Property Name: Leigh Barn

Details:

Leigh Barn

Bradford-on-Avon

An Introduction Why leave the country when you can enjoy a little piece of Provence in the rolling Wiltshire countryside. A picturesque cluster of historic farm buildings has been transformed into a stunning French style retreat which sleeps 8-10 people. Enjoy these spacious surroundings, beautiful furnishings and lavish creature comforts. Explore the historic south west from here or simply enjoy the local life. There`s a large walled lavender and rose strewn garden, an apple orchard, a paddock with sweeping views and BBQ area, lots of country pubs and the chic town of Bradford-Upon Avon within easy walking distance with lovely shops, restaurants and frequent train and bus links to Bath. There is even an organic vineyard and cider farm nearby where you can arrange a tasting. In addition, the old dairy has been converted to a large sauna, gym and games room. There is additional space for 4 in The Bake House, a separate cottage on the same grounds.

The Location Leigh Barn is 1 mile from Bradford-on-Avon and 7 miles south-east of Bath. The nearest railway station is Bradford-on-Avon with links to Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, the South west, London Paddington or London Waterloo. Taxis are available from here, call Bradford-upon-Avon Taxis Tel 01225872277. The nearest convenience store and petrol station is Texaco towards Bradford-upon-Avon.

The History Leigh House is believed to date from 1574 and was part of a farm estate given by Elizabeth I to Robert Leigh. The property extends over 4.5 acres and includes the Tithe Barn and the Bake House, which has 14th Century origins. It was a wealthy estate and the depth of the well in the courtyard indicates that it was a property of significant importance during its time. In the early Eighteenth Century it was owned by Robert Taylor who lived in the main house and manufactured cheeses in the cheese loft, now a bedroom over the main kitchen. It was converted in 2006 and has been completely refurbished by the current owners.

Leigh Barn (sleeps 8-10) The Ground Floor Appreciate this amazing piece of rural architecture at the entrance. Huge crook beams, smooth stone floors, white-washed walls taking your eye up to the ancient oak rafters, with a cascading brass chandelier hanging from the beams. The big barn doors have been glazed to light up the open-plan living and dining room. It is warm and inviting (under floor heating) with a great `L` shaped leather sofa (to seat 6) and another large cream sofa bed (to seat 3), a broad wood-burning stove packed with logs, lots of good books, games and movies and a 52` TV (with Sky, HD, Sky Sports, Wii and DVD). There is also a Bose stereo for your ipod, with great sound quality and Wi Fi connection is available throughout the barn.

The long, pretty French country table seats up to 10 and is placed in front of a set of broad glazed barn doors that swing back in warm weather.

The Kitchen

The bright and sturdy oak and stone Kitchen is in the old bull pit which is a couple of steps down from the Living room. There is a big electric range with 2 ovens, a grill and a warming plate and a 6 ring gas hob. Also here is a microwave, a dishwasher, and a large fridge. There will be a separate freezer and laundry facilities across the yard in the games room eventually. The kitchen has plenty of equipment for culinary flourishes, lots of china and thankfully no bull! The back door leads out to pretty west facing seating area with a table and chairs for 4, a bench, and potted herbs to add zest to your cuisine. .

The Bedrooms The owner adores vintage finds from French provincial markets and has created four charming bedrooms, every room in the barn is elegant, luxurious and decorated with original artwork.

The exposed beams and stonework create a wonderfully rustic and romantic setting. There are 4 bedrooms in total, all have ensuite bathrooms.

On the ground floor on the south side of The Barn is a delightful and spacious twin room with oak paneling wrapped comfortingly around two single antique beds. There is a large pretty oak wardrobe and chest of drawers and an elegant antique chaise.

It has a contemporary oak paneled ensuite with decorative stone tiling. There is a bath (with shower over) a recessed hand basin , a WC and lots of storage.

An Oak bridge spans across the living areas below and leads into two more bedrooms. Low beams and low doorways are a feature of these atmospheric rooms. They carry the weight of history so watch your head on them!

A pretty double bedroom under the eaves has a white king size brass bed. It has a chest of drawers, a dressing mirror and an inviting chaise. There is a small oak panelled ensuite with bath, hand basin, and WC.

