Harewell Hall has been hired by the day since 1863, and the diary has been the whole system for most of that time.
The trust keeps it simple on purpose: one keeper, one diary, rates on the wall, and every hire fee going back into the building.
Ask about a date and the keeper writes back with what the diary says — pencilled means pencilled, never sold twice.

01The diary tells the truth
One diary, kept by one person. A date is free, pencilled or taken, and the answer you get is the answer everyone gets.
02Rates on the wall
The day rate is the day rate. No wedding premium, no packages, no quiet surcharges for bringing your own people.
03The building comes first
Fees maintain the roof, the floor and the rate. Rules exist to protect the room, not to catch hirers out.