August Farmhouse Garden Cabin, Signett Hill

The Accommodation – For Two

August Farmhouse Garden Cabin makes for a quirky, different and very comfortable bed and breakfast stay. Not far out of the lovely medieval market town of Burford, up a farm track, hidden out of view, and part of a clutch of Cotswold properties that make up the hamlet of Signett Hill, the accommodation offers guests privacy, peace and tranquillity.

Caroline, and husband Nick, have been farming here for many years and love having guests to stay. All visitors are likely to be greeted by Lily, the family’s friendly terrier.

The garden wood cabin is close to the main farmhouse, along a short path through the well-tended kitchen garden where Caroline grows tomatoes, beans, sweet peas and potatoes. Outside is a small patio with table and chairs to catch the sunshine. There’s even a helipad in the grounds if arriving in style!

The interior is warm and inviting with wood burner for chilly days and nights and a basket stacked with logs at the ready. King sized bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, tray for making tea, coffee or hot chocolate with tasty homemade biscuits, small fridge, WiFi, TV and radio, with views across the lovely garden and surrounding countryside – all make for a perfect cosy hideaway.

The guest bathroom with shower is just a short hop down the path to the main farmhouse, which is well lit at night. Caroline supplies dressing gowns and umbrellas. Guests with a sense of fun and adventure will love it!

A full cooked Cotswold breakfast is on the menu with locally sourced produce and enjoyed around the big farmhouse kitchen table. Jugs of juice, pots of tea and coffee, sausages and bacon, home-grown toms, jams, marmalades for toast, and eggs from the farm chickens set guests up for the day ahead. Or opt for something lighter with a continental breakfast.

As well as making all kinds of jams, Caroline is also a dab-hand at creating raspberry whisky from her own fruit – gorgeous with some afternoon sponge or fruit cake, or early evening quaffing. Do try!

The Village and Location

Signett Hill is located about a mile from the popular market town of Burford and the main A40 that heads out to Cheltenham in one direction, and Oxford, the other. Both take around 40 minutes to drive depending on the traffic. It’s often easier and cheaper to take the bus into Oxford from Witney that goes regularly into the city throughout the day.

Signett Hill and the nearby hamlet of Signet is set back from the main A361 road which runs from Burford through to Lechlade and on to Cirencester. The area is more a scattering of cottages surrounded by farm land and fields. There are grassy verges for walking but being close to the road it is often easier and safer to head out on cycles, or by car.

This is a great place to be based as it’s on the borders of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire within reach of so many lovely places in the Cotswolds to explore. Do try and take off from main roads and head down village lanes to find some real gems and memories to take home.