Juniper Cottage is located at Sheppards Mill, which is a historic wool mill on the River Ewelme. 

The Mill dates back over 300 years and was originally a smaller structure with the mill wheels underground in a large basement.  The property was later developed by Mr. Sheppard and the Mill grew in size and importance, eventually employing over 1000 local people.  The many public footpaths around the Mill area mainly arose because of the workers walking to the Mill to work there.  According to local knowledge, the Mill made the blue cloth for the British Army. Eventually, there were 20 different buildings associated with the Mill complex and the main Mill building was extended and the wheels moved to a new location outside.  Mr. Sheppard did very well from the Mill and decided to build Gatcombe Park as his stately home nearby.  Unfortunately he died before he could move into the property, but it still stands today and is the home of Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.  The Princess holds a number of events on the Gatcombe Park estate, and Juniper cottage is an ideal base for anyone wishing to attend.

By the middle of the nineteenth century, the Mill was no longer in full operation as there was no demand for the blue cloth produced there.  The Mill building was used as a timberyard at the turn of the twentieth century and many of the outbuildings fell into disrepair.  Eventually it was used by the local farmer as his cowshed and pigsty.  In the 1980's the Mill was bought and developed into a private home, which is what it is used for today.  Juniper cottage was originally a barn, used by the farmer, and was also developed into a separate cottage at the same time.  Of the remaining 20 buildings associated with the original Mill complex, only three others remain: the Mill Manager's House, the Dye House and the Press House, all of which are private residences.

Today, both the main Mill building and the cottage are beautiful cotswold stone properties set in the bottom of a valley with the River Ewelme and the Mill Stream on either side.

"Perfect for our stay.  The paddock was fabulous.  We had a relaxing time.  Now the dogs need a rest!."     Mr. & Mrs Butler, Middlesex