Top

Welcome to Winslow

We, Michael and Karen Broom Smith, would like to welcome you to our lovely home at 14 Church Street in the delightful historic market town of Winslow and hope that you will enjoy your stay, whether it is for business or pleasure.

Below and on the following pages is some information that we hope you will find useful. There is also further information in the online information booklet

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us should you have any further questions or need help with anything. Our contact details are:

Email: michael@3unique.rentals

Telephone: Tel +33 (0)6 11 98 39 29 (Fr)

Telephone: Tel +44 (0)7770 677506 (UK)

 
 
 

Air Conditioner
A mobile air conditioner is provided for your use. This needs to be vented to the outside via a window; please also make sure that any water extracted is not allowed to leak and pool underneath the unit as this will damage the wooden flooring.

The venting tube is attached to the machine at the back and the wood panel that you insert in to the window frame and to which you attach the tune, is behind the pine chest in the study.

We would suggest that the air conditioner is not moved between floors, as it is extremely heavy, and may cause you to fall on the stairs. If you do move it between floors, please take extreme care.

Boiling Water Tap
The tap in the kitchen is a Franke boiling water tap. The right-hand lever delivers hot and cold water in the normal way.

The left-hand lever when pushed away from you delivers filtered cold water.

The left-hand lever when pushed down and pulled towards you delivers boiling hot water.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES PUT YOUR HAND UNDER THE BOILING WATER AS THIS WILL CAUSE SEVERE BURNS.

DO NOT ALLOW YOUNG CHILDREN TO OPERATE THE BOILING WATER TAP.

Electricity
If the electricity goes off, check the main trip switch which is situated behind the fake bookshelf in the sitting room.

In any event please contact Michael.

Hair Dryer
You can find a hair dryer in the wardrobe in bedroom 1.

Heated Towel Rails
The bathroom has heated towel rails. These are on a timer to come on from 03:00 to 04:00, 08:00 to 10:00 and 20:00 to 22:00. The radiators can get very hot so please be careful.

Gas
If you smell gas, PLEASE CALL MICHAEL ON Tel +33 (0)6 11 98 39 29. The main isolating valve is located in the East Cellar. The key to the East Cellar will be accesible once you have called Michael.

Heating

The central heating has been preset but it can be controlled from the Hive app on the iPad in the kitchen and the heating can be boosted or turned up or down temporarily with the thermostat in the office. If it doesn’t suit your use of the house or the house is too hot or too cold, please do not hesitate to adjust it. If you have any issues with the heating please contact Michael.

The underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathroom are controlled by the Warmup app on the iPad in the kitchen. Again, please feel free to adjust it.

The towel radiators in the bathroom are controlled by the TG SupplyMaster app on the kitchen iPad.

Hob
The electric hob is induction and is very straight forward and intuitive to use but if necessary the instructions can be found here. Please use the extractor fan when using the hob. This is activated by pulling the extractor front panel up and then pressing fan button on the right hand-side of the unit.

Dishwasher
To operate the dishwasher, fill the holder with powder. Press the on switch, press the 45° button, press the START button. Then close the door. The unit is very quiet but a red light shining on the floor indicates that the unit is on. When the red light goes off the dishwasher cycle has finished.

Combination Oven/Microwave-Oven:
To operate the oven push the left-hand button and select the desired operation:

Left side:

• Grill
• Defrost
• Microwave
• Microwave + Fan plus
• Microwave + Auto Roast

Right side:

• Rapid heat-up
• Fan plus
• Fan grill
• Auto roast
• Gentle Bake

The on-off button is bottom left of the control panel.

We suggest that you use one of three settings: Grill, Microwave and Fan plus.

Microwave: To use the microwave select microwave remove the metal rack from the oven. Switch on the oven Push the right-hand knob, press OK and then turn the right-hand knob clockwise to the desired number of minutes.

Fan - Oven: To use the oven select Fan plus, push the right-hand knob, and with the right-hand knob select the desired temperature.

Grill:To use the grill select Grill to use the grill. You will need to close the door. The right-hand knob is not used when using the grill.

Nespresso
The house is equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, in the left-hand side of the "pantry cupboard" and you will find 10 x standard espresso capsules (black) and 10 x decaffeinated espresso capsules (red dot) in the bowl next to the machine. Should you need any additional capsules these can be purchased online from nespresso.co.uk.

