Dragonwood

Oakham, Rutland, United Kingdom

Sleeps: 10

Unique Features

• The perfect country pad, whether you're looking for pure relaxation or to get involved in a plethora of country pursuits
• An idyllic setting, the property is ensconsed in 60 acres of formal gardens, parkland, lakes and woodland
• Gothic-style interiors provide a dramatic backdrop for both formal and informal gatherings
• A unique wedding venue for those looking for a day to remember

The Property

Exclusive use country house in Rutland

Inside

Nestled in lush countryside, the stunning Dragonwood Estate - a former hunting lodge enjoyed by royals and dignitaries alike - is as perfect for celebrating a milestone birthday as it is a fairytale wedding or summer garden party. Those looking for a more action-packed stay don't need to stray beyond the grounds of the property; country pursuits from shooting to hunting and fishing can be enjoyed on the estate.

• Style: Gothic-style country house, dressed in eclectic, antique furnishings. Limestone floors, oak panelling, oil paintings, ornate rugs and a giant English oak staircase set the scene.
• The Bedrooms: Choose from an array of well appointed bedrooms dressed in ornate sumptuous fabrics and antique furnishings. A collection of five generous en suite rooms offer king sized beds, a twin and even a four poster.
• The Bathrooms: All of the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, 2 of which enjoy luxurious Tylo steam rooms.
• For relaxation: After a day's hunting, shooting or even shopping, toast your toes by the floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the grand sitting room, settle into a leather chair by the fireside of the oak panelled study, or sit back and take in the country ambiance from the sheltered seating areas in the gardens.
• For recreation:  Children and big kids alike will enjoy the snug/TV room and a games room with air hockey, pool, a jukebox and pinball machine.
• Practicalities: On the north side of the hall a door opens into a large boot room and laundry room which can seat up to 8/10 people for a shoot lunch. Parking for up to 8 cars.

Outside

The house is surrounded by 60 acres of pastures and woodland abundant with wild birds. Stables house up to 15 horses, with a tack room, horse walker, hay barn and ménage. Gothic style formal gardens flank the house, featuring terraces, ponds, fountains, a sunken garden, vegetable garden and sheltered sitting areas. Below these are two trout lakes where wild birds breed. The grounds have been meticulously landscaped with sweeping lawns and formal Topiary, and the deciduous wood provides the perfect backdrop for the magnificent Chelsea Dragons. Set in rolling countryside with no other property in sight, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery in total privacy.

Food and wine

• DIY: A huge kitchen is well equipped with a six-oven Aga, microwave, dishwasher, double sinks and an industrial-size espresso machine. An informal kitchen dining area decked out in English oak seats up to 10 people, while the formal dining room dressed in Mulberry silks and period artwork overlooks the terrace and seats up to 20 guests.
• In-house cuisine: Fabulous private caterers can be arranged for you. Please ask us for contact details and sample menus.
• Eating out: There are gastro pubs serving high quality local produce in the nearby villages of Knossington and Braunston (both within walking distance). Further restaurant recommendations are detailed in the House Book.

Getting there

• On the map: 3 miles from Oakham and 1 mile from the village of Braunston
• By car: 100 miles from London (2 hrs drive)
• By train: Oakham train station is the nearest. Peterborough (40 mins) and Leicester (25mins) have direct trains from London in under 1 ½ hrs
• By air: A chauffeur can pick you up from East Midlands airport
• Heli-pad: A helicopter can be landed in the grounds or there are lots of private airstrips nearby.

Guests Comments

'We had an absolutely fantastic time!!. The house was amazing!!  We had the fires going, the children were not out of the games room, the rooms were beautiful and very comfortable and the views and location were wonderful. Everything about it was just perfect!'

Out and About

• Take part in all sorts of country pursuits and adrenaline activities including:
  Horse riding (bring your own or hire one locally)
  Clay pigeon shooting and tuition
  Game shooting at Dragonwood and in the local area
  Hunting with a golden eagle or Harris Hawk
  Fox hunting (within the law)
  Fly fishing on Rutland Water and the Eye Brook reservoir
• If you are looking for a more relaxed stay, your concierge can arrange a fabulous spa day for you.
• Enjoy a little retails therapy in the designer shops in nearby Uppingham and Stanford. 
• Explore the charming villages of Knossington and Braunston both within walking distance.
• There are several golf courses within a 30-minute drive, including Greetham Valley, Manton and the prestigious Luffanham Heath.
• Go sailing at the Rutland Sailing Club.
• Head to Rutland Water for cycling, rock climbing and children's activity centre, bird watching or a walk by the water and lunch at one of the many cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Rental inclusive of

• Daily bedmaking and basic housekeeping (3 hrs)
• Vernon - your concierge ­- who can arrange all sorts of activities from quad biking to hunting (at extra cost)
• Linen, towels and utilities
• Welcome pack with Champagne, homemade cake and fresh flowers
• Store cupboard essentials - from oil and salt and pepper to cleaning products
• Toiletries

Accommodation Details

A wonderful country estate offering a haven for relaxation, the perfect location for weddings, country pursuits or a celebratory weekend

• Personally Inspected: Yes
  
• Sleeps: 10
• Double: 4 king-size double en suite
• Twin: 1 twin ensuite
• Cots: One travel cot available
• Highchairs: One highchair is available
• BBQ: Large gas BBQ
• Facilities: Games room with air hockey, pool table, a jukebox and pinball machine
• Children: Yes very welcome
• Pets: Two well behaved dogs
  Restrictions apply: Dogs are to sleep in the bootroom or outbuilding which can serve as kennels
  Please be advised the 1st dog is charged at £50.00 and the 2nd dog at £25.00 per stay.
• Evening Meals: catering can be arranged in advance
• Disabled Access: Level access on ground floor but no bedrooms on ground floor
• Mod Cons: TVs and radios in the bedrooms, there is a TV in the snug room
• Internet & Communications: Yes available
• Wedding Venue: Yes - View more details
• Floor Plans: Yes - View details
• Arrival Day: Friday but could be flexible
• Arrival Time: 4pm
• Departure Time: 10am
• Restrictions: No all male & female groups permitted at this property without prior permission, please contact the office.
• Damages Deposit: £1500