A few years ago, I had the privilege of shooting one of Huntsmill Farm’s very first weddings. Since then, it’s been amazing to watch the farm grow into the stunning venue it is today.
Our lovely bride Clare began her day in the prep room at Huntsmill with her bridesmaids, who wasted no time pouring Prosecco and turning up the music to get the party started. Adrian, the groom, got ready in a separate room with his best man and ushers.
With everyone ready and guests seated, it was time for the big “I do’s.” Clare, bouquet in hand, made her way to the ceremony barn for her walk down the aisle. Vows said and rings exchanged and like that, they were married!
The reception started with the confetti run, followed by the popping of Champagne. Clare, Adrian, and their guests enjoyed the sunny afternoon in the beautiful gardens, soaking in the atmosphere and sampling some delicious canapés.
Next came the wedding breakfast with heartfelt speeches that brought a few tears—and plenty of smiles. Then came a surprise: singing waiters who lit up the room with music and dancing.
As the evening came, it was time for cake cutting and the couples first dance. After that, there was only one thing left to do: hit the dance floor and celebrate.
Suppliers:
Venue: Huntsmill Farm.
Dress: Bride Like Me.
Suits: Dragon Fly.
Hair: Kinki Hair & True Hairdressers.
Makeup: Hannah Joy.
Caterers: Dimblebee.
Florist: The Flower Company.
Huntsmill Farm History
Huntsmill Farm, nestled just outside Shalstone village in Buckinghamshire, has a rich history dating back to the medieval period. The site was originally known as Hunt Mill and functioned as a working watermill. Historical records trace its operation to at least the 13th century, when it was part of the Honour of Wallingford – a feudal barony with considerable influence in the region. Eventually, stewardship of the land passed to the Purefoy family, prominent landowners based in Shalstone. The watermill continued to function across centuries. Archaeological features such as the foundations of the mill wheelhouse, the mill leats, and traces of a mill house remain visible in surveys and aerial imagery, offering tangible links to its early industrial past.
The broader village of Shalstone itself has deep historical roots. It appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 and likely has Anglo-Saxon origins. The name “Shalstone” translates roughly to “farm by a shallow stream,” a fitting description for the mill’s location. Much of the village’s 18th-century life was preserved in The Purefoy Letters – a collection of correspondence offering intimate glimpses into rural aristocratic life from 1735 to 1753.
Fast forward several centuries. Huntsmill Farm is now a working farm run by the Hilsdon family who have stewarded the land for four generations. Fiona and Henry Hilsdon, along with Henry’s father Chris, maintain both the agricultural operations and historic character of the farm.
Huntsmill Farm’s transformation into a wedding venue began in 2011, when the first wedding was held on-site in a marquee. Inspired by their own wedding in 2014 – the Hilsdons decided to formally convert the farm’s 18th-century stone barn into a wedding venue. Work began in April 2017 and carefully preserved the barn’s original features, such as exposed beams and rugged stone walls, while adding modern amenities. The first wedding in the newly renovated barn was celebrated in May 2018.
In 2021, the family added an outdoor ceremony area known as “The Shed.” Built using reclaimed materials from other barns on the property—including timber and corrugated tin—it embodies the farm’s rustic charm and commitment to sustainability. The venue now hosts weddings year-round and includes seven self-catering cottages converted from the original outbuildings, allowing guests to stay on-site and immerse themselves in the tranquil countryside setting.
Huntsmill Farm today stands as a testament to the careful balance of heritage and hospitality. From its origins as a medieval watermill to its current role as a sought-after wedding destination, the site continues to evolve while maintaining its connection to the land, the local community, and its centuries-old legacy.
The Rich History of Shalstone and Buckinghamshire: From Saxon Roots to Modern Charm
Shalstone, a quintessential English village in Buckinghamshire, offers a remarkable glimpse into England’s deep historical tapestry. Located near Buckingham, this small rural village carries a legacy dating back to Anglo-Saxon times.
Shalstone: A Historic Village in the Heart of Buckinghamshire
The name Shalstone derives from the Old English words sceald (shallow) and tun (farm or settlement), meaning “farm by a shallow stream.” The village was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was listed as part of the extensive lands of the Norman nobility following the Norman Conquest. Shalstone has remained a small but historically rich parish ever since.
In the 18th century, Shalstone became well known through the Purefoy family, who resided at Shalstone House, a Grade II*-listed Georgian country house that still stands today. The Purefoys played a prominent role in local affairs and are remembered for their extensive correspondence, known as The Purefoy Letters (1735–1753). These letters provide an unparalleled window into the domestic, political, and agricultural life of the English landed gentry during the Georgian era.
Huntsmill Farm: A Historical Landmark in Shalstone
Just outside the village lies Huntsmill Farm, historically known as Hunt Mill. It operated as a working watermill from at least the 13th century, serving the local agricultural economy of North Buckinghamshire. Originally part of the Honour of Wallingford, the mill later came under the ownership of the Purefoy family. Remnants of the historic watermill – including its leats, wheelhouse foundations, and mill house – still mark the landscape.
The Broader History of Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire itself is a county rich in heritage, stretching from the Chiltern Hills to the Midlands. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological finds from the Iron Age, Roman Britain, and Anglo-Saxon England. During the Anglo-Saxon period, Buckinghamshire was part of the Kingdom of Mercia. It also served as an important frontier against the Danelaw.
In the Norman period, much of Buckinghamshire was given to Norman nobles such as Walter Giffard and Odo of Bayeux. This feudal structure influenced the development of villages like Shalstone. The region also played a key role during the English Civil War. With the town of Aylesbury famously supporting the Parliamentarians while Oxford, just across the border, served as the Royalist capital.
Cultural and Historical Attractions Near Shalstone
Visitors to Shalstone and surrounding Buckinghamshire villages will find a variety of attractions that reflect the area’s historical significance. Highlights include St Edward the Confessor Church in Shalstone known for its 18th-century interiors and memorials dedicated to the Purefoy family. Nearby, the Buckingham Old Gaol Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. A few miles away lies Stowe House and Gardens, a magnificent 18th-century estate once associated with the influential Temple-Grenville family. Also local is Claydon House, a National Trust property connected to the Verney family, which holds ties to Florence Nightingale.