PLEASE DO NOT USE ADJUST ANY OF THE SETTINGS (E.G. CUP SIZE) ON THE NESPRESSO MACHINE.

PLEASE DO NOT USE THE ANY OTHER BRAND OF CAPSULES EXCEPT NESPRESSO BECAUSE THEY CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE MACHINE.

Internet
The house is equipped with wi-fi broadband internet connection (35 mbit/s download/3.5 mbit/s upload) with unlimited free access, so feel free to use your own laptop, iPad etc. However, please bear in mind security considerations and that we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage caused through use of the wi-fi broadband.

There are three wireless access points in the house:

SSID 1: Stella - located in the cellar.

SSID 2: John - located in the sitting room.

Password: THIS IS SHOWN ON THE CARD IN THE SITTING ROOM.

Please under no circumstances switch off, unplug or hard reset the routers or wireless access points. If you do reset the router this will result in a £250 deduction from your damage deposit. If you are having any problems with the internet connection, please call Michael in the first instance on +44 (0)7770 677506.

Please remember that if you have any problems with the internet the most likely cause is an external problem with Gigaclear, the ISP, and are likely to resolve themselves after a short while.

Alexa
The Alexa Show in the dining room can be quite useful.

• Alexa is the easiest way to control the dining room lights:
  - Alexa turn on the dining room lights. This will turn on all the lights in the dining room and the kitchen.
  - Alexa turn off the dining room lights. This will turn off all the lights in the dining room and the kitchen.
  
• You can control the sitting room lights in the same way:
  - Alexa turn on the sitting room lights.
  - Alexa turn off the sitting room lights.>
  
• Alexa gives out reminders about bin day and market day at the appropriate time.
• Alexa play my flash briefing will give you the weather and news headlines.
• Alexa is also connected to the ring doorbell so that you can see who is calling before opening the door.

If you don't like this sort of tech just ignore Alexa.

Iron and Ironing Board

The iron and ironing board can be found in the laundry room.

Printer
A HP LaserJet printer is provided for your use. You will need to set up your computer to print to the printer. There is no guarantee that the print cartridge will have any ink in it. If you use a lot of ink or the cartridge run outs while you are using them, future guests will appreciate it if you replace it. They can be purchased from Amazon.

Roomba
Roomba is a robot hoover/vacuum cleaner.

Please feel free to use Roomba but he does need a bit of care to ensure he does not try to hoover up shoe laces, phone cables etc and his dust container needs emptying after each clean. So if you think it will be too much of a pain just ignore this section!

Roomba is controlled through app on the iPad in the kitchen.

The kilim floor cushion and the small stall under the coffee table in the sitting room needed to lifted off the floor.

We would suggest you set Roomba going when you go out in the morning.

Roomba instructions can be found here

Shredder

There is a paper shredder under the desk in the top floor study. Please empty the stredder bin before you leave. Thank you.

Sonos

The house is equipped with a Sonos system with zones in all rooms. The kitchen and dining room share a zone as does the bathroom and office.

Operate the Sonos system with the iOS or Android App available for download at:

www.sonos.com/en-gb/controller-app?r=1

The app is also already installed on the iPad in the kitchen.

The system is very intuitive. To use the system you will need to use the iPad in the kitchen or download the free app for iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC.

From the app you can select which radio station to listen to from across the globe or play your music library from you PC/Mac/iPad/iPhone over the Sonos system.

You can have the same music or radio station playing in all of the zones or have a different source playing in each zone.

If you wish to have the same source in each room simply use Party Mode under Rooms | Link Rooms menu on the PC app or Group on the iPad/iPhone/Android app.

For more help go to the Sonos Web Site at www.sonos.com/support/.

Stair Gates

The stair gates are stored in the laundry room in the alcove opposite the sink.

STAIR GATES ARE PROVIDED FOR USE BY THE CLIENT AT THEIR OWN RISK. NO WARRANTY IS GIVEN AS TO THE FITNESS FOR PURPOSE AND IT IS FOR THE CLIENT TO SATISFY THEMSELVES OF THEIR SUITABILITY.

BEFORE INSTALLING THE STAIR GATES THE CLIENT MUST READ THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED AND AVAILABLE HERE.

PLEASE UNINSTALL THEM AT THE END OF YOUR STAY AND RETURN THEM TO THE LAUNDRY ROOM.

