Peter and David are a couple with a passion for hospitality, gracious living, and running their traditional English country estate & manor house.
David is the Creative Director of Willowbrook Park. He loves classical art, architecture, music, gardening and farming. Together with Peter he
designed the Manor and Gardens at Willowbrook Park, and created the Rare Breeds
Farm.
Peter is the Managing Director
of Willowbrook Park, and a Licensed Wedding Celebrant. He grew up in the south
of England, being educated at Canterbury Cathedral Choir school, where he was
head chorister, before going to the King's School and then on to study Theology at Cambridge University. After
theological training and ordination in the Church of England he worked as an
Anglican priest for 25 years. He too enjoys classical art and music and is a
keen chorister, pianist, and flautist.
The couple met in 2002 when
David was working in the emergency department at The Royal London. Peter shifted
to NZ in 2008 so they could start a new life together in the country.
The following year they bought
the site of Willowbrook Park, 30 acres of bare land which had once been an
apple orchard. Together they set to work drafting plans for the house and
architectural features as well as creating a plan for the landscape gardens which
were designed in the manner of the 18th century English style.
For 7 years they spent all
their spare time setting out the gardens and creating the landscaping
themselves, with the help of a team of devoted friends. In total they have
planted over 15,000 trees, bushes and plants to create a collection of stunning
themed gardens and outdoor rooms, blended harmoniously with the surrounding
countryside.
After 3 years of construction,
the jewel of Willowbrook - The Manor - was finally completed in 2016 and David
and Peter have opened it to private bookings for weddings, civil partnerships
and other special events. The manor also offers luxury boutique accommodation.