Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown"><strong>THE LOWDOWN</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized6.jpg" alt="Longstones Avebury" class="wp-image-37116" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized6-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked down a quiet country lane just minutes from Avebury’s ancient stone circle, Longstones is a freshly created collection of six stunning holiday homes. It’s the passion project of fourth-generation farmer Ben and his family, who have worked this land since 1937.</p>



<p>Over the last few years, Ben and co have cleverly converted a cluster of redundant farm buildings into something of a bucolic bolthole. The project took years of careful planning and some seriously sensitive building work (Avebury is a World Heritage site after all), but from the minute Muddy pulled through the gated entrance, it was clear that the result has been more than worth it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized2.jpg" alt="Longstones Avebury" class="wp-image-37120" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re after bucolic countryside, the location here is unbeatable – it’s just a short stroll from the ancient stone circle at Avebury, which draws some 400,000 visitors a year. A designated World Heritage Site (just like its more famous cousin, Stonehenge), Avebury offers all the history with fewer crowds – you can walk right up to the stones and touch them. Despite this, Longstones feels incredibly tucked away and secluded, with views to the Ridgeway and an air of peaceful countryside calm. We visited on a sunny summer weekend and saw barely another person while there.</p>



<p>Working alongside a team of architects, Ben has created four new sleek, light-filled properties and converted an existing brick barn into two additional holiday homes. The properties sit amidst landscaped gardens and the entire space is peppered with nods to its agricultural roots – think reclaimed farmyard cobbles, locally sourced building materials and ancient sarsen stones, unearthed from the land.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/5-5.jpg" alt="Longstones Avebury" class="wp-image-36986" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/5-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/5-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/5-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/5-5-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The vibe here is rural tranquillity meets modern luxe, with stylish interiors, bubbling hot tubs and walks aplenty on your doorstep. While a sense of history is tangible everywhere, the internal finish in all the barns is thoroughly modern: think warmth, space and elegant architectural lines. Each barn is individually designed, and they are enviably energy-efficient. With triple-glazing, underfloor heating and a woodburning stove, you’ll be toasty warm in the winter months.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized9.jpg" alt="Longstones Avebury" class="wp-image-37113" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Longstones-Avebury-external-resized9-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We stayed in Horslip, which is named after a long barrow situated on the farm (impressively, it’s thought to be the Avebury’s oldest monument). However, unlike its ancient namesake, the modern-day Horslip has a light-filled kitchen / sitting room, two bedrooms, grassy garden and terrace with hot tub. Zero cobwebby corners here.</p>



<p>The décor is a calming blend of earthy and paprika tones, teamed with soft textures and luxe accents, like oversized lamps, velvet sofas and bold bathroom tiles. Two big bathrooms mean there’s no fighting over who goes first in the shower, and we loved the thoughtful touches, like fresh bottled milk from Avebury Dairy, Sonos speakers and logs for the stove. The beds are super comfy too, and the master suite has an enviable freestanding tub at the foot of the bed, with a garden view. Oh, and did we mention the hot tub? Kicking back in the bubbles, with nothing but the sound of birdsong, was bliss.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/7-2.jpg" alt="Longstones Avebury" class="wp-image-36989" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/7-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/7-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/7-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/7-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Like Horslip, Windmill Hill also sleeps four across two bedrooms, with the flexibility to offer king or twin beds. Adam and Eve each sleep two and the pair of original barn buildings, Kennet and Ridgeway, sleep two and four respectively. Cleverly, these two properties can be linked via an interconnecting door to create one larger space, or, you could even hire out the entire place for 18 guests. It&#8217;s an ideal spot for multi-generational gatherings, where you can spend time together but still enjoy your own space.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s worth mentioning that Horslip and Windmill Hill both have their own private gardens – ideal for dogs and kids – plus everyone has access to an outdoor dining area with communal tables. The entire outdoor space has been carefully planted with thousands of trees and shrubs, so expect it to look even more magical as the seasons shift. Cars are housed in their own dedicated barn (with EV chargers), leaving the main area beautifully free for little legs to roam.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<p>There are two pubs (the Wagon and Horses and Red Lion) within walking distance, and guests are welcome to order supermarket deliveries. Marlborough (12 minutes by car) has you covered with everything from fab French bistro, the Funghi Club, to Bunces cafe. This Marlborough institution makes a great stop for brunch, lunch or cakes but be warned, you’ll often find people queuing out into the street.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly"><strong>DOG FRIENDLY?</strong></h2>



<p>Absolutely. Longstones is super dog-friendly, with enclosed gardens and miles of brilliant walking routes from your doorstep. There’s even a dedicated area to hose down your mucky pooch, with warm water on tap.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility"><strong>ACCESSIBILITY</strong></h2>



<p>Ridgeway, which has two bedrooms, is fully accessible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Avebury-Pixabay.jpg" alt="Avebury " class="wp-image-37122" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Avebury-Pixabay.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Avebury-Pixabay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Avebury-Pixabay-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Avebury-Pixabay-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you haven’t explored Avebury yet, pop it on your list pronto. These ancient standing stones are every bit as dramatic as Stonehenge, but without the crowds or ropes – you can actually walk amongst them. You can stroll into the heart of Avebury in just seven minutes, and you’ll find a couple of coffee shops and pubs, plus the National Trust Manor House (currently under refurb).</p>



<p>Longstones is tucked in behind the famous Ridgeway trail, and you can stroll into the heart of the village in just seven minutes. Need to refuel? You’ll find two cafes, including a lovely National Trust number near the Manor.</p>



<p>Fancy a bit more action? Marlborough is awash with indie shops and cafés, making it a great spot for a mooch and a flat white. You’re also within striking distance of Bath, Bradford on Avon and the Cotswolds. The Medieval market town of Devizes is also worth a visit, with its picture-perfect Caen Hill lock flight. You’ll find 16 locks, neatly staggered in a feat of impressive engineering, with a cute café at the top.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Of course, this is prime walking territory. You’re spoilt for options from Longstones, with the Ridgeway trail just in sight and ancient stones around every corner. We’d also highly recommend a stomp up to nearby Cherhill Down, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista over Wiltshire and the sight of one of Wiltshire’s famous white horses. If you’re interested in history or you’ve got the kids in tow, pop to nearby West Kennet Long Barrow, an ancient burial chamber that you can venture inside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Couples wanting to get away from it all, families and multigenerational getaways. Those who want to explore Wiltshire’s ancient sites, without sacrificing on comfort or style. Dog owners too – it’s a dream.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Those wanting buzzy bars or shops on the doorstep. This is a peaceful, rural escape, yet you’re still very close to town if you want it.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong><br>From £165 per night depending on the barn and season. Whole site hire is also possible – just ask.</p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> <a href="https://www.longstonesavebury.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Longstones</a>, Manor Farm, Avebury Trusloe, Marlborough SN8 1QY. Tel: <a href="tel:07881090845">07881090845</a>.<br></p>


Review: Longstones, Avebury

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