Ardington House

About the venue

A Georgian house built in 1719–21 near Wantage, home to the Baring family since 1939 and hired out exclusively with its walled gardens, Temple Island and a furnished riverside marquee for 200. Twelve bedrooms sleep up to 25, and the house hosts weddings, house parties, company retreats and filming.

Two Russian cannonballs stand beside the front door of Ardington House. They came from the Battle of Inkerman in 1854, brought home by Lord Wantage, one of the first men awarded the Victoria Cross.

The house was built between 1719 and 1721 by the master mason Thomas Strong the younger, whose family had worked with Wren on St Paul's. Its best-known feature is the staircase in the Imperial Hall. Twin flights rise and merge into a single suspended flight, modelled on Vanbrugh's staircase at King's Weston.

The Baring family, founders of Barings Bank, have lived here since 1939. Their portraits hang through the house, especially in the oak-panelled Dining Room.

Ardington is only ever hired on an exclusive basis. You get the house, the walled gardens and 30 acres of parkland. A stretch of river comes with it, along with Temple Island, a small island used for ceremonies.

Beside the water stands a furnished riverside marquee for up to 200 guests. It has a dance floor under a starlight ceiling, a bar and a stage for musicians with a sound system. All of it is included in the hire.

Twelve bedrooms sleep up to 25 people, on a self-catering basis for house stays. Guests can use the outdoor pool between May and September, a full-size tennis court and a playroom with a cinema screen. Fly fishing on the river can be arranged.

The village sits at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, with thatched cottages, a church and a pub at the gates. Oxford is half an hour away, and central London about 75 minutes by car.

Georgian house built 1719–21, Baring family home since 1939

Exclusive use of house, gardens, parkland and Temple Island

Furnished riverside marquee for up to 200 guests

Licensed for civil ceremonies on the island, lawn or Imperial Hall

12 bedrooms sleeping up to 25

Wedding venue hire from £3,000 (low-season weekdays)

Corporate events from £1,800 + VAT

75 minutes from London, 15 minutes from Didcot Parkway