We are an independent family owned and run Garden Centre and Café found just outside Oundle in Northamptonshire.
We opened The Barn here in Oundle in April 2009, but our roots go much further back than this. Back in 1976, five Post Office workers based in Peterborough each contributed 10p each to start the Peterborough Post Office Horticultural Society. Together they bought seeds and garden sundries in bulk to pass on savings to fellow members of the Society. One of those five Postmen was David Wilson. Current owner Paul’s Dad.
All this was originally run from the garage at David’s family home on Gunthorpe Road, Peterborough. As membership grew, it became apparent that larger premises were needed. After some searching, an old barn was found further along Gunthorpe Road in Peterborough and this is how The Barn originally got its name. The Barn found a few more homes as it continued to grow. David was joined by his wife Maureen and together they ran the business and were joined by Paul in 1998.
Fast forward to today, Paul and his wife Steph now run the Garden Centre and The Boxwood Café. Over the last 45 years, lots has changed in the world of retail and gardening, but The Barn still prides itself on the quality of its plants and the friendliness of its service.