14 WILTSHIRE LIFE Awards 2018
What winning an award did for us: Buttle Farm Independent
Robert and Sara Buttle, rare breed pig farmers
from Compton Bassett, were nominated for
Independent Food/Drink Producer of the
Year in the Wiltshire Life Awards 2014,
and ended up winners on the night. “Being
shortlisted for an award was amazing; winning
it was a wonderful surprise,” says Sara.
Robert explains that winning was a huge
boost to their morale. “Starting a business
and getting it known is tough, but here
was recognition that what we were doing
was good. Our existing customers heard
the news and sent us congratulations, and
new prospects found us because of the
publicity we gained. Even at the awards
ceremony, we made some excellent
contacts with some nominees in
other categories. You’re mixing with
the best in the county.”
He adds: “Being
featured in a prestigious
magazine which works
so hard supporting
the county was great
and, particularly
as farmers, the
coverage they
give the rural
economy is
really important.
We also had some
coverage on the radio
with BBC Wiltshire
sending a reporter to
hear our story. The
piece they broadcast
had some rather noisy Tamworth pigs in
the background which made for an usual
challenge for the sound engineer.”
Robert and Sara started their business in
2010, running six different pedigree native
breed pigs on the farm in a high-welfare,
extensive outdoor free-range system,
producing quality pork and charcuterie
made on the farm for sale to local restaurants
and direct to the public. They were also in
the process of converting two barns into
a luxury holiday cottage and preparing to
run events on the farm terrace, which has
a wood-fired oven, spit roast and barbecue
area. Life was busy.
Since then, Robert and Sara have continued
to grow the business. The party terrace is up
and running and they have hosted a wide
variety of events, ranging from a wedding
with 80 guests, to a Rotary Club summer
fundraiser and a Women’s Institute outing.
People are always looking for a venue with
a difference, and there is a barn available as
back-up should the weather be uncooperative.
Their holiday cottage has brought visitors
to Wiltshire from all parts of the world and
has been awarded 5* Gold by Visit England,
their highest rating; ‘Superhost’ by Airbnb;
and reviews on TripAdvisor are five-star.
“All these awards are good, but they have
come more recently; receiving that early
recognition by Wiltshire Life was a very
special day for us,” concludes Robert.
• For details of accommodation in the Chalk
Barn, pork, charcuterie and guinea fowl produce
visit www.buttlefarm.co.uk
Starting a business
and getting it known
is tough, but here was
recognition that what
we were doing
was good
Food/Drink
Producer of the
Year 2014
/www.buttlefarm.co.uk