In the ancient and sleepy hamlet of Brandeer on the Wiltshire Gloucestershire border is a stunning piece of contemporary design. 'The Box’. Situated in a quiet corner of Brandiers Farm, a Re-wilding site of special historic interest. It is a self catered cabin, with a log burning stove, television, ultrafast broadband, underfloor heating, and all modern amenities. The Box is situated at Brandiers Farm, comprising 30 acres of re-wilded agricultural land consisting of wildflower meadows, ponds and woods and is home to numerous rare species. The site is of unique historical importance, and was once an iron age settlement, and then an industrial Roman pottery kiln. The farm was bought by photographer Peter Lavery and his wife Kimberly, a fashion and interior designer 40 years ago, and their artistic flair has helped create the stunning accommodations at Brandiers from converted farm buildings. Their two sons Tom and Oliver and their families also live on site, and help manage ‘The Brandiers Project’ which runs social events such as folk music nights, pizza nights, and storytelling as well as craft workshops such as spoon carving. These take place on site, by the lakeside bar, in private woodland or in the Brandiers Site Museum. Currently work is underway to turn Brandiers into a Living History Centre as well as resurrecting the Roman Pottery industry at Brandiers farm and conserving its unique ecology.

Most guests do not feel much need to leave the peace and tranquility of Brandiers, however the local area does have much to recommend it. The village of Minety is walkable and offers a lively community led ‘rugby club’ with Fish and Chip night on most Tuesdays and local beers. The Cotswold Water Park is a five minute drive away and offers a range of water sporting activities from sailing to windsurfing to archery to angling. There is also a swimming lake at Neigh Bridge which is free to the public to swim in (ask your host for details). Further afield, the towns on Cirencester and Malmesbury are popular to visit and have a range of shopping and supermarket options. The picturesque cotswold village of Bibury is worth a visit, as is the historic town of Tetbury with its royal connections. The surrounding villages also offer a range of cosy pubs. Our favourites are the Crown at Cerney Wick and the Potting Shed at Crudwell.