Daleview Barn: Danby Castle's New Gilchrist Wedding Venue

Ever been to a wedding and thought, "This is nice, but I wish it was in a castle... with a barn... that used to be full of sheep"? Probably not, but now you're thinking about it, right?

Well, someone in North Yorkshire had that exact thought, and what they’ve created is pretty special. A two-year project has just finished, turning an old lambing barn at the historic Danby Castle into a stunning new wedding venue called the Daleview Barn.

It’s a proper transformation story, taking something old and rustic and giving it a new lease of life. Let's get the kettle on and have a natter about how this all came to be.

So what's the story behind this barn?

Okay, so picture this. You've got this amazing, ancient castle, right? That's Danby Castle. But next to it, there’s a barn. Not a fancy barn, but a working lambing barn. A place for, well, lambs. Most people would just see a shed full of hay and bleating. But not Samantha Gilchrist. She’s the boss of the Gilchrist Collection, a company that knows a thing or two about amazing places.

She saw something more. The story goes that she saw potential in that humble barn. Here’s what Samantha Gilchrist herself had to say about that lightbulb moment:

“When I first visited Danby Castle, I couldn’t help but notice the nearby barn that was then being used for lambing. I asked the Estate if they would consider transforming it into an additional space for weddings. Thankfully, Lord Downe and his wonderful team were open to the idea and embraced the vision I had in mind."

It’s a bit like seeing an old, forgotten chair on the side of the road and imagining it painted up and looking fab in your living room. Same idea, just on a much, much bigger scale. The Gilchrist Collection and the team at the Dawnay Estates decided to go for it. And they didn't just slap a coat of paint on it. Samantha Gilchrist added:

“We were very intentional with the design. It was important to us to stay true to the character of the existing venue while also creating something fresh and contemporary. We made the most of the incredible views by incorporating decorative windows, blending charm and elegance in a way that feels both timeless and new.”

From a vision to a venue

A project like this doesn't happen overnight. This epic transformation took two whole years. That’s a lot of planning, building, and probably a fair few cups of tea. It involved a massive team effort between the Gilchrist Collection and the Dawnay Estates, who own the land. They brought in lots of local contractors to make the dream a reality. You can just imagine the buzz around the place as the old barn slowly became the beautiful Daleview Barn.

The whole thing became official on Wednesday, 2nd July, with a proper ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was a big day for everyone involved. Some of the key people there were:

• Lord Downe of Dawnay Estates
• Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the Gilchrist Collection
• Lucy McCarthy, Head of Property Development for The Gilchrist Collection
• David Steele, Chief Executive of Dawnay Estates
• James Stephenson, Head of Property and Sporting for Dawnay Estates

They all gathered to celebrate the opening of this new wedding venue. And if you’re wondering what 'architectural integrity' means, it’s basically about keeping the soul of the old building. They made sure the new bits didn’t look out of place next to a castle that's been around for centuries. They respected the history while adding a bit of modern magic.

But wait, there's history?

Oh yes. We’re talking serious history. Danby Castle isn’t just any old pile of stones. Its story is woven into the history of England. The land has been owned by some seriously important families in the north of England. Get this – between 1534 and 1543, it was home to a woman named Catherine Parr. If that name rings a bell, it should. She later became the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII. How mad is that? You could be saying your vows in the same place a queen once lived.

Since 1656, the whole estate has been part of the Dawnay family’s lands. That’s a long time. The current Lord Downe is clearly buzzing about this new chapter for the castle. He said:

“The Estate is immensely proud to partner with the prestigious Gilchrist Collection to create a wedding venue which incorporates the best modern facilities whilst retaining the charm and beauty of a fourteenth century castle.”

So you get all that incredible history and character, but with fancy new facilities. It’s the best of both worlds. The whole place just oozes timeless charm.

The grand reveal of Daleview Barn

So, what do you actually get now at this awesome Yorkshire wedding venue? You get the original castle ruins, which look incredible in photos (seriously, check out the photo by @willow_captures, it’s amazing). Then you have two barns. One is for the ceremony itself, and now you have the brand-new Daleview Barn. This new space is designed for the reception – the big meal and the party afterwards.

The team brought in top-notch styling from @belleame_fauxflorals and @geeeventsyorkshire to show it off for the opening, making it look like a fairytale. The barn has huge windows that look out over the sweeping North Yorkshire Moors. Imagine having your first dance with that view. It’s gone from a functional farm building to a place packed with elegance. It’s a brilliant example of how a creative vision can completely change a space. A barn is no longer just a barn; it’s a place for making memories.

This whole project has created something pretty unique. If you're hunting for a wedding venue that's not your standard hotel ballroom, this could be it. It's got history, views, and a brilliant backstory. Plus, you can tell your guests they're partying in a former lambing barn that a future queen of England used to stroll past. You won't find that anywhere else. The good press this venue is getting is well-deserved.