News of what’s been happening around the Pekes estate. The most recent items are at the top, and you can click and enlarge most of the images.
The Curse of Humpty Dumpty
Yet another feature film is being shot at Pekes – in which, after she is told she has dementia, Wendy begins to question a mysterious doll and it’s deadly intentions.
The film is being directed by Scott Jeffrey, who has produced some fourteen Feature Films in the last three years, including Unhinged (2017), Fox Trap (2018) and Suicide Club (2018).
Again you’ll have to see it to find out what happens to her.
February 2021
Beneath the Surface
Another feature film has been shot at Pekes, this time with the most dramatic action taking place in the Pool.
“After surviving a tragic shark attack, Lexy (played by Georgie Banks) must discover the truth about who left her in the ocean”
You’ll have to see it to find out what happens!
January 2021
A Day + A Night Wedding package now at Pekes
Pekes now offers happy couples the opportunity to be legally married in the Dining Room or outdoor Gazebo at Pekes, entertain their family and friends for 12 hours and then drift off into the undisturbed privacy of the elegant next-door Edwardian Wing for the night. They can even have their favourite people staying overnight in the Manor House first floor, and say their farewells in the morning after a hearty breakfast.
Available on many Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays throughout the year.
Exclusive use – lovely old house – beautiful countryside – licensed ceremony inside or out – your own catering – music & dancing – stay the night – very reasonable prices – No corkage or extras either!
January 2021
Small Weddings at Pekes
Small weddings are now beautiful! Pekes’ historic Dining Room is licensed as a wedding venue and can be set out for lovely smaller marriages and civil partnerships, for all those couples who want to tie the knot and celebrate in intimate style.
December 2020
Christmas Comes Early to Pekes
The ladies from our Pekes Team have started celebrating Christmas a little early this year …
December 1st 2020
Celebrating 30 years at Pekes
Elaine was effectively the first member of our Pekes Team when she joined us in November 1990 and we are all very pleased and proud that she’s still with us, pretty much the heart and soul of everything that goes on.
She has rolled with all the many changes and developments that have happened over these years, has met and chatted with many of our Guests, and is the first person we look out for if we need cheering up.
Thank you Elaine so much. Here’s to the next 30! November 2020
The Rule of Six
From Monday September 14, no more than 6 people at a time are allowed to stay in our Manor House, Oast House or Mounts View.
For the whole period that this new legislation is active, we are offering existing and new Guests a huge 40% discount on our prices for them to book and stay in those three houses with a party of up to 6 people.
Come and enjoy the autumn at Pekes at a wonderful price. Email stay@pekesmanor.com or call Kildare on 07776-298-405 and it will be arranged for you. September 2020
A delightful young Guest
In these very difficult times, we thought we’d like to share this lovely card left for us in Tudor View by Eliana and her mum. Heart-warming.
September 2020
Completion of Pekes Ceremony Lawn
Too much rain this Spring, too little rain this Summer! Anyway the final 650 square metres of fine turf eventually got laid , and here is the excellent Pekes ‘gang’ that did it.
Now all we need is for the government to allow us to have ceremonies on it. The peaceful view out there is fantastic. September 2020
Pekes Re-opens
Pekes has re-opened after a 3-month ‘sleep-in’. All of our facilities are up and running again, and we are due to welcome many Guests over the summer and autumn. So, now’s the time to book if you would like a lovely holiday in the glorious East Sussex countryside … with the Downs, the sea and the fun-filled coastal towns all nearby.
We are taking huge care to comply with all government and sector regulations, including guidance on cleaning, disinfecting and distancing. We believe that Pekes is as safe an environment to come and stay in as you can find.
Come and breathe in the country air, enjoy the gardens, walk along the country lanes and footpaths and have a BBQ at your house in total peace and privacy. July 2020
Covid-19
Following the Government’s announcement of a nationwide lock-down, Pekes closed for three months, from April through to July. We re-opened as soon as we were allowed to, and confirmed re-opening dates here on the website.
Guests with bookings at Pekes were able to discuss their plans with us, and to reschedule their stay or event until a later date. April 2020
Pekes Awarded Gold
Landed Houses, the website dedicated to finding the right country estate for those seeking the perfect wedding venue or rural retreat, has given Pekes its House of the Year Gold Award for 2020.
Of course we are very pleased and very proud … now we just have to live up to it! 11th April 2020
New Ceremony Gazebo
Set out overlooking the timeless Wealden landscape with a long flat stone walkway leading to it from near the house, the new Ceremony Gazebo is both romantic and formal. It’s the perfect setting for whatever Ceremony or Celebration our Guests wish to have there. The Gazebo, like our Dining Room, is Licensed for Civil Ceremonies (marriages and civil partnerships). 6th April 2020
First Licensed Wedding Ceremony
The first Licensed Wedding Ceremony to take place in our historic Dining Room was performed on 20th September 2019, when Helen & John tied the knot. It was a very special day at Pekes. 21st October 2019
HMS Powerful Back on Station
Some of the teak timbers from HMS Powerful, one of the Royal Navy’s front-line cruisers towards the end of the 19th Century, were made into garden seats in the late 1920s.
One was brought to Pekes by Eva’s father in c.1929, but was recently found to be quite badly rotted. However, we’ve had the seat beautifully restored, and it is once again in the garden. 25th August 2019
Pekes Pool Goes Salty … Naturally
We have installed a new pure salt-water chlorinator instead of chemicals to chlorinate our Pool. The water is slightly salty, feels a lot nicer and is much better for guests and the environment. 19 August 2019
On-site Weddings
After many years of hosting wonderful Wedding Celebrations, Pekes is now an Approved Premises for Licensed Ceremonies in our Tudor Dining Room. We have more Wedding plans for 2020. 6th August 2019
The Old Barn – First Steps
About 400 years old, the barn has been decaying since the end of WW2.
As a first step towards major restoration, we have removed all the roof tiles, so now it’s gaunt but rather evocative. 28th July 2019
Amy joins the Pekes Team
Just when we needed someone to come and look after our Weddings & Celebration events, we met Amy. Very experienced, very efficient and lives in Hellingly, almost next door! Perfect.
Come to the National Wedding Show, Olympia, September 20-22 2019, & meet her there. 18th May 2019
We Make The Space
We have made a big open space out of part of our Forestall Field, next to the Oast House.
With steps leading up to it from the Wing, The Space is perfect for almost anything – marquees, cricket, children’s games, races, extra parking, whatever. 11th March 2019
Borders Recreated
Pekes is almost famous for its urns, pots, tubs and baskets in full flower, all spring and all summer, but our flower beds had started to look a bit neglected.
So, we have started re-creating them, with the help of two excellent garden experts; Tracy & Laurie. More in 2020. 21st January 2019
Christmas at Pekes
Christmas is always a lovely time at Pekes. We decorate the houses for our guests, and with a wonderful turkey farm next door, and locally-grown Christmas trees, all is well set for a joyful season. 7th December 2018