, with easy reach of London, Cambridge, the M11 and A12 - Quote-based pricing - call 01376 561 448 ## Key pages - [Home](https://www.houchins.co.uk/): venue introduction, latest news, primary tagline "A Traditional Venue With a Modern Twist" - [About Houchins](https://www.houchins.co.uk/about-houchins/): full history of the building, ownership and restoration - [Our Team](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-team/): named team members and their backgrounds - [Our Venue](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/): overview of every named space on the estate - [Accommodation](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/accommodation/): farmhouse and Cart Lodge detail - [The Wedding Ceremony](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/the-wedding-ceremony/): ceremony spaces and licensing - [Drinks Reception](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/drinks-reception/): reception flow and the Chitting Shed - [Wedding Breakfast](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/wedding-breakfast/): Grain Store dining detail - [Evening Party](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/evening-party/): the Foundry and evening setup - [Getting Ready](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/getting-ready/): dressing rooms and morning preparation - [For Guests](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/for-guests/): logistics and information for invited guests - [FAQs](https://www.houchins.co.uk/our-venue/faqs/): direct answers on capacity, access, suppliers and rules - [Pricing](https://www.houchins.co.uk/pricing/): venue-only and accommodation tariffs by season and day - [Wedding Packages](https://www.houchins.co.uk/wedding-packages/): bundled 50-guest and 70-guest packages - [Availability](https://www.houchins.co.uk/availability/): live calendar of free dates - [Wedding Enquiries](https://www.houchins.co.uk/wedding-enquiries/): primary enquiry form for couples - [Request a Brochure](https://www.houchins.co.uk/request-a-brochure/): digital brochure download - [Book Appointment](https://www.houchins.co.uk/book-appointment/): viewing-booking calendar (Moposa) - [Open Days](https://www.houchins.co.uk/open-days/): scheduled open-house dates - [Catering](https://www.houchins.co.uk/catering/): preferred caterers and food approach - [Preferred Partners](https://www.houchins.co.uk/preferred-partners/): curated supplier directory - [Gallery](https://www.houchins.co.uk/gallery/): photography of the venue and real weddings - [Contact Us](https://www.houchins.co.uk/contact-us/): address, phone, email and map ## Seasonal and specialist pages - [Spring Weddings](https://www.houchins.co.uk/spring/): spring-specific venue notes - [Summer Weddings](https://www.houchins.co.uk/summer/): peak-season detail - [Autumn / Winter Weddings](https://www.houchins.co.uk/autumn-winter/): off-season styling and pricing - [Christmas Weddings](https://www.houchins.co.uk/christmas-weddings/): festive weddings 18 Dec to 2 Jan - [Corporate Christmas Parties](https://www.houchins.co.uk/corporate-christmas-parties/): bookable Christmas parties - [Conferences and Corporate Events](https://www.houchins.co.uk/conferences-corporate-events/): non-wedding business hire - [Hire the House](https://www.houchins.co.uk/hire-the-house/): farmhouse-only hire - [Garden Party](https://www.houchins.co.uk/garden-party/): summer garden events - [LGBTQ Weddings](https://www.houchins.co.uk/lgbtq-weddings/): inclusive ceremony information - [Multicultural / Asian Dry Hire](https://www.houchins.co.uk/multicultural-asian-dry-hire/): dry-hire option for Asian and multicultural weddings - [Sustainable Weddings](https://www.houchins.co.uk/sustainable-weddings/): full sustainability credentials - [Environment](https://www.houchins.co.uk/environment/): broader environmental commitments - [Work for Us](https://www.houchins.co.uk/work-for-us/): job vacancies at the venue - [Ultimate Houchins Weekend](https://www.houchins.co.uk/ultimate-houchins-weekend/): the premium full-weekend package - [Easy to Get to](https://www.houchins.co.uk/easy-to-get-to/): driving and travel information - [Coming from Bishop's Stortford](https://www.houchins.co.uk/easy-to-get-to/coming-from-bishops-stortford-to-houchins/): directions from Herts - [Coming from Colchester](https://www.houchins.co.uk/easy-to-get-to/coming-from-colchester-to-houchins/): directions from Colchester ## Recent blog content - [The Ultimate Venue Checklist - What to Look for When Choosing Your Venue](https://www.houchins.co.uk/blog/the-ultimate-venue-checklist-what-to-look-for-when-choosing-your-venue/) - [Top Wedding Trends to Incorporate Into Your Big Day](https://www.houchins.co.uk/blog/top-wedding-trends-to-incorporate-into-your-big-day/) - [A Magical Christmas Wedding at Houchins](https://www.houchins.co.uk/blog/a-magical-christmas-wedding-at-houchins/) - [Pairing Your Wedding Theme with Your Venue](https://www.houchins.co.uk/blog/pairing-your-wedding-theme-with-your-venue/) - [Why We Love Autumn Weddings at Houchins](https://www.houchins.co.uk/blog/why-we-love-autumn-weddings-at-houchins/) - [A Real Wedding at Houchins](https://www.houchins.co.uk/blog/a-real-wedding-at-houchins/) - [Blog index](https://www.houchins.co.uk/blog/) ## Optional - [Privacy Policy](https://www.houchins.co.uk/privacy-policy/) - [Sitemap](https://www.houchins.co.uk/sitemap/) - [General Enquiry Form](https://www.houchins.co.uk/general-enquiry/) - [XML Sitemap Index](https://www.houchins.co.uk/sitemap_index.xml)