House Terms

Wantage Manor House Conditions

Pricing

The rates we advertise are to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of publication but we reserve the right to change any rates from time to time. Prior to the booking being  confirmed rates quoted are based on the rates prevailing at the time but are subject to change. Once a booking has been confirmed we will not change the rate quoted unless you amend the booking.

 

Cancellation Insurance 

Payments made in respect of your booking are not refundable, we therefore advise taking out a cancellation policy.

 

Cautionary Deposit

A refundable deposit of £2,000 must be paid to Big House Experience two weeks prior to your stay, via bank transfer. This will be refunded between 7-10 days following your stay assuming no damage is caused to the property or its contents in accordance with our Booking Terms.

 

Decorations 

We ask guests not to decorate walls or woodwork with banners, balloons or pictures. Any marks caused by drawing pins, sellotape or blu tack or any other product such as fake tan that require retouching by re-painting or partial re-painting will be deducted from the Cautionary Deposit. Confetti, glitter, or similar materials are not permitted inside or outside the property. Candles must be contained within appropriate holders and never left unattended.

 

Stag and Hen Party Bookings 

Sorry, we don’t accept bookings for stag or hen parties at this property. We politely request that this is respected.

 

Guest Numbers 

The total number of guests at the property must not exceed the total number of people the house can sleep without prior permission from the property owner. Exceeding the maximum number of guests may invalidate the owner's property or liability insurance or violate local council rules.

 

Property Use

If the property is being booked for anything other than a standard residential stay you must seek prior approval before booking. A non-standard residential stay may include a party, wedding or event. Non-standard use of the property may attract additional fees.

 

Resident Staff 

The housekeeping couple, Giuliano and Corina, live in a flat at the top of the house, which is marked as being private, after your check in they will not be working or around the House during your stay. If you happen to see them in passing feel free to ask them any questions that you have.

The estate office, in the basement of the house, may be staffed if you check in on Friday until 5:30pm. The office team will otherwise work from home during your stay. The garden staff Naomi & Andy may be working in the garden during weekdays and are mindful to carry out jobs that would not disturb your stay.  

 

Suppliers  

No non-approved suppliers (including catering companies, activity suppliers, or any other third-party) are permitted to operate at the property without the owner's prior permission. The owner may seek to see sight of a supplier's insurance certificates before approving them - or may disapprove at their discretion. The Client is responsible for Third Party supplier conduct, compliance and damages. Any deliveries or collections outside the agreed rental period may incur staff supervision charges.  

 

Pets Policy  

Dogs are allowed at the property, subject to a fee of £50 per dog (maximum 2 dogs). We ask that dogs are kept on a lead in the gardens due to the surrounding livestock in the fields surrounding the property. Dogs are not permitted on the first or second floor, in any of the bedrooms, on furniture or carpets and must sleep downstairs in a room agreed with the house owner (usually the kitchen, with a dog bed provided). 

 

Age Policy 

Prior to confirming a booking at Wantage Manor, we ask for details of the age profile of the booking party. The property owner reserves the right to decline a booking or request alternative booking terms for some groups. An additional £2,000 refundable deposit will apply to younger group stays.

 

Arrival and Departure Times  

Check-in is 4pm on the day of your arrival and check-out is 10am on the day of departure (or 4pm if checking out on a Sunday). We ask you to respect these times. The house cleaning teams typically have a tight turnaround time and want each guest to arrive to a fully prepared house. Checking out later than agreed may prevent the cleaning teams from starting their work, and any additional costs incurred as a result may be withheld from your cautionary deposit.  

 

Noise Policy  

Please ensure there is no external noise between 10pm and 9am. Closing windows and doors will ensure all reasonable noise will not be heard outside the property, and should not impact on your enjoyment. You can bring a small musical device (i.e. docking station) if you require use of music. Amplified musicians, large speakers and DJ style set ups are not permitted under any circumstances, acoustic musicians for dinner/ambient music may be considered but you must check with the office team first. Please keep music low after 10pm and do not play loud music outside after this time. The house is not far from the village and the noise travels, so please do not play any music that can be heard beyond the garden of the house.  

 

Swimming Pool (May - September)  

The outdoor swimming pool 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.

Use of the swimming pool is at your own risk. We request that:

a) children are supervised at all times by an adult when in or near the swimming pool 

b) you do not use the pool between 10pm and 6am 

c) no glasses are taken into the pool area

d) the pool may be closed in adverse weather conditions

 

Fireworks  

We do not allow fireworks or Chinese lanterns at any property without seeking the owner's permission prior to booking.  Many properties are located in rural areas where there is livestock.

 

Security & CCTV 

The Client is responsible for ensuring the property is properly secured when unoccupied. All windows and doors must be locked when leaving the property. Security codes and keys must not be shared with non-residents. CCTV is in operation externally for security purposes.

 

Grounds and External Areas

  • Use of the tennis court should be during daylight hours only
  • Fly fishing is possible by arrangement
  • Garden furniture must be returned to its original position
  • Camping/Campervans on the grounds is not permitted
  • The event marquee located in the parkland is exclusively for guests with an event hire agreement and must not be accessed or used by private hire guests

 

Parking and Access

  • Parking is limited to designated areas only
  • The helicopter landing site requires 48 hours advance notice and relevant documentation
  • Access to private/staff areas is strictly prohibited

 

Photography

Commercial photography requires prior written consent. Drones are not permitted without specific authorisation/insurance cover.

 

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside the house.