Story

The Keeper and the Dell is privately owned and lovingly cared for by the Streek family. Set within an ancient medieval grove, the land was once quarried for marl, forming the Dell, that still gives the venue its name. The 18th-century Barn ~ once home to quarry workers, later the Gamekeeper's lodge, before becoming The Keeper and the Dell ~ one of the first outdoor wedding venues in the UK, appearing in Conde Nast’s top 100 venues five years in a row, welcoming over 8500 guests through our gates since 2013. Since then, gently evolving with the Cabin, Pavilion, Chapel Studio, and the Courtyard ~ each space created to sit naturally alongside the Barn and Vintage Marquee.

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Meet your hosts ~ David & Lolly Streek

The Keeper and the Dell was created by husband-and-wife team, David and Lolly Streek. Their journey together over the last thirty years started with   a busy life in Cambridge to a sleepy village in Costa Rica, where they lived with their two young daughters. There, Lolly ran a café from their home, whilst David designed and built his own outdoor cinema, hosting the first of many community gatherings that quietly shaped what was to come. Together, they’ve lived and travelled in a way that shows up in everything they do now: the way they build, the way they style, and the way they host.

With over 25 years’ experience in building, landscaping and maintenance, David quietly renovated The Keeper and the Dell’s old buildings, and built the new spaces by hand using locally sourced, natural, timeless materials, designed to offer comfort without excess ~ a place to rest and reconnect ~ gradually developing the venue to reflect the kind of events and stays you won’t find elsewhere.  David now supports others who are ready to shape something of their own. Whether you’re looking for hands-on building or DIY help, or wish to learn valuable, practical skills yourself, he offers quiet guidance and practical know-how to help bring ideas to life.

Lolly's brings her love of styling and storytelling, together with her strong organising and styling skills to create with David welcoming spaces with meaning. Lolly Streek is also known for her work as a model, actor and content creator whose work is shaped by real experience and a desire to challenge the stories we’re told about ageing, disability, and beauty. Lolly adds a pro-age voice to brand campaigns, soulful gatherings and honest storytelling ~ always with women like her in mind.

Lolly curates and hosts a small number of her own gatherings each season ~ intimate, thoughtful events that bring women together to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the natural world around them. These gatherings are often collaborative, blending creativity, conversation, and care. Past events have included seasonal feasts, moon circles, wellness sessions, and gentle workshops led by local makers and facilitators. Guests leave with flowers, fresh ideas, and the kind of connection that stays with you.

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Consultancy & Collaborations 

David is available for project mentoring or hands-on help ~ for those who want to learn how to build or need an experienced hand to make something happen.

 

Lolly offers one-to-one consultancy for those wanting to move into creative work ~ whether that’s launching a venue, building a retreat space, developing a content-led business or shaping something slower and more sustainable.

If you’d like to  collaborate, or work with us on something new ~ we’d love to hear from you, drop us a message below.

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