A COTSWOLD CHRISTMAS

This Christmas, the Barnes family are welcoming guests to their 18th-century Grade II-listed barn conversion, set in 500 acres of stunning Cotswold countryside.

ANNA PATTENDEN

Exterior

The large arched picture window allows light to flood into the dining area. Windows, bespoke by George Barnsdale; painted in Pigeon Green, Farrow & Ball

This Christmas marks a turning point as Jo Barnes and her family welcome their first guests to celebrate the festive season at Anthology Farm, a pair of Grade II-listed barns in the Cotswolds.

Dining room

The giant windows can be flung open after dining, giving the garden a connection to the house. Live edge bespoke dining table, similar at Rough Living. Hans Wegner wishbone chairs in natural ash with black seat, Where Saints Go. Paper decorations, votives, candles, glass candlesticks, and lanterns on table, all Pipii

It hasn’t been an easy journey to get here. In 2016, after a decade of uncertainty, the family farm in Staffordshire was compulsory purchased to make way for HS2. For Jo’s father-in-law, John, it was particularly emotional as his family had farmed there since 1921. ‘It was a difficult time,’ says Jo. ‘Not only had we lost the farm, but my mother-in-law Rosemary and I had to close our businesses, a farm shop and wedding venue, and start again.’

Kitchen

The ceiling battens were left exposed to enhance the rustic feel. Marlborough terracotta parquet tiles, Artisans of Devizes. Rattan stools; sheepskin seat pad in Ivory, all Cox & Cox. Aged brass rise and fall lights, The French House. Votives and lanterns, Pipii. Chocolates, Bettys. Metal tea tin, Lakeland

Fortunately, a farm came up 70 miles down the road in Gloucestershire and the family jumped at it. ‘We could see the potential immediately,’ says Jo. ‘Farms have to diversify these days to survive. The land was perfect for John and my husband Henry to farm and we knew the barns would make a fantastic holiday let.’

Living room