We have put together answers to some of the questions we are asked most often. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Cadhay FAQs
House Accommodation
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in times vary by season. From May to September, the main house is available from 6pm. From October to April, check-in moves to 3pm. The cottages are available from 3pm year-round. Check-out for the house is by 9.30am, and by 10am for the cottages.
How do I secure a booking?
To check availability and discuss pricing, you are welcome to call us on 01404 813511 or email info@cadhay.org.uk. To secure your dates, a deposit of one third of the total price is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due three months before your arrival. The cottages can also be booked directly through our website.
Can we arrange a viewing?
If you are planning an event or a stay in the house, please call us to arrange a private tour. As the house is in continuous use, viewings are generally available on Friday lunchtimes between guests, though other times can occasionally be accommodated.
If you would like a general feel for the property, you are welcome to join one of our open afternoons, held on Fridays between May and September. Our guides lead a historical tour of a selection of rooms, giving a wonderful introduction to Cadhay’s character and history.
You can view our gallery and floorplans here: Manor House Floorplans
Are dogs welcome?
Cadhay is a dog-friendly venue. We welcome up to three well-behaved dogs in the main house, and up to two in the cottages. There is an additional charge of £20 per dog for the duration of your stay. We ask that dogs are kept on leads within the grounds and that guests bring their own dog bedding.
We are a larger group. Is there additional accommodation on site?
Yes. We have three self-contained cottages on the estate: The Stables and The Coach House each sleep six guests, and The Cider Press sleeps two. These can be booked alongside the main house to accommodate larger groups.
What is provided in the bedrooms?
All bedrooms are made up with freshly laundered linen and towels. A number of rooms can be configured with either a twin or double bed arrangement, and we will ask you to confirm your preference before your stay. Each room has a wardrobe and/or hanging space with hangers, and a hairdryer is available within the property. Complementary soap is provided in all bathrooms.
Each bedroom is named after a person connected to Cadhay’s history, and a short description of their story is included in the room.
Is bedding hypoallergenic?
Yes, all bedding provided across our properties is hypoallergenic.
Can I arrange a grocery delivery?
Yes, you are welcome to arrange a grocery delivery to coincide with your arrival. Please make sure you are on site in plenty of time to receive it.
Weddings
How do we book, and what does the deposit cover?
All bookings for the main house, additional cottages, ceremony space, and reception space are arranged through us. A deposit of one third of the total booking value is required to secure your date, with the balance due three months before your event.
Is there a minimum stay for a wedding?
The main house is available for a minimum of three nights out of school holiday periods, or seven nights during school holidays. This ensures you have the time and space to make the most of the estate for your celebration.
What are the access arrangements for weddings?
Check-in for the main house is from 6pm in summer, and cottages from 3pm. If you are erecting a marquee, this can be set up and decorated from 10am on the Friday prior to your event. Please note that Cadhay holds its open afternoons on Fridays, so we ask that any marquee work is kept as quiet as possible during those hours, with activity confined to the marquee area.
Is there staff on site during our stay?
All house guests are met by us on arrival, and we will walk you through the health and safety information for the property. Rupert lives on site and is generally available in the case of genuine emergencies, but please be aware that on-site staff are not available for general event management or guest services during your stay.
Can we arrange additional staffing or services?
We do not have a dedicated events team, but our approved catering contacts should be able to provide waiting and clearing staff if they are already catering your event. Additional cleaning during your stay and fresh linen changes may be possible, subject to availability of our housekeeping team, and would be charged separately. Any such requests must be agreed in advance of your stay.
Where can the ceremony take place?
Cadhay is fully licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies. Available spaces include the Roof Chamber (capacity up to 38 guests), the Granary, the Old Apple Store, and the gardens and Bothy. Each setting has its own character, and we are happy to talk through which would suit your plans best.
Do we need a marquee?
Not necessarily. For ceremonies held in the Roof Chamber, gardens, or Granary, the Old Apple Store is available for your reception. It accommodates up to 80 guests for a seated meal and up to 100 for an evening reception. A marquee would be required if your guest numbers exceed these capacities, along with the hire of additional toilet facilities.
What equipment do we need to arrange ourselves?
For receptions in the Old Apple Store, all furniture, tableware, sound equipment, and decorations need to be hired in by your wedding party. This includes tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery, glassware, and any audiovisual or lighting requirements. A catering tent and catering-grade refrigeration are available on site for use by your chosen caterer, who should be able to advise you on what you need and where to get it.
Are fireworks or Chinese lanterns permitted?
No. For the safety of the estate and surrounding area, fireworks and Chinese lanterns are not permitted at Cadhay.
Events, Parties and Groups
How many people can dine together in the house?
The main house is fully equipped for up to 22 guests in a seated dining setting.
Can we have confetti?
Biodegradable confetti is welcome, and we ask that best efforts are made to clear up after the event.
Can we use candles?
Candles are not permitted within the main house due to the terms of our insurance. They are however permitted in the Tearoom and in marquees.
Can we have a live band?
Yes. Live music is very much part of what makes an event at Cadhay special. All music and entertainment must conclude by midnight, out of consideration for our neighbours.
