An 18th Century Tithe Barn converted to the highest standard offering luxury accommodation for 12 people in three double ensuite rooms, 1 family room with 2 doubles and ensuite, and one twin ensuite. The gym and sauna is a few steps from the kitchen door and also has surround sound, Wii and plasma TV available. Leigh Barn is set in 4.5 acres in the charming town of Bradford on Avon with its many restaurants, pubs and shops. It is one stop by train to Bath Spa. If your numbers exceed the capacity then you can also rent the Bake House on the same grounds which can accommodate another 4-5 people.
The Ground Floor
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 2 great 'L' shaped leather sofas behind and large antique coffee table, a broad wood-burning stove packed with logs, lots of good books, games and movies and a TV (with Sky, HD, Box office, Kids TV and Sky Sports, 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 12 and is placed in front of a set of broad glazed barn doors that swing back in warm weather. The table can be extended to seat up to 18.
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 is additional fridge space in the stable at request and laundry facilities across the yard in the games room.
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 5 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. 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.
2 further rooms called The Hayloft and Empire are reached through a separate door from the lounge.
Empire room is the newest room and is full of French antique furniture harking back to a more elegant era. The ornate fabric embossed king sized beds have marble topped nightstands with lamps either side. There is a full height chestnut wood painted armoire with a mirror and a gilt chair. The walnut and marble "Empire" chest of drawers sits along one wall with a gorgeous mirror above.
The bathroom has a walk in shower with wood effect tiles and Cath Kidson flooring. There is a vanity unit, mirror, shelves and a loo.
The Hayloft room is up a stairway, and has 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 Old Dairy
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 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, playing wii or watching TV. The state of the art gym and sauna 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
Further details indoors
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.
The Ground Floor
Appreciate this amazing piece of rural architecture, recently graded 4-Star Gold, 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 TV (with Sky, HD, Box office, Kids TV and Sky Sports, 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.
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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.
There is a new family room on the ground floor accomodating 4 people in 2 double beds, together with an ensuite shower.
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, playing wii 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.
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.
