The Story Behind Longstones: Why We Chose Our Name and the Stories Behind Our Barns

Set on our family farm in the heart of the Avebury World Heritage Site, we are surrounded by some of Britain's most important prehistoric monuments. Ancient stone circles, Neolithic burial sites, historic pathways and rolling chalk downs are all part of the scenery here. Every day, we are reminded of the thousands of years of history woven into this remarkable corner of Wiltshire.

Many holiday properties choose names simply because they sound appealing. For us, it was important that every name told a story. Each of our barns takes its name from a real place, monument or feature within the local area, predominantly on our farm or in view, creating a meaningful connection between the accommodation and the history that surrounds it.

Why Longstones?

The name Longstones comes from one of Avebury's most iconic prehistoric landmarks: the Longstones, also known as Adam and Eve. These ancient standing stones, situated within the fields on our farm, have stood watch over this part of Wiltshire for thousands of years.

When we were looking for a name for the barns, Longstones felt like the perfect choice. It reflects the rich history of the area while capturing the sense of mystery, wonder and timelessness that makes Avebury such a special place to visit.

The Longstones are not only part of our story, but they are also quite literally part of our surroundings.

Adam & Eve

It seemed only fitting that two of our barns should take their names directly from the famous standing stones themselves.

Standing within the grounds of our farm, Adam and Eve have been part of this corner of Wiltshire for thousands of years and remain a powerful reminder of the area's remarkable prehistoric past. Adam, the taller of the two stones, stands at over four metres high. Once part of a larger stone setting, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the ceremonial landscape that existed here during the Neolithic period.

Adam and Eve Barns provide peaceful retreats for couples, combining contemporary comfort with a deep connection to the ancient history that surrounds them.

Kennet

Kennet takes its name from the nearby West Kennet Avenue, which can be seen from the patio of this Barn, one of the most important avenues in the Avebury area.

The name appears throughout the local landscape, from the famous West Kennet Long Barrow to this historic West Kennet Avenue, which once connected different ceremonial sites across the countryside. The River Kennet, one of England's most celebrated chalk streams, also rises nearby.

West Kennet Long Barrow remains one of the best-preserved Neolithic burial chambers in Britain and continues to attract visitors from around the world. The name Kennet reflects both the area's natural beauty and its rich archaeological significance, making it a fitting choice for one of our barns.

Kennet Barn offers a spacious and welcoming retreat for two. With comfortable open-plan living spaces and beautiful countryside views, it's the perfect place to relax, reconnect and enjoy time together during a stay in Avebury.

Ridgeway

Ridgeway takes its name from The Ridgeway, often described as Britain's oldest road. For thousands of years, people have travelled along this ancient route, following the chalk ridges that stretch across southern England. Used since prehistoric times, it provided a natural route across the landscape and would have linked many of the ancient sites that still define the Avebury area today.

The Ridgeway remains one of the country's most popular walking and cycling trails, offering spectacular views across Wiltshire and providing a unique way to experience the area's rich history and natural beauty. The Ridgeway can be seen on the horizon to the west whilst sitting out on this Barn’s patio.

Ridgeway Barn sleeps up to four guests and interconnects with neighbouring Kennet, making it ideal for families and friends looking to stay together while exploring this remarkable part of Wiltshire.

Windmill Hill

Windmill Hill is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Britain and can be seen from Longstones to the north. Dating back more than 5,500 years, it is recognised as the largest known Neolithic causewayed enclosure in Britain. Archaeologists believe it was an important gathering place for some of Britain's earliest farming communities, making it a key part of the story of human settlement in this area.

Windmill Hill offers incredible views across the surrounding countryside and remains a favourite destination for walkers exploring Avebury. You will find our sheep from the farm grazing the ancient chalk grassland when exploring the settlement.

Its significance within the prehistoric history of the area made it a natural choice when naming one of our barns. Whether you are drawing the curtains in the two bedrooms or sat in the hot tub on the patio, Windmill Hill can be seen on the skyline.

Windmill Hill Barn welcomes families, friends and couples looking to enjoy a relaxing stay in Wiltshire. With spacious open-plan living, a private outdoor patio and hot tub, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day spent exploring Avebury's ancient sites and countryside walks.

Horslip

Horslip takes its name from Horslip Long Barrow, an ancient monument located on our very own farm.

Thought to date from around 3240 BC, Horslip Long Barrow is believed to be one of the oldest long barrows in the area. Situated on the southern slope of Windmill Hill, it forms part of the extraordinary Neolithic heritage that surrounds Longstones.

Long barrows were ceremonial earthworks, often used as ritual or burial sites by some of Britain's earliest farming communities. Excavations at Horslip have uncovered Neolithic pottery, flint implements and sarsen rubbers, providing fascinating insights into life here more than 5,000 years ago.

Horslip Barn is a welcoming space for families and friends to come together, with generous living areas and plenty of room to relax. Whether enjoying a morning coffee overlooking the countryside or gathering around the table after a day exploring Avebury, it's a place designed for making memories together.

A Landscape Rich in History

The names of our barns are much more than labels on a door. Together, they tell the story of the countryside that surrounds Longstones and celebrate the remarkable heritage of Avebury and the wider Wiltshire area.

From ancient standing stones and Neolithic ceremonial sites to historic pathways that have connected people for thousands of years, every name reflects a genuine piece of local history.

Whether you're walking to Adam and Eve, climbing Windmill Hill, exploring West Kennet and the Ridgeway or discovering Horslip Long Barrow, you'll find yourself immersed in a place that has inspired generations.

We hope that by sharing the stories behind our names, you'll feel even more connected to this special corner of Wiltshire during your stay. Each name reflects a piece of the history, heritage and character that make Avebury such a remarkable place to visit.