In an ‘aristocratic’ new cottage INSIDE an 18th-century archway on a sprawling Wiltshire estate

Talk about raising the bar. While other pubs with rooms add shepherd’s huts, log cabins and perhaps a treehouse to their offerings, the Beckford Arms has gone rather aristocratic with accommodation in a beautiful stone archway.

The building in question is the Grade I listed Gatehouse and Arch of Arrivals built by William Beckford in 1755 on the extensive Fonthill Estate in Wiltshire.

One half is still inhabited, the other half was inhabited by a farm worker until recently.

Now the owners of the pub across the road have teamed up with Lord Margadale, owner of Fonthill, to create a unique place to stay.

Spread over three floors connected by a spiral stone staircase, it sleeps four adults, although two have their lights dimmed in large, custom-made bunk beds. Those in the master bedroom one floor below benefit from a spacious bed, freestanding bath and views of the property’s lake.

Jane describes the bow accommodation as a “unique place to live”. Upstairs is the kitchen

The bedrooms are beautifully designed, as is the ground floor, with red and white floors in the kitchen, an antique chest of drawers and an oval window. A cozy living room with a wood-burning stove, parquet floors and grandfather clock exudes a granny-chic atmosphere, all complemented by modern technology – a TV hidden in a cupboard and music from a Bluetooth speaker.

Farrow & Ball’s latest colors balance chic fabrics and modern art, and antiques and jewelry are found throughout.

Charlie Luxton, one of the three owners and former manager of the exclusive private club Soho House, admits: “I have a little antique problem.”

Thoughtful details are everywhere: the foyer is stocked with a picnic basket and rain boots, there’s a closet full of games for a night out, and carafes of water on the bedside tables. The walk-in pantry is spacious, while the fridge is stocked with quality farm products for a breakfast that we prepare the next day for an exciting walk around the property.

But first to the bar for dinner. Although it’s only a 20 minute walk and a powerful flashlight is available, it’s on a pretty busy road so we get in the car. Three minutes later we are in the coziest neighborhood, with flagstones and fire, a wooden bar and soft chairs in booths by the window. The atmosphere is exactly what a country pub should be.

“The bedrooms are beautifully designed,” says Jane of the four-bedroom lodge

The cozy living room has a granny-chic vibe with a wood stove, parquet floors and grandfather clock, all complemented by modern technology, reveals Jane

Jane dines at the Beckford Arms Pub with its flagstones and fire, a wooden bar and soft seats in window sills

The dinner menu is short but has something for everyone: delicious seared hake and mashed celery for my son, comforting macaroni cheese for his girlfriend, and deliciously spiced falafel and baba ghanoush for me.

Freshly baked bread, delicious mushroom soup and fruit crumble with vanilla sauce complete the picture.

There are eight simple but stylish rooms upstairs and anyone would be happy enough to stay there.

However, we hit the jackpot and instead returned to drinking port and playing games before going to bed in our domed accommodation.