Facilities and Activities
Is there a shop nearby?
Ottery St Mary town centre has a good selection of independent shops, along with a Sainsbury’s. A Waitrose is available in Sidmouth and Tesco stores can be found in Exeter and Honiton, all a short drive from the estate.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available in all properties on the estate.
Is there secure bicycle storage?
If you require secure bicycle storage during your stay, please get in touch and we will do our best to assist.
Can we swim in the lake?
The lake is not available for swimming. For wild swimming, parts of the rivers Dart and Otter are popular locally, and there are several beaches within easy reach for sea swimming.
Do you have EV charging?
Yes. Two EV charging points are available on site. Guests will need to download the Fuuse app to access them.
Are there spa or gym facilities on site?
Cadhay does not have spa or gym facilities, but both are available nearby. Woodbury Park and the Sidmouth Harbour Hotel both offer spa treatments. Ottery Gym is located at the end of our road, and Woodbury Park and David Lloyd are a short drive away.
What activities are available?
There is plenty to enjoy at Cadhay without leaving the estate. The gardens and surrounding countryside offer beautiful walks, and lawn croquet is available on the grounds. Each property also has a selection of games and puzzles for guests to enjoy indoors.
Food and Drink
Can we arrange catering, and can we use our own caterer?
We have a list of approved caterers who know Cadhay well and are experienced in working here. Guests are welcome to choose from this list and arrange catering directly. If you would like to use a caterer who is not on our approved list, please get in touch to discuss this with us first.
Is there a late licence?
Out of consideration for our neighbours, we ask that all events conclude by midnight.
Can we arrange an external bar?
Yes, external bar companies are welcome at Cadhay.
Do you charge corkage?
No, there is no corkage charge.
What coffee-making facilities are available?
Each property is equipped with cafetières sized for the number of guests it accommodates. For larger events, catering-grade equipment is typically provided by your caterer.
Can we use the BBQ or fire pits, and do we need to provide our own coal?
House guests are welcome to use the BBQ, and you will need to bring your own coal. Outdoor seating is available next to the BBQ and in the Courtyard, which is a lovely setting for al fresco dining in the warmer months. Please note that fire pits are not permitted at Cadhay due to the terms of our insurance.
Getting Here
Is there public transport nearby?
Yes. Bus routes are available from Ottery St Mary town centre, and there are rail links from the nearby stations at Feniton, Whimple, and Cranbrook.
Is parking included?
Yes, parking is included with all properties and there is no limit on the number of vehicles. Parking arrangements vary slightly by property, so please get in touch if you have any specific requirements.
A very beautiful, historic, comfortable house
This was, I think, our fifteen week spent in Cadhay, which presumably indicates how much we love it. I can still remember when I first arrived there, and promptly messaged the rest of our group to say that it was even better than it looked on the website. It is a beautiful, historic house and it feels like a privilege to stay there - but it is also warm, comfortable, has everything one needs for mass catering, and is extremely well looked after by a helpful and friendly team. The house works well for our large group, and is competitively priced compared to other (less beautiful) large houses, so we look forward to returning year after year.
Another lovely stay
Had another fabulous weekend at Cadhay. 18 very happy friends. Such a fantastic space for us all to spend time together. Had a great local walk and also enjoyed a game of croquet. I'm sure we will be back again.
Fabulous
Perfect accommodation for our family get together, everything you could need was supplied and nothing had been overlooked.
Cider Press
Super short break at the Cider Press, drive past romantic looking Cadhay House. Warm welcome from Rupert and his terriers. Warm and cosy in the cottage. Loved the sofa, gorgeous fabric design, wanted to take it home! Very secure dog friendly garden. Beautiful views to the Blackdown Hills. Explore the walled garden. Lovely beaches in the area. Highly recommend.
Wonderful holiday
What a fabulous place to stay. The accommodation is spacious and very comfortable. The location is excellent for exploring the local area. We loved the walled garden and enjoyed sitting outside taking in the view.
A superb venue for our wedding
We were welcomed into Rupert's family home and the rooms, furniture, feel and history were not lost on any of us staying. The intimate family wedding in the roof chamber was perfect, and wedding breakfast in the Apple Store. We all loved the relaxed feel of the house, the gardens are truly stunning and we could all explore, relax and come together over the weekend. Sunday afternoon garden party with more guests was perfect.
A lovely cosy cottage
We stayed for 4 weeks from late November and had a wonderful time. Rupert and his team are so very welcoming and helpful. The wood fired stove acts as the centre of the cottage and there is an ample supply of wood to ensure the cottage is always warm. Whilst compact, it is very cosy and the rooms are all a good size...perfect for the two of us. We think it a wonderful place and will definitely be back again.
Our first time staying at Cadhay and what a wonderful week we all had.
The house and gardens are stunning. All the rooms are beautifully furnished and immaculate. Great location for exploring the area and an easy walk into Ottery for local amenities. The house is very well equipped to cater for such a large group. Beautiful bedrooms all with lovely bathrooms and an endless supply of hot water. Jayne and Rupert were very attentive and considerate hosts. We are already planning a return visit.