About us
Despite being only 15 minutes from Banbury station, the reclusive nature of Purston plus its extraordinary views and rolling hills make it feel like another world.
The Barnetts have been farming at Purston since 1994 and in Oxon/Northants for generations. David Barnett has planted nearly 50,000 trees to restore the landscape, of which 25,000 now form three new spinneys (small woods). You can walk for 45 minutes round the farm without touching a road.
Purston is so ancient it features in the Domesday Book. It was owned by Robert, Count of Mortmain, who was William the Conqueror’s uncle. Its value in 1086 was 10 shillings a year! The landscape that Robert Mortmain would have surveyed nearly 1,000 years ago remains remarkably similar today; the field you are staying in (and the field you drive through) retain the distinctive rolls of the medieval cropping system known as ridge and furrow. Its visible presence means this ancient pasture has never been ploughed.
In the spring and summer you can find wildflowers twinkling in the meadows, watched over by the buzzards, kestrels and red kites who love hunting here. If you listen carefully on a summer’s day you will hear the passionate warbling of a sky lark as it releases its song high in the air. Our lake is a haven for wild fowl who nest on the island and in May and June tiny cootlings and tufted ducklings share the water with cygnets and mallards.
Look out too for hare, badger, deer and of course foxes. The combination of ancient pasture and little spinneys make for perfect habitat. In May the lanes and the spinney at the bottom of the meadows is filled with cow parsley, hiding the gurgling stream, home to minnows and fresh water oysters.
From the top of the farm, up Sandy Lane (the old road, now a bridle path) you can see across two counties, and beyond the eye’s view the long sweep past towards Birmingham. We are on the edge of 4 counties: Oxfordshire with the Cotswolds and Gleaming Spires, vast Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Shakespeare’s country Warwickshire, where “This our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.” (As You Like it).
We offer...
Wild swimming
Our serene 300m long lake features a sauna, rowing boat, paddle board and easy access to the water via a jetty and ladder.
Rural beauty
Our cabins, Bright Water and Lark Rise, are situated in rolling, ridge and furrow pasture, offering wonderful privacy and views over the breathtaking British countryside.
Fantastic location
We are 30 mins from The Cotswolds, 25 mins from Warwick and Stratford Upon Avon, and 20 mins from Silverstone by car. We are also 25 minutes from Oxford, 45 mins from Birmingham and 1 hour from London via train.
Interior-designed luxury
Farrow & Ball and Clarke & Clarke interiors plus a designer bathroom and smart kitchen give a hotel-quality feel.
Cosy comfort
The cabins are fully insulated and have wood stoves AND radiators so you wont feel cold even on a harsh winter night.
Outdoor bath and fire pit
Relax and unwind with a glass of wine, enjoying the flames dance in the BBQ fire pit, or watching the stars as you lounge in your bath.
Eco friendly energy
For your peace of mind – our farm is run on wind turbines and ground source water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book?
We are currently accepting bookings via Canopy & Stars: Ridge & Furrow Farm
Where are you?
We are pretty much in the centre of England. We are 5 miles from Banbury just inside the Northants border. London is 70 miles away and Birmingham 45 miles. Direct, fast trains go from London, Birmingham and Oxford every 30 mins and Banbury train station is 15 minutes by taxi.
Is the lake and sauna free?
Each night’s stay entitles you to a two-hour session at the lake. Extra sessions are paid for and can be arranged
Because we work with fresh, seasonal blooms, occasionally we may need to make minor substitutions based on availability to ensure your arrangement is delivered fresh and beautiful. If this happens, our skilled floral artists will always substitute with flowers of equal or greater value, maintaining the overall style, colour palette, and emotional essence of the arrangement you selected. We promise to uphold the quality and artistry you expect from us.