Across the bridge is a handsome double room with a king size sleigh bed, a wardrobe and chest of drawers, an elegant chaise, and a clothes rail. The ensuite has a bath, hand basin and WC.

In the Hay loft which is up a separate stairway, is a double room with a white king size brass bed, fitted storage, a chest of drawers and a little chaise. The ensuite has a bath (with shower over) a hand basin and a WC.

The Games Room The old dairy has been renovated and boasts a fabulous sauna to seat 8 people, a shower, and a utility area with washer/dryer in one area. There is also a large ping pong table and some exercise equipment including stepping machine, treadmill and rowing machine. If exercise doesn`t excite you then you can relax on one of the 2 sofas and enjoy listening to music or watching TV. The Games room is shared with those renting the bake house and also the Owners.



The Grounds In this rural setting, The Barn, The Bake House and Leigh House, (the owner`s residence) are clustered in a `u` shape around an idyllic planted courtyard with the original well that supplied the farm. These wonderful old buildings are surrounded by cobbled paths, gardens, orchard, paddocks and fields with southerly views towards Salisbury Plains and The Whitehorse at Westbury . Behind the Bake house is a large secure walled garden with a lavender walkway leading to a rose arbor and plans for a pottager with flowers, fruit, veg and herbs. There are outdoor tables and benches dotted all around the grounds so you can relax and take in the country air. Pick your own apples, pears and plums from the Orchard or head towards a large south facing paddock with lovely views, seating and BBQ area. Bring wellies for lovely local walks into Bradford-Upon Avon (just 10 mins. away) or longer walks to South Wraxhall.



Pubs and Restaurants There are 3 pubs within a short walking distance. The Castle is a gastro pub, The Bunch of Grapes is renowned for Sunday roasts and award winning pies and The Dandylion which is good for a pint and pub fare. In Bradford-on-Avon, The Café Amichi is a very convivial Italian restaurant, The Bridge tea rooms are famous for its 3-tiered afternoon teas. Try the Thai Barn for delicious food with great service, or Avon Spice for Indian Cuisine that can be delivered.

Local Shops and Supermarkets The owner can arrange daily deliveries of fresh milk, bread and eggs. The nearest convenient store with good fresh produce is Co-op, 2 mins by car towards Winsley. There is a large Sainsbury`s Supermarket in Bradford-on-Avon.

Places of Interest Bradford-on-Avon is a pretty market town built from warm bath stone, on the River Avon. The history of the town can be traced back to Roman origins and it has several buildings dating to the 17th century, when the town grew due to the thriving English woollen textile industry. The town Library has a little museum charting its interesting history. Longboats and canoes are for hire to explore the river or bikes can be hired to explore The Kennet and Avon Canal which flows to Bath or Bristol. Call the Tourist Information Centre in Bradford-on-Avon Tel. 01225 865797. The train station is a 15 minute walk from the properties.

Only 7 miles away, Bath is a beautiful world heritage city with many historic places to visit, as well as fascinating museums, galleries, wonderful shops and a great selection of restaurants. Open-top city bus tours are a great introduction to all the sites. You could book a show at The Theatre Royal, Komedia comedy club, or a relaxing soak in hot mineral waters of the Thermae Spa.

There are frequent trains from Bradford-on-Avon taking less than 15 minutes (running approx. every 15 mins. until 11.30pm) There are hot air balloon flights available in Bath, as well as bicycle and boat hire. Call the Bath Tourist Information Centre Tel. 0906 711 2000.

There is a great history of shipping to explore at Bristol, with fascinating docks, ferry rides, art centres, Theatres and plenty of shopping. There are fast comfortable trains from Bradford-on Avon taking 15 mins.

There are many beautiful National Trust gardens to visit nearby, including Lacock Abbey and The Courts in Holt. Bowood House has extensive grounds including a large adventure playground for children. There are ancient stone monuments in Avebury and giant chalk horses carved into hillsides around Wiltshire along with mysterious crop circles.

Further a field is the extraordinary Stonehenge, beautiful Stourhead Gardens and Magnificent Longleat House and Safari Park.

Helpful Information

Local Babysitters are available and come with the recommendation of the owners who use them for their own family.

Please use the owners washing machine and dryer until laundry facilities are ready.

Although completely self-contained, The Barn and The Bakehouse can be booked together to provide accommodation for up to 14 people

Availability: