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06
Feb 2022
Sneak peek: New owners refurbish The Old Deanery in Ripon
The new owners of The Old Deanery are set to be the first couple to have their wedding at the venue after completing the first phase of a major refurbishment.
It is a new chapter for the Grade II* listed mansion. The venue has sat in the shadow of Ripon Cathedral since it was built in 1625.
Chris Layton and Rebecca Hill, who also own the Galtres Lodge Hotel in York, took on the business in August 2021.
The previous owners closed the business in June 2020 due to coronavirus. That closure came as a major blow for the city with countless memories attached to the building.
Where couples will have their wedding breakfast. Photo: Tim Hardy
So with news of new owners came a lot of interest from locals curious about Chris and Rebecca's plan for the place.
While they are open-minded about how The Old Deanery will operate in future, they have put the restaurant and hotel side of the business on hold to focus on weddings and events.
The new owners have been busy refurbishing and redecorating the venue since they took it on last summer.
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The Old Deanery will look quite different to how people remember the venue. The couple have brought out the original features of the building where they can and opted for a more neutral colour palette.
A new look for The Old Deanery.
Mr Layton and Ms Hill told the Stray Ferret:
Lewis Carroll was apparently inspired to write Alice in Wonderland during his time in the garden here.
The first wedding at the new Old Deanery
It is now ready for its first wedding of the new era later this month — which just so happens to be the wedding of Mr Layton and Ms Hill. Rebecca added:
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