It is important to note that the stair gates should only be installed at the bottom of stairs.

Televisions

The sitting room is equipped with a Samsung 46 inch The Frame TV. Britbox, Netflix, Amazon Prime and over 300 movies on Apple TV

The office/study is equipped with a Samsung 43 inch Smart TV. Connected to the internet and FreeView channels.

The third bedroom is equipped with a Samsung 46 inch Smart TV. Britbox, Netflix, Amazon Prime and over 300 movies on Apple TV and FreeView channels.

Rubbish and Recycling
General rubbish should be placed in purple bags and recycling in blue bags (there is a stock in the laundry room) and stored in the cupboard in the back yard. Please could you hang them from the hooks that you will find there. Collection day is usually on alternate Mondays so if you are in residence on a Sunday evening please could I ask you to place the relevant bags from the alcove in the yard outside at the corner of the house. (You should be able to tell from the neighbours which type is being collected! Or go to aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk). Thank you.

Security and Safety
Please ensure you close the door properly when entering/leaving the house. When leaving the house please ensure that you lock both locks.

Please ensure that you LEAVE one set of keys in the key safe and the other keys on the hooks by the front door.

An electronic safe is available for your use and we strongly recommend that you use it for any valuable personal items. The safe is located in the cupboard in bedroom 1.

To operate, first choose a 4 digit code. Then, to close the safe door, enter the 4 digits of your personal code followed by “#”. To open the safe, enter the 4 digits of your personal code.

If you can not open the safe or it is locked on your arrival please call Michael on the numbers above.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU LEAVE THE SAFE OPEN ON YOUR DEPARTURE

PLEASE NOTE: Michael and Karen Broom Smith or their agents can take no responsibility for loss or theft from the house.

Fire Blanket: There is a fire safety blanket in the pull out shelf to the right of the oven.

Extinguishers: There are dry powder and CO2 extinguishers in the laundry room. Please make sure you know where these are located on your arrival but only fight a fire it is safe to do so. If in doubt call the emergency services and exit the building.

First Aid: There is a small first aid kit in the cupboard in the laundry room.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted inside the house. If you wish to smoke, please smoke in the back yard. If there are any signs of smoking inside the house a £250 deduction will be made from your security deposit.

Water
The main water stop cock is situated in the laundry room behind the little hatch against the ceiling above the washing machine.

Xbox
In order to use the Xbox in study 2/beroom 3 you have to switch the source to HDMI one on the sound bar. An account for guests has been created called "Winslow guest" and no pass key is needed to access the account.

There are few games available for you to play. There are some games on DVD on the grey bookshelf:

• Call of Duty Black Ops 3
• Call of Duty Black Ops 4
• F1 70 edition
• Forza Horizon 4
• Overwatch
• Call of Duty Ghost
• Call of duty Infintie Warfare

There some games downloaded onto the Xbox hard drive:

• Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4
• FIFA 17
• Fifa 23

Please note that the batteries of the Xbox controller are rechargeable and can be recharged using the charger in the room. Please do not throw them away.

Useful Information

Chemist

There is a chemist at 82 High Street, Winslow (within easy walking distance of Church Street). Opening times can be found here.

Cash point

The nearest cash – point (ATM) to the house is in the Co-Op at 60 High Street Winslow.

Post Office

The nearest post office is situated in the One Stop Store at 6 High Street Winslow.

Newspapers

Newspapers can be bought at the One Stop store at 6 High Street Winslow.

Useful telephone numbers:

Emergency	999
Police	999
Ambulance	999
Fire	999
Other
Taxi Winslow Cars	+44 (0)7947 336207
Michael Broom Smith – owner	+44 (0)7770 677506

Activities

Details to follow

St Laurence Church
2 minutes's walk away up Church Street
A medieval church dating from the 12th century Church of England parish church in the heart of Winslow, Buckinghamshire and containing, among others, unusual paintings of St Christopher and an interesting portrayal of the murder of Thomas Beckett.

Clay Pidgeon Shooting
Kingsland Farm, Drayton Parslow, MK17 0JH
5.5 miles from Winslow
W: draytonclays.co.uk/
T: +44 (0)7710 448609

Drayton Clays offers clay pigeon shooting to novice and experienced alike. If clay pidgeon shooting is something that you would like to try, Drayton Clays would be a great place to get that introduction. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. Instruction is available but booking is essential.

