Security.

Given that La Batonniere is left unattended for periods of time security is important.  

There are two entry points to the estate, one via electric gates and the other via the long driveway.  The electric gates remain closed and are only used by the owners and family and the remote control should remain in the key box.  

When La Batonniere is empty the chain at the top of the driveway should be stretched across the entry and locked with the combination paddock (code: 1789). We regularly get large trucks turning into our property when lost and then ruining the lawns or knocking over external lights.  The chain prevents this.  

The window shutters should be closed when the house is empty for more than a couple of nights.  

All the outbuildings remained locked always, which include the pool house, barn and garage.  

Internally, the door to the log room (off the drawing room) remains locked with the key in the key box.  This is applies also to the wine cellar and attic.  

The key box is in the utility room where all the keys are stored.  Clearly it is important that this remains locked when the house is empty or hosting guests.  

There is also a security key box in the car port (code: 1867c) which the house managers’ keys will be stored in. 

The house is also protected with a Ring alarm system.  House managers will be allocated a code with which to activate or disarm the alarm when they leave or arrive.  The alarm should be activated whenever the house is left empty.  The alarm is internet connected and is monitored from the owners’ smartphones.  

When the house is rented the entire alarm system is deactivated. 

We keep a log across the driveway leading up to the electric gates. This is to stop guests, delivery drivers etc from reversing up towards the gates because of repeated damage to our lights from vehicles.