YOU could call it a sister act, but for two young entrepreneurs from Bathurst the dream of owning and running their own function centre is about to become a reality.
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Kayla and Melissa Atkins have invested $850,000 in their "BoxGrove" venture, a rural haven set among rolling hills on the edge of Eglinton.
Bookings are starting to roll in for what is the region's newest wedding, party and business convention centre.
"We should be finished by the end of August," Kayla said.
"BoxGrove will be a purpose built function venue seating up to 165 guests.
"We already have more than 20 dates booked from September through to early 2018. They're for birthdays, day and evening weddings and business functions, seven days a week.”
Kayla said interest in BoxGrove had quickly spread through the community.
BoxGrove will be a purpose built function venue seating up to 165 guests.
- Kayla Atkins
"We've literally had hundreds of inquiries. I think everyone likes the idea of being able to enjoy a rural setting with views of the hills and the Bathurst skyline, while also having the comforts and convenience of a modern building and commercial kitchen,” she said.
Kayla and Melissa are already well known to customers through their thriving hair and beauty salon, Luxe, located next door to the new wedding venue.
"We've looked outside the square with BoxGrove and we will also have accommodation for up to 40 guests in farmstay cottages, which come as a part of the venue hire fee," Melissa said.
"We've also partnered up with Rydges, Mount Panorama, who will offer a discounted rate to guests attending functions at our venue.
"Onsite videography services can also be hired and the rolling hills, paddocks and views across to Bathurst give the videographer lots of space to work with and for using creative drone video for wedding parties.
“At night you can see and capture all the stars here. You don't get that on film when shooting in city locations."
Melissa said BoxGrove's ecologically sourced timber-clad building was inspired by the traditional Australian barn but used premium furnishings and lots of glass for a seamless "infinity" view to paddocks outside.
"It has sweeping views of the mountains and the Bathurst skyline to the east and south, 'round to rolling hills and adjoining rural properties in the west and north,” she said.
For BoxGrove inquiries and bookings contact weddings@boxgrove.com.au, (02) 6337 1441