Bletchley Park
The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB
10 miles from Winslow
W: bletchleypark.org.uk
T: +44 (0)1908 640404

An English country house and estate that became the principal centre of World War Two Allied Codebreakers, now a museum and heritage attraction.

Silverstone Interactive Museum and Grand Prix Circuit
Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
13 miles from Winslow
W: silverstone.co.uk

A modern motorsport museum located in a huge 4000m2 hangar in the Silverstone motor racing circuit (home to the British Grand Prix since 1948 plus many other automobile and cycling events), with immersive shows, technical exhibits and replica vintage cars.

The National Bowl Milton Keynes
Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
10 miles miles from Winslow
W: thenationalbowl.net

An iconic concert venue which has hosted a galaxy of world class entertainers including Bon Jovi, Eminem, Green Day, Linkin Park, Oasis, Take That, Foo Fighters, Swedish House Mafia and Robbie Williams (## Sadly, Covid has caused the programme to be impacted..##)

Xscape Milton Keynes
602 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 3XS.
10 miles miles from Winslow
W: xscapemiltonkeynes.co.uk
T: +44 (0)1908 357025

A year round leisure and entertainment indoor destination. Ski and snowboard on real snow any time of the year at the Snozone, simulate skydiving at IFly, watch a movie and delight all of the senses in Cineworld’s 4DX screen, while away the hours on wall-to-wall trampolines and climbing wall, grab a quick bite or take time to dine, and browse sporting and lifestyle retail brands.

Claydon House
Claydon House, Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire, MK18 2EY.
5 miles miles from Winslow
W: nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon

Open Fridays and Saturdays from May to October. In the 1750s at his family seat in Buckinghamshire, Ralph Verney set out to create a country house of extraordinary grandeur that would dazzle his wealthy neighbours and outdo his political rivals. Thirty years on he was facing financial ruin. Today the interiors that remain are among the most ambitious and lavish ever created in the eighteenth century.

Claydon has been occupied by the Verney family for more than 550 years; the place is a testament to their fascinating fluctuating fortunes, from their close involvement in the English Civil War to the family connection with Florence Nightingale.

The South Lawn is now under National Trust care and included in the admission price.

Waddesdon Manor and Gardens
Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH.
11 miles miles from Winslow
W: waddesdon.org.uk
W: nationaltrust.org.uk/waddesdon

Explore this French Renaissance-style château built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to entertain the fashionable world and to house his collection of fine art. We're continuing the tradition today of entertainment and hospitality with events celebrating food and wine, and opportunities for you to explore our history, collections and gardens through changing exhibitions and special interest days.

Step back in time in the Victorian style gardens, gaze at flamboyant colours on the parterre amid the ornate fountains and statuary. Hear the rare and exotic birds calling from the roccoco style Aviary found in the heart of the gardens. Alternatively spend a fun filled day with the family, and have an adventure in the woodland playground which winds through the trees, making use of the natural environment to create a magical area to play. Why not explore the trail around the gardens; hunt for bugs and spot wildlife along our woodland walk?

There's fresh, homemade food including cakes and other treats from food-to-go outlets. Shop for wine, great gifts and unique pieces inspired by the collection in our Manor shop.

Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation (charitable trust) on behalf of the National Trust. National Trust members have free admission to the gardens and house but must pre-book house tickets online. All proceeds from Waddesdon's restaurants and shops is invested in the care of the gardens, house and collections.

For us this is one of the most extraordinary and beautiful houses in all of England.

Stowe Landscape Gardens
Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5EQ.
9 miles miles from Winslow
W: nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon

Gardening on the grandest scale in this Georgian landscape garden and park.

The scale and beauty of Stowe have attracted visitors for over 300 years. Picture-perfect views, winding paths, lakeside walks and temples create a timeless landscape, reflecting the changing seasons. Full of hidden meaning, the gardens were created as an earthly paradise and still cast their spell today.

The sheer size and space is perfect for those who love the outdoors and enjoy walking. A short walk from New Inn takes you into the gardens, where another world awaits. Stowe is great to explore all day long when you explore the far reaches of the garden and parkland to make the most of your day.

Come back time and time again to discover new routes by following the mown grass paths in the garden or take a vigorous ramble in the parkland where more monuments wait to be explored and see new views you won't find in the garden.

