Dog-friendly North Wessex Downs

Come and indulge yourself at IIsley Farm, an attractive cluster of luxurious barns nestled in the rolling countryside of Berkshire. This is the perfect place for blissful escapes, rural adventures and memorable breaks with friends and family whatever time of year you choose to visit.
These former barns (1 The Pheasant ref UK31228, 2 The Pheasant ref UK31229, The Gallops ref UKC4259, The Downs ref UK33749 and Partridge ref UK33748) are located on a working arable farm and have been sympathetically restored to the highest standards to uncover much of their original charm and character boasting exposed beams with imposing vaulted ceilings, stone walls and lots of wonderful welcome touches have been added for that ultimate relaxation experience.

Step inside and in each property you will be greeted with a large open plan living space which flows seamlessly through to the exquisite kitchen areas, providing the perfect place to cook up your favourite meal, or simply kick back and unwind following a busy day’s adventure! Each bedroom has been tastefully presented with the highest level of comfort in mind, dressed in crisp white bed linen and all bedrooms with the added bonus of en-suite facilities. Outside, the wide open space with south facing patio makes the ideal place to relax, enjoy outdoor games or even al fresco dining on a sunny day!

Berkshire, famed for its connections with the Royal family, is full of character and hosts a wealth of charming towns and villages and countryside to explore make this county the perfect antidote to escape the hustle and bustle of modern day living. The bustling market town of Newbury is within easy reach and is home to a plethora of traditional ale houses and thriving restaurants set along the glistening banks of the River Kennet. The vibrant high street offers a good mix of well-known high street names, local independent shops and is also home to the Corn Exchange arts centre providing a wide variety of entertainment and a cinema complex. Other places of interest nearby include Newbury Racecourse, Highclere Castle, Donnington Castle, Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre and the prestigious Windsor Castle. Whatever your adventure, this wonderful collection of luxury accommodation will be waiting for you when you return from your days out exploring. Kick off your boots, pour a glass of wine and relax in your Ilsley rural adventure.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 42 guests.

Standing in its own large and secluded garden, this delightful Grade II listed picturesque thatched cottage is very comfortably furnished, spacious, light and sunny. Situated in a small and peaceful hamlet between Salisbury and charming Marlborough, it provides a relaxing base from which to explore the many attractions of this lovely part of the country. Savernake Forest, the New Forest, Cheddar Gorge, Stonehenge, Longleat, Stourhead Gardens, the historic city of Winchester, and the Roman spa and Georgian streets of the city of Bath are all within 1 hour’s drive. Shop 2 miles, pub with restaurant 0.5 miles.

Set in 17 acres of private fields and woodland, The Horse Cart has been beautifully restored by the owner to provide a staycation for guests with stunning views over the vale towards the Cotswolds and Wiltshire. It lies in the perfect location for a well-deserved break, especially for those who are looking to have a digital detox. The Horse Cart is ideally situated to discover the delights that this idyllic region has to offer, with fabulous walks, cycling and tourist attractions nearby. Guests are welcome to walk in the fields and on the hill. The views are second to none and the sunsets are spectacular. The Horse Cart is in a private corner of the field looking over the Wiltshire countryside. Rustic, natural, simple...it offers the best of camping, with a little luxury added to make your camping experience even better. The Horse Cart has a double bed, a bathroom, a composting toilet and a small kitchen area for all your cooking needs. Situated in the grounds of the owner’s own home (a former medieval farmhouse) it has parking for one car; gests park at the gates and will be provided with a wheel barrow to the wagon. It is just a short walk up the hill to your hidden escape.

Set in an idyllic location, Mortimer Cottage is a 17th-century, Grade II listed, thatched cottage. It lies in the centre of the picturesque village of Wootton Rivers, just 5 miles from the delightful market town of Marlborough. Since the property was originally two cottages, there are two steep staircases which lead to the first floor, accessed via the dining room and living room. On the ground floor, this detached cottage has a spacious open plan kitchen/dining area with breakfast bar, a living room with wood burner for the winter evenings, a utility area and shower room. The first floor, with low ceilings, has a master bedroom with kingsize bed, an adjoining room featuring a day bed, and a second bedroom with twin beds. The period-style bathroom, featuring a luxurious, roll-top bath and twin basins, is in the middle of the first floor at the top of the stairs. Outside is a private courtyard garden with comfortable seating and driveway parking for two small cars or one large car.

This thatched cottage offers a warm welcome for those seeking a slice of period charm. It is such a pretty cottage that as soon as you approach it, you are sure to feel the stresses and strains of everyday life slip from your shoulders. Perfect for a family of five and a four-legged friend.

Wootton Rivers is a sought-after village with a thatched pub just opposite Mortimer Cottage, and the village also offers extensive footpaths and opportunities for cyclists and walkers. With the Kennet and Avon canal being a short walk away as well as many other countryside walks. Avebury is 5 miles away, as is the centre of Marlborough with its range of great restaurants and pubs, along with a variety of high quality and independent shops offering a unique blend of modern attractions and facilities. The high street is one of the widest in the UK and offers a twice-weekly market on a Wednesday and Saturday. The M4 is within easy reach, Hungerford is 12½ miles east and there is a regular train service from Pewsey to Paddington in just 65 minutes; a car is essential when visiting Mortimer Cottage, which is the perfect base from which to explore all that Wiltshire and The Cotswolds have to offer.

Hatchers Barn is joined to Olivers Barn – also available to rent – a perfect add on for larger groups. They mirror each other and are two beautiful barn conversions in the stunning North Wessex Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They are the perfect properties for both family and friend groups looking for excellent quality accommodation to reunite and get together in a beautiful part of the country. They can be booked together to sleep up to 16 or as two completely separate houses of 8. It’s a wonderland for walkers with a footpath from the front door which will take you into the beautiful countryside. Cycling is also very popular in this area with plenty of routes to take and discover.
Other local attractions and activities in the area include Barbury shooting school, Lambourn racing stables, Newbury Racecourse, Highclere Castle (also known as the filming location for Downton Abbey), Avebury Stone Circle, Donnington Castle, Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, and the prestigious Windsor Castle.