Our cottages began their lives as part of the mill operation which took place on the site hundreds of years ago, which is where the Old Mill Farm name comes from. There is a record of a Mill in our Parish in the Domesday book (1086), with a value of just 10 shillings!
There are some reminders on the site of the Mill that used to be here – we still have a large mill stone and a sluice out to the mill pond. You can also see the old pay window and small openings in one of the buildings for drying the grain. There is some evidence that the site became a trout farm, before transitioning to livestock. The buildings became agricultural barns, housing livestock including horses and cattle, before being converted into holiday accommodation as part of changing farming practices and diversification.
The site is still part of a working sheep farm, which has been in our family since 1961 when we took up a tenancy on the farm. Our family eventually purchased the farm in 1979 and got to work converting some of the barns into holiday cottages between 1989 and 1991. Rest assured, they have had several refurbishments since then!
Thames is our largest cottage, sleeping a maximum of 7 people. It benefits from a fantastic location, right on the bank of the River Thames. The cottage boasts a large French Window, overlooking the river and across farmland. There is also a private balcony on the river itself with tables and chairs. This offers guests the opportunity to sit back and relax, taking in the scenery whilst enjoying a good book, some al-fresco dining or even a glass of wine!
Stable is a spacious, single storey cottage and is perfect for families, sleeping a maximum of 4 people. Stable boasts large south facing windows and French doors leading out onto a patio with table and chairs. It is furnished in a traditional barn conversion style, with a large living space, exposed original beams and rounded stone pillars offering an attractive yet rustic feel.
Stable is also our most accessible cottage and a portable ramp is available for wheelchair users.
Tuppeny is a small but cosy single storey cottage, sleeping a maximum of 3 people. It is perfect for couples or young families. It looks out onto one of the gardens, our chickens being within sight from the door. Although it is our smallest cottage, Tuppeny is very popular and benefits from an exposed traditional Cotswold stone wall in the living area, which adds a lot of character!