The most famous landscape gardens in Great Britain and one of the grandest of stately homes. The scale and beauty of Stowe, will take your breath away.

Bicester Village Shopping
Bicester.
16 miles miles from Winslow
W: tbvsc.com/bicester-village

Designer Outlet Shopping. More than 160 boutiques from your favourite designers together with pop-ups, cafes and restaurants.

Restaurants

There are a number of restaurants, gastropubs and cafes in and near Winslow

Here are a few of our favourites:

The Five Elms
4 Stockaway, Weedon, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 4NL
T: +44 (0)1296 256057
W: fiveelmsweedon.com
E: fiveelmsweedon@gmail.com
Last tried: March 2024
We cannot believe we have only discovered this gem in February of 2024. I think that this is certainly the best restaurant witin 39 minutes (Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons is 40 minutes away). The Five Elms is only 13 minutes drive from Winslow. If you go to one restaurant while staying at No 14, this is the one to go to. Booking essential. A sample menu can be found here.
TripAdvisor Reviews

The Betsey Wynne
21 Mursley Road, Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire, MK17 0SH
T: +44 (0)1296 720825
W: thebetseywynne.co.uk
E: betseywynne@oakmaninns.co.uk
Last tried: September 2023
A delightful gastro-pub just 2.7 miles from 14 Church Street. We can especially recommend a leisurely Sunday brunch! The menu can be found here.
TripAdvisor Reviews

The Old Thatched Inn
Main St, Adstock, Buckingham MK18 2JN
T: +44 (0)1296 712584
W: theoldthatchedinn.co.uk
E: info@theoldthatchedinn.co.uk
Last tried: September 2023
A countryside gastro-pub (freehouse) in the picturesque village of Adstock, just 3.2 miles away from 14 Church Street, which offers its customers a unique blend of high quality dining in a relaxed and comfortable environment (also great takeaways!). The pub dates back to 1702. The menu can be found here.
TripAdvisor Reviews

The Pilgrim
25 High Street, North Marston, Buckinghamshire MK18 3PD
T: +44 (0)1296 670 969
W: thepilgrimpub.co.uk
E: info@thepilgrimpub.co.uk
Last tried: not yet! (but recommended by friends)
An award-winning, owner-operated independent village pub (3.5 miles away) that sources and prepares the best ingredients available both locally and further afield, often with produce coming from their own veggie patch. Their menu is constantly changing to reflect the seasons with all dishes freshly prepared on site. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The menu can be found here.
TripAdvisor Reviews

The Unicorn
High St, Cublington, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0LQ
T: +44 (0)1296 681 261
W: theunicornpub.co.uk
E: online contact form
Last tried: not yet! (but recommended by friends)
Much like Cublington village, The Unicorn (8.5 miles away) is small, but with a big heart and is made up of all the things you look for in a pub, quality food and plentiful drinks at affordable prices, all served up with a friendly face. Their menu is constantly changing to reflect the seasons with all dishes freshly prepared on site.
TripAdvisor Reviews

Mahabharat
25 Market Square, Winslow, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3AB
T: +44 (0)1296 713611
W: mahabharat.co.uk
Last tried: March 2024
A Indian restaurant for dine in and take away (we have only taken away). The food is excellent and the service quick and polite. Portions are large, so be careful not to order too much. The menu can be found here.
TripAdvisor Reviews

Food Shopping

Market
Market Square - Every Wednesday from 08:30 to 13:30. A wonderful traditional market with a fruit and veg stall, bread and patries, Asian foods, Italian produce and a refill stall selling every type of dry goods you could imagine. Not to be missed if doing some food shopping during your stay.

Farm Deli
Sells all sorts of treats as well as delicious home-made breads, pastries and pies. Open daily (except Sundays) from 08:00-16:00

Co-op
Sells most of your day to day needs. Open 07:00-22:00 every day.

One Stop
Sells many of your day to day needs. Also contains the local post office.

Total Petrol Station
As well as petrol, has a good supermarket (Budgens) and off licence. Also sells firewood and kindling. Open 06:00-22:00 Monday to Friday and 06:00-22:00 at weekends.

Otherwise the nearest shopping is in Buckingham, which has a Tesco, Waitrose, Lidl, a W H Smith, Boots and many other small independant shops.

Milton Keynes which is about 20 minutes away and you can find literally everything in Milton Keynes.