Location
Situated in the deep countryside of the North Wessex Downs in an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, yet only 75 minutes from London.
A GRAND COUNTRY ESTATE WITH A WARM WELCOME
An Oxfordshire country estate, Wantage Manor is simultaneously grand and homely. Elegant Georgian architecture stands testament to a distinguished history while a well-equipped kitchen, plush upholstery and log fires make it modern and cosy.
Live like aristocrats, with croquet on the lawn, pegs for your Barbours in the boot room and dinner parties in the oak-panelled dining room. Unwind in interiors that blend decadence with home comforts; stoke the fire in the drawing room, disappear for a zen moment into the snug or music room and let children loose in the play room, where there’s also a cinema screen. Keep exploring, because there’s a ping pong table tucked away somewhere too. In the kitchen-diner, cooking’s a dream on the Aga and there’s room at the table to swap stories over breakfast.
Outside, whether you’re fishing on the lake, discovering the private island, swimming in the pool or listening to the thwonk of tennis balls on the court, you won’t believe you’re only 75 minutes from London. Surrounded by 30 acres of peaceful parkland, Wantage Manor is a sanctuary where you can enjoy a family reunion, milestone celebration, or just a weekend away from it all.
Out and about, explore Ardington, the local village, and Wantage, the birthplace of King Alfred the Great. Lace up your boots for the North Wessex Downs or take the 30-minute drive to the dreaming spires of Oxford. When night falls, the bedrooms are elegant and welcoming, with big, comfortable beds, romantic décor and original features.
Land your helicopter on the helipad, sweep up the driveway, or catch a cab from Didcot Parkway, and enjoy the warm embrace of Wantage Manor’s welcome.
Selected by Gareth
Learn more about our handpicking processHouse features
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Restrictions
No stag or hen parties
No fireworks
No additional day-guests
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Sleeps 22Or 25 with children -
Bedrooms 12Scroll for a link to the full list of rooms in the property. -
Bathrooms 84 bathrooms are en-suite. -
Dining Capacity 18Or 20 at a squeeze.
Open Fire
Pool
Wifi
Child Friendly
Pet Friendly
Games Room
Tennis Court
Fishing Lake
Why book with us
- Excellent Trustpilot rating
- Personalised Service
- Handpicked Properties
Guest reviews
What to expect
We’ve tried to think about everything to make your stay at Wantage Manor just perfect. In all of our manor houses to rent, we provide all the essential features to cater for a large group. Here’s a list of all the practical provisions we have at the house. If there’s anything you can’t see here but need, just ask as we’ll see what we can do.
- Luxury bed linen and fluffy towels
- Wi-Fi internet
- Home cinema screen in the children's playroom
- Table tennis table
- Board games
- Well equipped kitchen including an Aga, 4 gas hobs, 2 electric ovens, a large fridge/freezer and two large pull-out dishwashers
- Open fireplaces in the snug, drawing room and music room (a basket of logs is provided)
- Outdoor swimming pool (available May - September) - additional charge for heating the pool (see FAQs below)
- Tennis court
- Croquet set
- Fly fishing for trout at the river within the grounds (April - October, by prior arrangement)
- Bikes available
House FAQs
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What are the check in and check out times?
Check in is at 4pm on the day of your arrival at Wantage Manor, and check out is at 10am (or 4pm if checking out on a Sunday).
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How many cars can park at the property?
There is plenty of parking available at Wantage Manor.
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Are pets allowed?
Up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed, subject to a fee of £50 per dog. We ask that they are kept only in the kitchen area, boot room and garden. Dog baskets are provided.
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Is the house suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome at Wantage Manor and a highchair and cot are available on request.
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Are hen and stag parties allowed?
Sorry, Wantage Manor is not suitable for hen or stag parties. Click here to view our full range of hen party houses.
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Can I invite additional day-guests to the house?
We're sorry, but the maximum number of guests at Wantage Manor must not exceed 25.
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Is the outdoor swimming pool heated?
The outdoor swimming pool (available May - September) can be heated for an additional cost of £180 per stay. Please note this must be requested at least two weeks prior to your stay. If ambient temperatures fall below 15C, the pool won't be heated as it is unlikely to be able to reach comfortable swimming temperatures.
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Is the tennis court open year-round?
Yes, the tennis court is open all year-round. A few tennis rackets are available but please bring your own tennis balls.
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Are fishing rods available?
We ask that guests bring their own fishing equipment.
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How many guests can sit at the dining table?
The dining table seats 18 guests comfortably or up to 22 at a squeeze. There is also a dining table in the kitchen which seats 12 comfortably or up to 16 at a squeeze.
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Is there a local supermarket?
There is a Waitrose and a Sainsbury's in the local town of Wantage, both of which can deliver to the Manor (please arrange this for after your check-in time).
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Is there much to do within walking distance of Wantage Manor?
The village of Ardington is a picturesque estate village, with a very friendly and warm atmosphere. Just a stone’s throw from the house and all within walking distance are:
- Highly recommended village pub, The Boar's Head
- Local café and convenience shop, The Grocer Chef
- Wooden built children’s play area
- Woodland ideal for dog walks
- Holy Trinity Church built circa 1200
- Many miles of footpaths leading directly from the house up to the North Wessex Downs
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Are there good walks in the area?
Yes. You'll find a number of lovely public footpaths around the village. One path follows the south bank of the river in front of Wantage Manor and others will take you all the way up to the Downs. The Downs are about a 45 minute walk from Ardington or a shorter bike ride. There is also the Millennium forest to explore in Ardington village.
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Will the house be open to the public during my stay?
Wantage Manor may be open to the public at various times of year, this often falls on weekdays in Spring and bank holiday Mondays. Please contact us to enquire with your dates and we will advise on periods that do not coincide with the ground floor areas being open to the public.
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What is the nearest train station to the property?
The nearest train station is Didcot Parkway which is a 15 minute drive from the house. Trains take 40 minutes from London Paddington to Didcot Parkway.
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What is the nearest airport to the property?
Wantage Manor is 55 miles from London Heathrow airport (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes' drive).
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Will you hold a damage deposit during our stay?
Yes, we ask to hold a cautionary deposit of £2,000 during your stay at Wantage Manor. This is requested just two weeks prior to your stay, and is returned shortly after, assuming no damage to the property or its contents (see our Booking T&Cs for more information). An additional deposit amount will apply to younger group stays. Please ask for details.
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How do I book?
You can check availability and pricing for Wantage Manor, and place your booking request online, or by calling our team on 01242 352 747.
