All about Puckshipton

The Ark in construction

James's family, first his parents and then his brother, have farmed the land at Puckshipton since 1965. It forms the base not only for their bustling family home, but also for James's business, making bespoke furniture. He could even make you your very own wagon. As well as being a fascinating project, creating The Wagon was a good way to stop an old trailer base from being thrown away and, far more importantly, a way for James and Juliette to extend their B&B without harming their land. Other options all involved permanent buildings and far too much danger to the wildlife and surrounds.

It all fits in with their...

Environmental policy

The Wagon is built around an old trailer base and made of wood which James sources very carefully and almost always locally. It's also insulated with sheep's wool and uses water pumped from the lake for the shower. The toilet is a handmade (of course) compost loo, that acts the way nature intended. Up at the house, hot water is solar heated and general heating via a wood-burning Esse, and they'll soon be installing Photovoltaic cells that will feed any surplus power back into the grid. On top of all that, James's old Volvo is a recycling project on wheels.

Wildlife

Puckshipton House

James was very keen to ensure that The Wagon did not impact on the environment, but in researching the project, he realised that he could actually be of benefit to it. The willow trees planted to provide a renewable source of fuel for the soon-to-be-installed bread oven, have become a dense wildlife habitat and the mobility of The Wagon means that one site need never become overused, so the land can thrive. There are badgers and buzzards, carp in the lake and Muntjac deer, as well as many very well cared for trees.

B&B

James and Juliette run part of the house as a beautiful B&B. They have two rooms both with wonderful countryside views. The Wagon and the B&B can be booked together with a discount for the B&B guests if they stay more than three nights.

Getting there

Puckshipton House, Beechingstoke, Pewsey

By car

Don't use Sat Nav as it won't take you to the house...

Approaching from the south and east: 
A342 towards Devizes, two miles after the Charlton Cat public house turn right towards Marden, through the village and over two small bridges. Having left the village the turning to the drive is approximately 300 metres on the right. Continue down the drive to the house. From Devizes, turn left off the A342 towards Marden and continue as above.

If approaching from Marlborough: Head for Woodborough and then Beechingstoke. Do not go into Beechingstoke but turn left towards Marden. The house is halfway between Beechingstoke and Marden.

By train

Pewsey is the nearest station. James or Juliette can pick you up, please call to arrange time and charge.

If you are getting to the Cabin by train, bus or any other non-car means you can think of be sure to take a photo and enter our Go Greenly competition to win a 4 night stay at The Wagon or The Ark.

Things to do

Outdoor & active

One of the Vale of Pewsey White Horses

There's a lovely walk from Marlborough to Avebury that crosses the Ridgeway. It's only a few hours each way so you can arrive back in Marlborough for dinner or linger in Avebury for lunch.

Five of the eight White Horses cut into the Wiltshire hills are within ten miles of Puckshipton. There's a 90 mile trail that links them all, but that might be pushing it for a day hike!

The Bustard Inn on Salisbury Plain has spectacular views. Its isolation makes it tricky to get to but well worth it.

There are carp in the lake next to The Wagon and rods for your use, but anyone planning to fish here must have a valid EA licence.

Reopened in 1990 after years of neglect, The Kennet & Avon canal offers all sorts of boat trips and excursions and a beam engine that's been working (albeit not continuously) since 1812.

Places to visit

Devizes Museum offers an insight into the history of the area and houses some of the very first finds from Avebury and Stonehenge.

Coral Cove adventure play centre in Devizes is a handy place to keep the kids amused out of the rain.

Longleat, recently made famous by The BBC's Animal Park series, was the first ever safari park outside Africa and has a huge variety of animals as well as the famous Hedge Maze.

Bowood House and Gardens near Calne is a stately home with an adventure playpark in the grounds. Giant rope bridges and the 'Death Slide' for kids (sorry, no-one over 12) and extensive gardens and a tea house for adults.

The majestic Salisbury Cathedral

Lacock Abbey, in the charming village of Lacock, is a rambling old country house of various architectural styles and was used to film some of the interior scenes of the Harry Potter films.

Ten miles south of Puckshipton is Stonehenge, Britain's most famous - and most protected - Neolithic site. It's on the road to Salisbury, so you could easily make it part of a day trip.

Salisbury itself is one of those classic market towns that southern England does so well. What is truly exceptional about it is Salisbury Cathedral. Its spire pierces the clouds and dominates the town and the grounds are a lovely place to relax and take in the scope of the magnificent building.

A few miles to the north is another remarkable historical site, Avebury stone circle. Spread out over a far larger area than Stonehenge, the remains of the walkway that led up to it are visible for miles around across the neighbouring fields.

Festivals, celebrations and special days

Pewsey Carnival and a children's carnival take place in early September every year.

Marlborough Jazz Festival fills the town with music running on the 15th, 16 and 17th July. Buy a Stroller pass and go from band to band, pub to pub.

Eating & drinking

Chickens at Puckshipton

Eating & drinking at Puckshipton

Any surplus vegetables from the garden will be available for guests to buy up at the house and for guests at The Wagon there's the pizza oven to be mastered!

Pubs & restaurants

The Seven Stars, Bottlesford (1 miles). Only 35 minutes walk from The Wagon. A classic 16th-Century thatched pub serving great food including local pheasant.

The Red Lion (5.5 miles). Free house that once had Jay Rayner (surely one of the most easily displeased food critics of our time) raving about its fish.

The Barge Inn at Honeystreet (3 miles) - Recently been taken over by the local community and does good

food. In a lovely location on the Kennet and Avon canal, an hours walk from here across country.

The Millstream, Marden (2 miles). A traditional pub with great seasonal and local food.

All about Puckshipton

The Ark in construction

James's family, first his parents and then his brother, have farmed the land at Puckshipton since 1965. It forms the base not only for their bustling family home, but also for James's business, making bespoke furniture. He could even make you your very own wagon. As well as being a fascinating project, creating The Wagon was a good way to stop an old trailer base from being thrown away and, far more importantly, a way for James and Juliette to extend their B&B without harming their land. Other options all involved permanent buildings and far too much danger to the wildlife and surrounds.

It all fits in with their...

Environmental policy

The Wagon is built around an old trailer base and made of wood which James sources very carefully and almost always locally. It's also insulated with sheep's wool and uses water pumped from the lake for the shower. The toilet is a handmade (of course) compost loo, that acts the way nature intended. Up at the house, hot water is solar heated and general heating via a wood-burning Esse, and they'll soon be installing Photovoltaic cells that will feed any surplus power back into the grid. On top of all that, James's old Volvo is a recycling project on wheels.

Wildlife

Puckshipton House

James was very keen to ensure that The Wagon did not impact on the environment, but in researching the project, he realised that he could actually be of benefit to it. The willow trees planted to provide a renewable source of fuel for the soon-to-be-installed bread oven, have become a dense wildlife habitat and the mobility of The Wagon means that one site need never become overused, so the land can thrive. There are badgers and buzzards, carp in the lake and Muntjac deer, as well as many very well cared for trees.

B&B

James and Juliette run part of the house as a beautiful B&B. They have two rooms both with wonderful countryside views. The Wagon and the B&B can be booked together with a discount for the B&B guests if they stay more than three nights.