Combining tradition with modern elegance, The Beckford Arms, located on the edge of the stunning rolling parkland of the Fonthill Estate in south Wiltshire, has been created by ex-Babington House duo Dan and Charlie. The Beckford offers an impressive menu in a classic pub environment with simple yet stylish bedrooms. The pub has a main bar, restaurant, sitting room, a private dining room in the library, eight bedrooms, and a large garden and terrace.

 

Sleeping

The decor of all eight bedrooms is in the style of contemporary country. each fitted out with flat screen televisions and internet radios with iPod docking stations. There are also two new stunning lodges a walk away from the pub making an additional two rooms. All bedrooms are en suite with a bath, shower or both each offering an array of Bramley products; a fragrant organic range originally created just for The Beckford Arms. To pamper yourself, there are two in-house masseuses who practice Theravada Thai Massage and Shiatsu Massage.

 

Eating

The property houses a relaxed and airy (French doors, parquet flooring) restaurant, bar, patio and lounge. Everything is fresh, from the roasted rainbow trout with chorizo and cannellini beans, to the steak with bone marrow and chips, to the chocolate tart with blackberries. There are pub classics with a twist at the bar (cider-battered fish and chips, game pies, local ales (try The Beckford Phoenix), great cocktails and an extensive wine list. A wide range of snacks are offered with a flourish – wild boar salami or fish fingers with sorrel mayonnaise.

 

Walk through a Lodge

A fifteen minute stroll away from The Beckford Arms, these two luxurious lodges are named after the original Pavilions built by William Beckford as guest accommodation for Fonthill Splendens (regular guests included Byron, Nelson and Turner). Guests arrive to a well stocked fridge with local produce enabling you to “cook your own breakfast”.  The bedroom and roll top bath are on a mezzanine level gazing out over some of the most beautiful views in Wiltshire. Downstairs there is a sitting room with a simple kitchen and wood burning stove, in a country chic style.

 

Things to do

There are beautiful walking routes within the Fonthill Estate (they even filmed Chocolat). Fly fishing, deer stalking and shooting (or simulated game shooting) are all possible. There is also the possibility to explore the many rooms and beautiful grounds of the 14th century Old Wardour Castle.

Fonthill Gifford SP3 6PX