Wiltshire’s wide open spaces, rolling hills and farmland lend themselves perfectly to large places to stay along a rural theme – just like the luxury barn accommodation at West Barn Lodge. Situated near the fabulously-named Fovant, just off the A30 between Salisbury and Shaftesbury, over the hill from the picturesque Chalke Valley, it’s a series of former stone dairy buildings, comprising a 19th Century Greensand threshing barn, cart shed, livestock building and old grain store. They’d been derelict for years, until the owners decided to convert them into 21st century holiday lets plus wedding and events venue for luxury large group stays, weddings, celebrations and retreats.

Now the Lodge (the old stone threshing barn) has a thoroughly modern look, which nevertheless references its country roots with the thick stone walls accented with wooden furniture, neutral tones and feel-good textures. And the views! Breath-taking. Up to eighteen people in nine en-suite, super-king double bedrooms can sleep soundly here after a day of partying, celebrating, relaxing or playing.  It has a fully fitted professional kitchen adjacent to a spacious, central high-ceilinged hall, ideal for dining and entertaining and a pool table for pre or post-dinner tournaments. There’s also spacious seating for when you need to chill, a woodburner and cosy cinema snug, not forgetting wi-fi, a Sonos sound system and an original Wurlitzer jukebox. Outside there’s a terrace where you can BBQ or play table-tennis in summer, and a heated hot tub with surrounding countryside views to hop into all year round.

Although it’s a self-catering site, the owners can put you in touch with some great local caterers if you wish to fine-dine and give you plenty of info about what to do and where to go in the area, including shops, pubs and days out – of course you should consult the indispensable Muddy Wilts too. The Lodge is available all year round for luxury short term lets and also specialises in shooting party stays between 1st September and 1st February if you’re game (ahem), with a package that includes a fully catered three course meal and locally sourced evening meal and breakfast, for a party of 8 to 18 guests. Even more excitingly, the very recently converted Dutch Barn event space next door to the Lodge is now open and taking bookings for weddings, receptions, parties, yoga retreats (there’s underfloor heating), workshops and everything in between, with or without accommodation. It comes complete with professional kitchen; glitter ball and all the country feel you need for your special event.