Business at Merley House Meeting, Seminar & Networking Venue in Dorset
At Merley House any of our rooms can be hired for your business event, with many different technologies, optional catering and professional staff on-hand to ensure that your event runs smoothly.
Business Function & Corporate Event Venue
Merley House is a conducive environment for business and corporate events. Whether it is a meeting, seminar, networking event or trade fair, Merley House is able to offer competitive rates which include the use of many different technologies and optional catering.
The conference facilities in Merley House consist of four main conference and function rooms, each of which are uniquely and individually designed, with original features dating back to when the house was first built in the 1750s. Any of our rooms can be hired for your business and conference needs and will be set to your chosen layout such as boardroom, cabaret or theatre style.
We believe every event is unique so we are more than happy to tailor the rooms to your individual requirements. Furthermore, our professional staff will also be on-hand to ensure your event runs smoothly, allowing you to concentrate on the event itself.
Corporate Event Rooms for Hire
The Old Library
This is the largest of the rooms for hire. It is decorated in green and features plasterwork clouds and sunbursts within an arabesque and garlanded border.
Maximum Capacity:
100 people – Cinema Style
60 people – Cabaret Style
28 people – Boardroom Style
The Drawing Room
Decorated predominantly in green with white cornicing and detailed in gold, this room boasts an impressive chimney piece in white and green marble. The ceiling has a large central oval depicting ‘The Judgement of Paris’. Perfect for smaller events, drinks receptions or buffets.
Maximum Capacity:
40 people – Cinema Style
32 people – Cabaret Style
18 people – Boardroom Style
The Dining Parlour
Situated in the north-west corner of the building, this room is decorated in blue tones. Features an impressive fireplace and a captivating ceiling that incorporates a depiction of Bacchus receiving a cup of wine from Ceres. Perfect for smaller events, drinks receptions or buffets.
Maximum Capacity:
40 people – Cinema Style
32 people – Cabaret Style
18 people – Boardroom Style
The Grand Entrance Hall
Merley House boasts a classical entrance hall that provides a great first impression for your attendees. The hall features a grand fireplace and plasterwork ceiling, and leads to The Old Library and our magnificent staircase.
The Morning Room
Accessed by double doors from The Old Library, this room features a fully-stocked bar and an impressive Berstein grand piano. The French doors lead to the south east corner of the house and a delightful enclosed patio area.
Technology Options Included
Your room will be set up with your chosen layout and includes the following technologies, should you wish to use them:
Hybrid Conferences
We are now able to offer hybrid conferences utilizing 360° smart video camera technology.
Unlike a traditional setup of having a conference camera fixed in one position, our smart camera automatically rotates and focuses on whoever is speaking, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for remote participants. The technology features 1080p HD video and 360° audio with a pickup range of up to 5.5 meters.
The camera is easy to setup with just a simple USB connection and built in WIFI. It is fully compatible with all major conferencing platforms including: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype, Slack and more. For further details, please get in touch.
Venue Hire Rates & Catering Options
Download our Conference Rates 2023
Download our list of External Caterers
Download our Terms and Conditions 2023-2024-2025
Food & Refreshments
We work with a fantastic selection of local caterers who provide high quality food and professional service to cater for a wide range of refreshments and food requirements. Whether it be a working sandwich lunch, a gorgeous buffet or even a lavish sit-down luncheon. Our caterers are happy to accommodate any special dietary requirements your guests may have.
A range of hot beverages are continuously available throughout the day.
Planning a Business Function or Corporate Event?
South West Regional Assessment Centre
Merley House is also home to a busy training organisation – South West Regional Assessment Centre, (SWRAC). Should you be interested in commercial training such as Health and Safety, Environmental Legislation, Driver CPC or Driver Awareness, Continuing Competence, a range of Apprenticeships and employability please visit the website,