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.
Wantage Manor Heart of England
A refined country estate … a warm family home at heart
With its 30 acres of peaceful parkland and elegant Georgian architecture, it’s hard to believe that this magnificent stately home is only 75 minutes from London. Hidden deep in Oxfordshire’s picturesque North Wessex Downs in a Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wantage Manor is a serene country retreat for up to 25 people.
For all of its sophistication and grace, Wantage Manor’s real appeal lies in its cosiness. Interiors are decadent but designed for comfort – in the evenings, you can curl up under a blanket in the intimate snug, with its plush upholstery and roaring log fire. This is the ideal location for a family reunion, important birthday celebration, or just a weekend getting away from it all.
Selected by Gareth
Learn more about our handpicking processfrom £8,690
for 3 nights
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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
Guest reviews
A relaxing stay … WITH A LUXURIOUS EDGE
The heart of Wantage Manor is its bright and spacious kitchen, which features a double Aga with which to create your culinary masterpieces. Enjoy breakfast or lunch around the farmhouse kitchen table before retiring to the formal drawing room to lose yourself in a book or play a board game.
On warm afternoons, take a stroll through the exquisitely manicured garden, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a game of tennis on the tennis court. In the evening, feast in the opulent, oak-panelled dining room, or get competitive with a game of table tennis in the vaulted basement hall.
Heritage-inspired bedrooms…
At Wantage Manor, you’ll find 11 adult bedrooms. Interiors retain their original features and are traditionally inspired, with deep burgundy hues, sumptuous bedding and dark woods creating a romantic and opulent feel.
At the end of the day, you can sink down into your king size bed, and enjoy views of the sun setting over the undulating landscape outside your window. There’s also a room for children at Wantage Manor, which includes a bunk bed for their most exciting sleepover yet.
A secluded rural oasis … JUST MINUTES FROM THE SIGHTS OF OXFORD
At Wantage Manor, you’re just a short distance from the village of Ardington. Enjoy a hearty Sunday lunch at cosy pub, The Boar’s Head, or visit the Holy Trinity Church which dates back to the 1200s. If you need to pick up the ingredients for dinner, simply drive five minutes to the little village of Wantage, which is famous for being the birthplace of King Alfred the Great.
Alternatively, lace up your walking shoes to explore one of the many hiking routes which lead directly from the house into the rolling wilderness of the North Wessex Downs. If you’re in the mood to venture further afield, it’s only a 30-minute journey to the city of Oxford. In the “City of Dreaming Spires”, discover the medieval architecture of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, stroll through a 900-year-old crypt in Oxford Castle, or search for a rare trinket at the indoor bazaar, which dates back to the 1770s.
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
- Table tennis table
- Home cinema screen in the children's playroom
- Outdoor swimming pool (available May - September) - additional charge for heating the pool (see FAQs below)
- Croquet set
- Tennis court
- Fly fish for trout at the river within the grounds (April-October)
- Bikes available
- 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)
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 tennis court open year-round?
Yes. We ask that guests bring their own rackets and balls.
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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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Are fishing rods available?
We ask that guests bring their own fishing equipment.
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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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What is the nearest airport to the property?
Wantage Manor is 1 hour 12 minutes' drive to London Heathrow Airport.
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What's the nearest train station to Wantage Manor?
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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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.
