All about Puckshipton

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.

In & around The Wagon

• Two ring gas hob in the wagon
• BBQ and campfire pit
• Tongs and that funny scraper thing
• Two large saucepans
• One large frying pan
• Crockery & cutlery for four
• Wine glasses, tumbler & water jug
• Small fridge (not freezer)
• The pizza oven

• Sheets
• Pillows & cases

• Playing cards
• Scrabble set
• Chess & Draughts
• The rowing boat!
• Bikes are available for hire, but helmets are not provided

• A torch - The Wagon is off grid and it will be dark at night!
• A good OS map
• Your favourite tea
• Knowledge of the Countryside Code
• Towels

• Check in time is 4-6pm PLEASE CALL TO LET JAMES KNOW WHEN YOU WILL ARRIVE
• Check out time is 10:30am
• Children of all ages are welcome at The Wagon
• Well behaved pets are welcome too
• There is no power in The Wagon, but a paraffin lamp is provided
• RUBBISH - please take your rubbish with you or leave it ready for recycling in the bins provided
• There's no TV (you're on holiday!)
• Phone reception is ok from most networks
• Water for the shower needs to be pumped from the lake. A full tank will last a few days and filling it will take about ten minutes
• You swim and boat in the lake at your own risk
• The wood-burner heats the shower, you may need to get it going a bit in advance
• Nearest shop is a good farm shop at the local gardening centre (2 miles)

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.

Local activities

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.

Booking terms for The Wagon

Booking Conditions

Please note that Canopy & Stars is acting as an 'Agent' in the booking of The Wagon on behalf of James and Juliette Noble (hereafter referred to as the 'Owner'). The Owner of the property is responsible for your stay and is the 'Principal' in this agreement. Customers renting property through Canopy & Stars are referred to as the Guest. The rental arrangements are made by Canopy & Stars, on behalf of the Owners and the contractual relationship is directly between the Owners of the property and the Guest.

The Canopy & Stars booking line (01275 395 447) is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm except on public holidays. When using the online enquiry form, please allow 24 working hours for us to contact you by telephone to confirm the booking. If we are unable to reach you by phone we will attempt to contact you by email. We will contact you during Canopy & Stars working hours. Online enquiries will be dealt with in the order they are received, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee reservation of your selected dates until the receipt of suitable payment.

1. Booking and payments

1.1 The dates of your booking will be held upon payment of a non-refundable deposit of 25% or payment in full. Deposits are only payable when booking more than 10 weeks in advance of your check in date. Any booking less than 10 weeks in advance of your check in date must be paid in full immediately.

1.2 On receipt of the deposit, a booking confirmation will be sent to you within 24 hours in the case of email and seven working days in the case of post, containing the details of your stay and of payments made and due. If you have not received your booking confirmation within the specified time, please notify us as soon as possible. We're sorry for any inconvenience, but payments can only be made by credit and debit cards. A 2% surcharge will be applied to credit cards. We do not accept American Express, cheques or cash.

1.3 Where a deposit has been paid, full balance payment will be due 10 weeks in advance of your check in date and a reminder will be sent to you two weeks prior to this date, where applicable, by email. If you are unable to pay the balance before the stated due date, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.

2. Cancellation

2.1 Cancellation by you at any time will result in your deposit being forfeited, as all deposits are non-refundable.

2.2 All monies paid for a holiday (deposit and balance) are non-refundable within 10 weeks before check in date.

2.3 Cancellation of any holiday after it has been paid in full and at a date 10 weeks or more in advance of your check in date, will result in forfeiture of your deposit (or an amount equivalent where one was not paid as the holiday was paid in full) and the balance being returned to you.

2.4 Cancellation insurance is available but will be a third party arrangement and not involve Canopy & Stars or the Owner in any way.

2.5 If the location of your booking is inaccessible due to adverse conditions your booking can be deferred to a later date subject to availability and at discretion of Canopy & Stars on behalf of the owner of the property.

3. Alteration

3.1 Alterations to your booking can only be made more than 10 weeks prior to the check in date, after which time alterations will be treated as cancellation. All alterations will incur a £30 administration fee and are subject to availability and at the discretion of Canopy & Stars on behalf of the Owner of the property.

3.2 Differences in the total amount payable resulting from alterations will be refunded to you in the case of a decrease in price and paid by you in the case of increases in price.

4. Complaints

In the event that you have any complaint about your stay, please notify the Owner of the property as soon as possible and they will use all reasonable endeavours to resolve the issue. Whether or not your complaint is dealt with satisfactorily, please also contact us as we appreciate all feedback.

5. Pricing

Prices on the website are not binding, but costs stated in any booking confirmation email you receive from Canopy & Stars will be honoured as shown and will include all VAT and any charges.

6. Information

Information on the website is correct to the best of our knowledge, but circumstances outside of our control may cause it to become inaccurate. We apologise for any inconvenience that may result from this.

7. Liability

7.1 Canopy & Stars accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.

7.2 Canopy & Stars will not be liable for any act, neglect or default on the part of the Owners or any other person not within their employ or otherwise under their control, nor for any accident, damage, loss, injury, expense or inconvenience, whether to person or property, which the Guest or any other person may suffer or incur arising out of, or in any way connected with the rental unless Canopy & Stars is responsible. In addition, the Owners and Canopy & Stars accept no liability for loss of or damage to the Guest’s possessions on the Owners’ property or land.

7.3 Nothing in these conditions excludes or limits the liability of Canopy & Stars or the Owners:

a. for death or personal injury caused by Canopy & Stars or the Owners negligence.

b. for any matter which it would be illegal for Canopy & Stars or the Owners to exclude or attempt to exclude their liability.

7.4 The use of swimming pools, lakes, climbing trees, tractor rides and any other activity on the Owners land is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.

8. Pets

Pets are only permitted with the prior consent of Canopy & Stars and the Owners and where pets are permitted they are to be kept under control. Pets must not be left in the Property unsupervised as this could result in damage to the Property and distress to the animal(s). A weekly charge may be made for each pet.

9. VAT

Many of the Owners of properties in the Canopy & Stars portfolio are not registered for VAT in which case no tax is payable. Where VAT is payable the tax is included in the weekly rent.

10. The Holiday – Guest Conditions of occupancy and Conduct

10.1 The Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid for holiday period only (within the meaning of Schedule 1 Paragraph 9 of the Housing Act 1988).

10.2 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consultation with the Agents. In addition, the Owner reserves the right to sue the guest for any loss, damage or injury caused to the Owner, the Property or to other guests and/or their property.

11. Breach of Booking Conditions

11.1 If there is a breach of any of these conditions by the Guest or any of their party, the Owners or Canopy & Stars reserve the right to re-enter the Property and end the holiday and ask the Guest and their party to leave in addition to their other rights specified in these Booking Conditions.

11.2 Ending the Holiday by either the Owners or Canopy & Stars, or the Guests does not affect that party’s other rights and remedies.

12 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Any dispute will be governed by the non-exclusive law and jurisdiction of the English or Scottish Courts depending on the location of the Property.

13. Authority to Sign

The person who signs the Booking Form certifies that:

1. he or she is authorised to agree the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date;
2. the signatory is over eighteen years of age;
3. they agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property, and to notify Canopy & Stars if they are not a member of the holiday party.

14. Discrepancies

In case of a discrepancy between these Booking Conditions and any other Canopy & Stars literature, these Booking Conditions shall prevail.

15. Validity clause

In the event that a court finds that a condition in these Booking Conditions is illegal or void, the illegal or void provision will be severed from the remainder of the Booking Conditions, which will continue to be valid and have full force and effect.