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 ensconced 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
• Whilst at Dragonwood your own personal concierge, Vernon, will be on hand to arrange almost anything for you and your party
• Plenty of activities to keep youngsters amused, whatever the weather!

The Property

Exclusive Use Country House Wedding Venue in Rutland

Inside

Nestled in lush countryside, the stunning Dragonwood Estate 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.
• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 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. All of the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, 2 of which are walk-in wet rooms.
• For relaxation: 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. Plenty of activities to keep young guests amused - why not send them out for a day of activities with concierge Vernon while you relax? 

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, uncovered 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. Enhance your self-catered stay by adding bubbles and chocolates, a cream tea or fresh picnic from Unique Boutique.
• In-house cuisine: Catering is available at an additional cost and is to be arranged direct with the caterers. We would like to highly recommend The Cook Kitchen- truly exquisite! Their food is created and prepared by named chefs and can be delivered in frozen form, should you prefer. 
• 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, which will be emailed to you on booking.

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.

Out and About

• Plenty of activities for children on site including a cricket strip and kit, football goals, a croquet set, golf equipment, a mountain biking area and kayaking on the lake.
• Spend a day at the nearby Stapleford Park, where you can make the most of the facilities including a gym and swimming pool. The owners of Dragonwood are members of Stapleford, and you can use all the facilities there, plus enjoy a 2-course lunch for £70 per person, with door-to-door transport inclusive
• Take part in all sorts of country pursuits 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
• Quad-biking, sailing and rock climbing can also be arranged locally.
• Family-friendly on-site activities include archery, bird of prey displays, quad biking and back-to-nature experiences such as fishing for your own dinner
• If you are looking for a more relaxed stay, your concierge can arrange a fabulous spa day for you.
• From antique hunting in the likes of Uppingham and Stamford, to designer clothes shopping in Oakham, a fusion of country market town appeal with London-quality shopping.
• 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.
• Ensconced in deep countryside, there are stunning walks from the house; a great setting for painters, photographers and birdwatchers alike
• Check the weather forecast in Rutland

Rental inclusive of

• Linen
• Towels
• Utilities
• Daily bed making and basic housekeeping (3 hrs)
• Vernon - your concierge ­- who can arrange all sorts of activities from quad biking to hunting. Firework displays are a Vernon speciality! (Concierge services are at an additional cost)
• Unique Boutique Welcome Hamper

Accommodation Details

A wonderful country house & estate offering a haven for relaxation, perfect for weddings, country pursuits or celebratory weekenders

• Personally Inspected: Yes
  
• Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
• Smaller Group Price: Up to 6
• Double: 4 king-size double en suite (Master room 4 posted bed)
• Twin: 1 Twin en suite
• Bathrooms: All of the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms
• Cots: One cot available
• Highchairs: One highchair is available
• BBQ: Large gas BBQ
• Facilities: 2 steam rooms, games room with air hockey, pool table, a jukebox and pinball machine, 4 bicycles available and additional bikes can be hired locally. Cricket kit, football goals, croquet and golf equipment is also available.
• 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 iPod docking stations in the bedrooms, there is a TV in the snug room
• Internet & Communications: Wireless Internet access
• Mobile Reception: Check Mobile Reception
• Wedding Venue: Yes - View more details
• Corporate 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
• Frequently Asked Questions