The Granary at French Mill

Guy and Rebecca Phillipson spend their time between Oxford (where Rebecca works during term time) and the island, where they spend most weekends as well as school holidays. Until a serious accident in 2021, Guy was a competitive cyclist, holding records for many stretches of road on the island. Although he can no longer cycle competitively, he still enjoys taking his bike out around the island's quiet roads. He can advise guests on cycle routes and hire facilities. Rebecca is a photographer and gardener, spending much of her time on the island tending to the extensive garden, including a large greenhouse (our silver wedding present to ourselves) and productive vegetable garden. She is an expert jam maker and will happily provide you with some of her homemade jams, made from produce grown in the garden. Rebecca has enjoyed furnishing the 1906 gypsy caravan and is slowly restoring the exterior.
Guy and Rebecca have two grown up daughters. When in residence, the owners stay in the main house, situated on the other side of the driveway from the Granary, which has its own garden area. The Granary is only offered for rental over the spring and summer. However we do consider out of season rentals. Please place an enquiry and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

The grounds of French Mill are delightful in spring and summer. A paradise for adventurous children and big enough to exercise dogs. Our Romany wagon is a rare and unique piece of history. Built in Burton on Trent in 1906, it is of a type known as Burton Wagons, and would originally have been made for a showman travelling around county fairs. It is in extremely good condition, complete with all its interior carved wood and mirrors. We have chosen not to restore the cooking range as this could provide a fire hazard. Instead we use the space for an electric socket to power fairy lights and lamps around the interior. The main bed occupies the space across the end of the caravan and has three windows, while the lower bunk is an exotic cubby hole, also 6 feet in length, but without windows.
While the cottage is well equipped, it is certainly not a five star hotel. If you want high spec accommodation, the Granary may not be for you. Being an old building (with an old drainage system and old water pipes) it does have its drawbacks. However, if it is a big wild garden with lots of wildlife and home grown veg that you are after, please come and stay.