KAREN DARLEY gets a behind-the-scenes look round an historic house which is opening its doors to the wider public.

NOT many venues offer a setting like The Orangery in Settrington. Standing between the village church and historic Settrington House, this former riding school lends itself perfectly to a special celebration or wedding, but now The Orangery is opening its doors to a wider audience with its first pop-up restaurant, allowing people to enjoy an evening of fine dining in this spectacular building.

Built in 1791 – the date can be seen over the archway in the courtyard - The Orangery's architect is unknown, but was possibly James Laverton, who was responsible for Scampston Hall. Settrington House itself was originally built by Sir Mark Sykes in 1793 and bought by Lord Middleton of Birdsall in the 19th century. Samuel Storey MP, later Lord Buckton, moved to the property in the 1930s, and it was later passed on to his son, Sir Richard Storey, in 1978.

In February 1963 a fire destroyed a major part of Settrington House, which was rebuilt by architect Francis Johnson of Bridlington. A commemorative stone, commissioned by Sir Richard, can be seen above the main entrance on the south front.

His son, Kenelm, took over the reins recently, and he and his wife, Karen, moved from their home in London four years ago to settle in Ryedale.Karen, who has a background in PR and management, found that with their three children at school and more time on her hands, she was increasingly drawn to the potential of The Orangery, which had remained unused for a number of years.

"I could see how lovely it was and what a fantastic place it could be for events both inside The Orangery itself and the surrounding grounds," she said. "Although it had not been used for some time, it needed very little work and was in almost perfect condition."

Karen, who runs Cussons and Storey Design Consultants with her friend, Sara Cussons, was perfectly qualified to add the finishing touches, overseeing the installation of bar area and transforming one of the cottages in the estate grounds for guest accommodation. To the front of The Orangery stands the Millennium Fountain, which was commissioned by St Richard, along with with the statued avenue through to the Tempietto, which is also licensed for civil ceremonies.

Since reopening The Orangery has hosted a number of weddings and special occasions but Karen is now aiming to open it up to the wider public with its first pop-up restaurant. Chef for the evening, on Saturday, September 27, is Tom Coe, who trained in Michelin-star London restaurants.Now based in Thornton-le-Clay, Tom runs his own private-dining company and has created a special seven-course menu for the evening, including canapés and a champagne cocktail on arrival.

"This is a fantastic venue and I am looking forward to bringing a fine-dining experience to The Orangery," Tom said."I use local produce, although my food is not limited to British, but influenced by dishes from all over the world."

Karen said they were looking forward to the pop-up restaurant and hoped it would become a regular event. "My family love living here and enjoying these wonderful surroundings every day," she added. "We are very excited about this event because it will allow access to people to enjoy the building and its grounds with an evening of fantastic food."

For more information and to book phone 01944 768106 email info@orangerysettrington.co.uk or visit orangerysettrington.co.uk