Tucked away and tranquil, the one-acre grounds here abut rolling farmland. Walk along river paths and around lakes from the doorstep. Or stick around to explore the main garden with its mature trees and flora. Follow the opening to a further expanse of garden with rural views.
Eat out on the terrace with steaks and sausages on the coal barbecue. As darkness drops, the fixed hot tub for six in the courtyard bubbles invitingly in the moonlight. Slide in, stare at the multiplying stars, remember how to chill.
Grand and Grade-II-listed, Ouse Valley Manor comes with all the period detail you’d expect and all the modern touches you’d like. Panelled walls, deep skirts and plush carpets are the order of the day here. Gather in the period lounge on the U-shaped sofas for comfy chitting, chatting and Netflix TV.
Down on the lower ground, the fun ramps up. Get down to the games room to get up to table football, music and karaoke nights, plus PlayStation games. And what’s that in the corner? It’s a six-person sauna. Sizzle away, then chill upstairs with a rendition on the grand piano.
Let’s start with the kitchen. With three electric ovens, one electric hob, fridge, dishwasher and more all wrapped up in a sleek, glossy beauty, you’ll find your inner Heston Blumenthal will simmer to the surface. Or not. If not, call up DineIndulge for restaurant-quality meals in your own home.
Shop at Tesco and Lidl in Wolverton and eat around the grand glass dining-room table in front of stag portraits and panelled walls. Loosen your belt, then pass the port and the cheese board. Or eat out on the terrace with prime cuts sizzling in the rural air on the coal barbecue.
Takeaways? Get the plates warmed for Eastern Express or Silver Sea for Chinese, Mangal Plus for Turkish, or Pizza Hut for, well, pizza. For dining out, consider The Galleon for pub classics and irresistible desserts, The North Western for a belt-busting breakfast, or The Warbler on the Wharf for a Sunday roast.
Like your pub with an Indian-cuisine theme? Head to the Craft and Skewers in Newport Pagnell. Try a taste of the Med at The Olive Tree with Turkish dishes that include chicken beyti and mixed hot mezze. Or pop out to the Caribbean at Turtle Bay for a bottomless brunch and West Indian curries.
It’s quiet here, where the one acre of gardens touches the rolling fields beyond. Deep dreaming won’t be a problem for 17 family and friends in eight beautiful bedrooms.
Bedrooms here come split between two upper levels. Head to the first-floor East Wing for one double bedroom with en-suite and one single bedroom. In the West Wing, you’ll find a family bathroom and two double bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms and two additional double bedrooms, and one with a single bed.
Up on the 2nd floor, you’ve got a double bedroom, a kid-friendly second bedroom with three single beds, an extra bathroom, and a further lounge area.
