Ampney St. Peter is a scenic, small village, set in the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is made up of picturesque Cotswold Stone cottages and houses. Ampney St. Peter forms one of the three Ampney villages (Ampney St Peter, Ampney Crucis and Ampney Crucis) clustered within a few miles of one another. In August 2012, the village’s post box was painted gold by Royal Mail to signify the gold medal won by resident Dressage Olympian, Laura Bechtolsheimer, who was a member of the British Dressage team in the 2012 Olympic games. Cirencester, known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, is only 3.5 miles to the west and is a lovely market town with a fascinating history. In Roman times, Cirencester, known as ‘Corinium Dobunnorum’, was the second largest town only to London. The town became a very prosperous wool town in the medieval period, which is the basis for the charming town with ancient honey coloured stone buildings in picturesque narrow streets. The Market Place is the heart of the town and is home to a Charter Market (every Monday and Friday) and a Farmers’ Market (every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month). The wonderful variety of quality independent shops makes shopping in Cirencester a delight. Enjoy exploring the courtyards with their individual style, and the many historic streets radiating from the town centre. Cirencester is renowned for its specialist shops, individual boutiques, fascinating antique emporiums and craft shops as well as national chain stores. Cirencester Park – Earl Bathurst’s 3,000 acre estate was designed by Alexander Pope. Open daily, the public are free to wander in the extensive 19th century parkland accessed from the entrance gates on Cecily Hill. Whether you fancy a lavish three course meal, afternoon tea, traditional pub food or a quiet drink with friends you need to look no further. Cirencester has a wide variety of eating establishments. The area is renowned for having a number of fantastic schools, both private and state, all being within easy driving distance. Road communications are excellent to the A417/A419 which in turn provides access to London, via the M4 and M5 to the west. Rail links are also good, with regular trains from both Kemble and Swindon.