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A Wilthsire wedding venue has expanded its accommodation offering with the construction of an eco-friendly lodging as it anticipates an upsurge in events at its site.

The Maundrell family has been farming in countryside surrounding the village of Calstone Wellington, near Calne, over a period of more than 300 years.

The sixth generation of Maundrells have been diversifying Manor Farm’s source of revenue, having held weddings of up to 300 people for almost 15 years.

The family have now overseen the construction of a sustainably designed building where up to 10 guests can stay. The building is equipped with air source heat pumps and solar panel technology to generate its own renewable electricity.

Dubbed the ‘Hygge House’, inspired by the Danish concept of living comfortably with simplicity, the new dwelling bolsters the site’s existing accommodation options, which include three shepherd huts and six glamping tents, where up to 30 guests can stay.

The family secured a £450,000 package from Lloyds Bank as part of the lender’s initiative to provide discounted funding to help businesses transition to operations that reduce carbon emissions.

Keri Maundrell, the managing director of the family wedding business, said that she couldn’t deny that the effects of the national lockdown and the restrictions that were put in place on weddings had “taken its toll” on the business.

Ms Maundrell said: “It has always been our intention to invest in the future and the development of the new sustainable Hyggee House does just that. We can’t wait to welcome wedding party bookings into this special new property to help them prepare for, and rest after, their big day.”