Weekend Destinations: Bibury Farm Barns

By PENDLE HARTE

Stylish barn conversions in an idyllic location

THE AREA

This is ultimate chocolatebox Cotswolds. Wherever you look is a scene of bucolic beauty – gently rolling hills, well-tended fields, dreamy villages with dinky cottages in creamy Cotswold stone. No wonder there are tourist buses fighting for parking space in Bibury, described by William Morris as ‘the most beautiful village in England’ and now counting as one of the world’s most instagrammable villages, apparently. It’s an undeniably charming spot, and Bibury Farm Barns are a 10 minute walk outside town, quietly yet very conveniently located.

THE BARNS

There are five barns on this recently converted site, each of them differently styled. Ours is the Bull Pen, positioned around a large private garden. Inside, it’s pretty spectacular. Spacious and luxurious, this is the work of designer Pippa Paton, who cleverly combines the rustic and the contemporary to create spaces that ooze comfort and calm. There are three bedrooms, each with vast beds and stylish bathrooms, and a kitchen that’s far better equipped than most homes (though this means that everything requires an instruction manual). Sofas are super soft; the television is enormous; underfloor heating is set to perfection.

THE DETAILS

We loved the ample supply of 100 Acres bath products, the GHD hairdryer and the cosy bathrobes. On arrival there’s a breakfast hamper (so you don’t need to head for the shop in the morning) and the coffee machine is stocked with beans. There’s a table tennis table and lots of board games; the bedlinen is insanely soft and kitchen cupboards contain everything from cake tins to a Nutribullet.

WHAT TO DO

If you can bear to leave the barn, there are countless pretty towns to explore – starting with Bibury. Visit the trout farm where you can feed the fish and then buy them (the smoked trout pate is particularly good). The Plough Inn in nearby Langford is Giles Coren’s favourite pub and definitely worth a visit (if you can get a table: booking ahead is necessary).

Gloucestershire

PRICES FROM £1400 FOR A 2 NIGHT WEEKEND STAY £1575 for 3 nights (there is a short stay surcharge on 1 or 2 night stays) Bibury Farm Barns, Bibury, Gloucestershire GL7 5PB biburyfarm.com