In 1990, bridge enthusiast Laurie Champniss was looking for suitable premises to convert into a full time Bridge Centre. He received details of a property known as "The House of Prayer” which had originally been a farm but for the past 70 years had been a convent. The possibilities became apparent as soon as he entered the barn, and the property was purchased by the Champniss family Company, Panstar Properties Ltd.

The barn was built in about 1505 and some of the farmhouse is probably older. The buildings were extensively renovated to high modern standards and the Bridge Club is now located in the original barn. A derelict building adjoining the barn was rebuilt in similar style; it is now known as the Garden Room and is used as for teaching  and as a second bridge room.

The care put into the restoration to keep the buildings with as much of the original character as possible, but with modern standards of comfort, convenience and ease of access resulted in a conservation award from the Burnham Society.

The new Bridge centre was opened in 1994 by Peter Stocken, Chairman of the English Bridge Union. Eminent bridge visitors since then have included Zia Mahmood, Ron Klinger, Andrew Robson,  Tony Forrester and Brian Senior. All agree that this must be one of the world’s outstandingly attractive bridge venues.

The Centre has 6 acres of attractive grounds. Large car parks have been constructed at the side of and behind Brightwell Grange, the former farm house . An old brick wall has been retained to conceal these from the road. Behind the car parks are wooded areas with flowers and shrubs, lawns and a small graveyard for the nuns, surrounded by a tall yew hedge.

The site is now owned by Laurie Champniss (having purchased it from the Panstar Group). The site has been leased to Tudor Barn (1505) Ltd with the agreement that South Bucks Bridge Centre have the use of the Barn and the Garden Room from Monday morning until Friday afternoon.

The Bridge Centre is used for playing and teaching bridge from Monday to Friday, usually both daytime and evening.  Occasional special bridge events are held on Sundays.

There is a great demand for the use of this very attractive venue for Weddings and other social activities at weekends.  Contact Tudor Barn (1505) Ltd. for details.  Their web site is www.tudorbarn.co.uk .

The original farmhouse has been converted into serviced offices, with individual rooms and small suites available for rent.  Contact Tudor Barn (1505) Ltd. for details