Cocktails at Windmill Hill, The Rothschild Family Archives 

A woman with her arms up in a v shape at DJ decks. Luxury Party Planners.

Lunch surrounded by contemporary art, overlooking Waddesdon, by your Luxury Party Planners, The Events Mill. 

Tucked away on the Rothschild estate is a contemporary venue, a gem on a hill that overlooks the hills of Oxfordshire, a haven of both information and art – it’s called Windmill Hill. This is the place where one would find a treasure trove of history on one of the world’s oldest families. 
This contemporary space is perhaps not immediately thought of when hosting an event at Waddesdon Manor, but it’s cool and modern features make it a fantastic day-time party venue. With large floor to ceiling, panoramic windows, infinity pools and multi-level, sculpted gardens, one feels like they’re wandering around a modern gallery, with many pieces of contemporary art dotted around for extra design umph. This venue is bold, bright and beautiful, and the perfect space for a cocktail party. If you enquire with one of our luxury party planners, we will no doubt recommend this cool, contemporary space as a true hidden gem. 

What We Did ...

Gastronomy is always a huge part of our offering, and we were proud to laden our guests with a variety of taste sensations. From an Oyster and Salmon bar to a BBQ serving Teriyaki Salmon with Green Mango Salad, Margarita Grilled Shrimp and Miso and Maple Grilled Aubergines; epic salads and bowl foods including Sea Bass Ceviche with Jalapeño, Lobster and Celery Mayonnaise Brioche Hot Dog Buns and Corn Tacos filled. For those with a sweet tooth we presented Fried Beignets rolled in Vanilla Sugar and Ice creams, sorbets all served on usherette trays. This really was a feast.
An oyster shucker and oysters in a large silver bowl
A water feature with floating white hydrangea heads, floating silver disco balls and a lookout over an horizon.
To add some additional pizazz to the day, our DJ worked the decks throughout the afternoon, creating a chilled party vibe and the perfect background soundtrack as guests enjoyed cocktails in the sun. To enhance the disco beat, we placed giant disco balls in the two infinity pools, boosting the glamour of the occasion, and surrounded these with domes of white hydrangea, adding a classy finish to the décor and a unique, Events Mill twist.
Woman in multi coloured jacked spinning DJ decks wearing headphones
White chair with blue cushion behind a white table laid with glasses filled with various coloured liquids
People in front of a picnic table and lawn
View through a window onto a water feature and lawn. A mirror ball can be seen floating on water and a white chair with blue cushion positioned on the lawn.
Contemporary art horse and carriage.
Woman with raised arm in silver dress standing in front of a black DJ booth
Black and white photo of a group of people interacting around foodGroup of people sitting together on a lawn.
"Best party I’ve ever been to ever! Honestly felt like a dream! Still can’t believe we got to be a part of this magic"

Guest, Private Message on Instagram
Martini glasses set on a rustic wooden circular barBlack and white image of women chatting on wooden sofas
An oyster shucker opening oyster and oysters on display in a large silver container
A group of people enjoying food and drink on a platform in front of a water feature.
One crucial service that was critical to the success of this event was our concierge shuttle. As Windmill Hill is a private venue found deep within a large estate, and all guests arrived at Waddesdon Manor’s famous front gates, we created a pickup and transfer service that transported all guests from their arrival to the party, back to accommodation and throughout their stay with us. These complex logistics are what we thrive on and how we create perfect solutions. 
A woman holding an usherette tray of ice creams and cones.A black and white photo of a group of people embracing in front of a horizon.
A landing area at Windmill Hill

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Cocktails at Windmill Hill

Windmill Hill at Waddesdon Manor played host to an alfresco private party on a barmy summer’s day in August.
 
We wanted a venue that ticked many boxes and Windmill Hill offered just that. Uniqueness in location; a space with stunning views; a contemporary venue that was cool, modern and artistically interesting. We hit the jackpot with this space, the home of the Rothschild Family Archives, which felt part-New York art gallery, part Saint-Tropez private members club, and when the sun came out, the two reflection pools perfected the vibe, as our DJ played the decks, and we served the cocktails.

The Brief

For this surprise 40th birthday party we were tasked with bringing the artistic vibes of New York and combining this with the classy setting of Saint-Tropez in a party of chill, eats and music; two favourite places of the birthday girl, for this was all about celebrating her, with her nearest and dearest.

Prestige was paramount across every detail, from the venue address to presentation. Our brief was to ensure that every moment was memorable, luxurious and effortless for the guests, the top-tier of a concierge service, but at all times relaxed and with a particular party vibe; it was this balance that was so crucial to master, and what our client tasked The Events Mill with. To appear effortless, one must sustain an impeccable level of control, working with the very best partners, and this was a real showcase in how the art of party planning is showcased.

What We Did

To facilitate this daytime event, a takeover of Windmill Hill was required, with focus on an alfresco style party. The contemporary style building was a perfect backdrop, with chic, towering glass windows in panoramic view around all sides, offering privacy and a sense of modern grandeur. Throughout the grounds, interesting sculptures could be found, modern art, which added a sense of the dramatic, curios and a much-needed colour-pop in contrast to the cool, clean lines of the building. 

We focused our attention on styling and gastronomy. Our focus areas were patio spaces, lawns and infinity pools, all areas that guests could roam, in a relaxed and causal way throughout the day. It was important to construct zones and to maximise the space, to create a vibe akin to a private members terrace or a pop-up Saint Tropez Garden. 

Styling was eclectic, modern and chic, making use of a variety of materials from rattan, wood, wicker, straw and reclaimed plastic, softened with cushions and material textures. We included a large circular cocktail bar made from recycled wood, and food stations serving an abundance of delicious plates throughout the day. 

The clusters of furniture ensured great comfort for all guests, a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunity to sit back and enjoy both Windmill Hill and the spectacular views across Oxfordshire, whilst music was played and the drinks flowed.