Haus, Browns Lane, Alton Barnes, Marlborough, Wiltshire

Maslens Farm is a house of layered history, its fabric telling the story of several centuries of building and rebuilding. The oldest parts date to pre-1470, with a 17th century wing including mullioned windows and further brick elevations under a handsome thatched roof. The current owners have added a fabulously bright studio/garden room, completing a house that wears its history with warmth rather than formality so that the interiors combine age with the comfort of a much-loved family home.

The heart of the house is the kitchen, fitted with a four-oven Aga, a Neff electric cooker with induction hob and griddle, Shaker-style cabinetry and a walk-in pantry cupboard. A back hall connects through to a separate larder and utility room, boot room, cloakroom, a downstairs WC and the glazed studio/gallery. Stairs from the front hall lead down to a basementwith wine store, storage and boiler room/workshop.

The principal reception rooms and stairs open off a central entrance hall. The drawing room has a wide Tudor inglenook fireplace; the hall has hand-painted decorative door panels, and the front door opens onto a terrace overlooking the front garden.

The dining room has a further open fireplace and window seats looking out to the lawn. A snug study and a cosy library sit just off the drawing room, both fitted with bookshelves. A separate TV room on the mezzanine floor doubles as a sixth bedroom when required. Upstairs, the bright principal bedroom enjoys a lovely outlook over the main garden and five steps up to its own en-suite bathroom. Across the landing, a dressing room links through to a further single bedroom; there is an additional double bedroom and a family bathroom.

A second staircase leads to two more bedrooms, including the Star Room – an engagingly quirky room with views over the Downs; part of this room has been converted to make a large walk-in wardrobe. Maslens Farm is particularly well suited to multi-generational living. The Barn offers self-contained accommodation, ideal for grown-up children coming to stay, or for grandparents wishing to be close by while retaining their independence.

Maslens Barn

A short distance from the main house, Maslens Barn is built of brick under a slate roof and offers exceptional and flexible accommodation. The ground floor is open-plan and arranged as a library/living/dining area, home office and kitchen, plus a cloakroom. Upstairs are two generous guest bedrooms, one with an en-suite bathroom the other with a freestanding roll-top bath within the room and a separate WC. Both are comfortable, self contained spaces ideal for family or guests.