About Us
WELCOME TO OUR IDYLLIC WEDDING VENUE
The Great Barn belongs to the Place Barton Estate, which has also been our much-loved family home for over 25 years. Now, it brings us huge pleasure to be able to share it with you. Our warm, experienced approach goes hand-in-hand with our relaxed-meets-luxury location, where we’ve thought of everything you could ever need for an unforgettable wedding weekend.
Emma & John Birkin, Owners
Where it started
We moved to Devon from London in 1997 following careers in television and advertising – where John directed the likes of Mr Bean and The Fast Show while Emma produced live television events including Comic Relief.
When we bought Place Barton, the barn was derelict, hidden under a rusting corrugated iron roof and we initially had little intention of restoring it. However, following much encouragement from architects and archaeologists, we took the plunge and began bringing it back to its 15th century glory in 2003. From every wooden peg hammered into the oak beams to every inch of the walls’ lime plaster we have made a conscious effort to maintain the original simple, beauty of the barn. Officially completed in September 2004, the building still takes our breath away to this day, and we have quite simply never looked back.
After many happy years bringing up our children in the main house, we built a modern eco-house on top of the hill opposite the venue in Summer 2020 where we now live. Just a stone’s throw from The Great Barn Devon itself, we are still very hands on and will be with you every step of the way!
The Great Barn DEVON TODAY
We’ve poured our hearts into every corner of the Great Barn Devon and, as a family, we understand that some of life’s most cherished moments are made when you’re surrounded by your favourite people. Bringing you a “home from home”, we’ve curated a wedding venue where you can celebrate love, family and friendship in comfort and style, with privacy and exclusivity.
That family feeling extends beyond our owners! From the word ‘go’, Team Great Barn are only ever a phone-call or email away to guide you throughout the planning process. Rest assured, you’ll always see a smile on our faces and it’s easy to tell that we love what we do. We’re always welcoming, we’ll make sure you have the best day and guess what? We’ll make it all happen for you.
YOU HAVE FOUND OUT MORE ABOUT US, Now it’s time to tell US MORE ABOUT YOU.
The Great Barn Devon is where your story begins.
