Funerals can now be held in a stunning location among Dorset’s Purbeck Hills thanks to an exclusive partnership. Kingston Country Courtyard has partnered with Douch Family Funeral Directors to offer its 16th century barn for services.

Magnificent views from the location look out over Corfe Castle to Poole Harbour beyond. With people’s expectations of funerals developing, this partnership provides a memorable location for final farewells.

Kingston Country Courtyard is a hotel with fine dining and hosts a variety of events. Its facilities are now available for those organising funerals through any of Douch Family Funeral Directors’ branches.

Malcolm Green, manager of the James Smith branch in Swanage, said:

“People’s expectations and choices are changing. This has accelerated since Covid and our new partnership offers people a place where the service and wake can be held in the same, stunning place."

"The burial or cremation will usually take place privately at a separate location either after or before the funeral and this is becoming a more common choice. Many people request that their funerals be held in a specific place and we aim to cater for them."

“The facilities at Kingston Country Courtyard are superb including audio-visual equipment. While James Smith and the Albert Marsh branches are closest we expect clients from all our branches to be interested in holding a funeral at this location.”

Tony Edwards, director of Kingston Country Courtyard, said:

“We host a variety of events and welcome the partnership with the funeral group. Our 16th century barn can accommodate gatherings of 140 seated or 175 for a buffet. We have 26 rooms and our location is between Swanage and Wareham in the Purbeck Hills.”

Douch Family Funeral Directors has branches in Wimborne, Parkstone, Swanage, Wareham, Blandford, Corfe Mullen and Ferndown.

Malcolm Green from James Smith Funeral Directors in Swanage, Emma Byron from Albert Marsh Funeral Directors in Wareham and Tony Edwards, director of Kingston Country Courtyard.