“Shropshire is giving the Cotswolds a run for its money,” says Syrie Johnson, owner of Woodhill Park Estate near Oswestry. “Shrewsbury is repeatedly named one of the top places to live by the Times, Telegraph and Sunday Times. Now it’s Shropshire’s time to shine.”

Since opening its doors with charity events in aid of the British Red Cross, Horatio’s Garden and Shropshire Rural Support, Woodhill Park Estate has hosted many cultural events, including large scale productions of As You Like It and Macbeth. Now however, the estate is turning its attention to luxury weddings, with the aim of attracting Americans as well as local couples.

The grade 2 listed Georgian house has form – frequent past visitors include John F Kennedy, Jacqueline and Bobby Kennedy.

The secluded estate of 156 acres was owned by Lord Harlech, who was best friends with JFK since they were at LSE together. JFK, Jacqueline Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy often visited and locals remember them attending church nearby and Jackie in her headscarf riding the local bridlepaths. Many years after JFK’s assassination, Lord Harlech proposed to Jackie Kennedy.

The south-facing Jasmine Courtyard, with its pale pink cherry trees, white Camellias, lavender and fragrant lilies, could almost be in Provence. Guests can enjoy a Champagne Tower surrounded by heritage varieties of espaliered fruit, scented Jasmine and white Madame Alfred Carriere roses. Lady’s Mantle spills out from the borders while a fire pit offers a spot to gather round the flames.

The Jasmine Courtyard Room, with its rustic beams and glittering chandeliers, affords an atmospheric location to host drinks parties for up to 135 guests, or seated wedding receptions for up to 70. A large marquee can be accommodated in the parkland or in the meadows, which are being planted with wildflowers. The Walled Garden, Amphitheatre and Glasshouse, planted with 3400 bulbs, offer unique locations for parties or receptions.

From weddings to wellbeing, Woodhill Park Estate invites visitors to soak up the beauty of the seasons with their Calendar of Happenings, including theatre, floral arts, retreats and fashion events.

On 30 April Woodhill Park Estate will launch Through the Seasons by Charlie Gray, winner of Channel 4’s Handcuffed. As well as copies of the book, Ridley London’s summer dress collection will be available. There will be fizz and canapés, cake by the Orchid Kitchen and live music by 2 Vibe Entertainment.

A number of photography courses capitalise on the beautiful surroundings. On 5 and 6 May, Andrea Gilpin returns with a course for Florists, Makers and Growers. Gilpin’s work appears in Vogue, the Guardian and Country Living. And on 16 May, author Brad Carr will teach a course on Photography for Mindfulness.

Woodhill Park hosts a Pride and Prejudice Open Garden on 10 May, featuring an authentic Regency literary lunch with The Villager Bookclub, with talks by authors Holly Kirby and Dr Lucy Andrew and bespoke chocolate by Lefevre. There will be Regency dancing and music, “promenading” by the Jane Austen Society, as well as crafts, croquet and card games. Stalls will include Zulfi Fabrics, SP Holistic Beauty and antique oil landscapes. Georgian costume optional!

Over the summer there will be a number of open gardens with workshops by the Historical Herbologist, and on 27 June the Duke’s Theatre Company returns with Romeo and Juliet.

July will be a Month of Flowers, featuring The Importance of Being Earnest by Shrewsbury High School on 4 July, with floral art workshops by Floragami and Flower Farm Papers, and floristry workshops by Peach and Peony on 4 and 5 July. On 11 July Nicola Watters will give a floral painting workshop and a Victorian weekend is planned for October.

“And for those American couples who want to tie the knot here,” concludes Syrie Johnson, “We can offer clay pigeon shooting, riding, yoga, sound baths and wine tasting. Who needs the Cotswolds when you have the beauty of Shropshire?