Luxury farm stays: From medieval farmsteads to Beatrix Potter's farm

Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire

Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire

Soho Farmhouse is set in 100 acres of rambling Oxfordshire countryside. The house itself is made up of a number of 18th-century farm buildings, while the accommodation consists of 40 wooden cabins (one-, two-, and three-bedroom), as well as a seven-bedroom farmhouse, and a four-bedroom cottage. The rooms are decked out in traditional Soho House fashion with vintage-inspired furnishings and roll-top baths and decor to match the hotel’s rural theme such as gingham curtains and heavy, farmhouse kitchen tables. As well as relaxing in the country-pub style bar where local ales are served, guests can take part in outdoor pursuits such as horse-riding, tennis, cycling, and boating.

Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4JS (01608 691000; sohofarmhouse.com). Doubles start at £330, room only.

Elvey Farm Country Hotel, Kent

Elvey Farm Country Hotel, Kent

This medieval farmstead has been converted into a chic hideaway. Divided into four outbuildings – the Stable Block, the Oast House, the Barn and the Granary – the farm is steeped in history. A large metal piston, now used as a door-stop, was from a fighter plane that crashed in one of Elvey's fields during the Battle of Britain. The 11 bedrooms, across the four buildings, are full of period features, and the farm is also said to be home to a number of ghosts.

Elvey Lane, Pluckley, Kent TN27 0SU (01233 840442; elveyfarm.co.uk). Doubles from £80, b&b.

Yew Tree Farm, Lake District

Yew Tree Farm, Lake District

This historic farm, which was owned by the children's writer Beatrix Potter in the 1930s, appeared on screen in the 2006 biopic Miss Potter. Formerly a B&B and tea room, the sheep farm now has luxury self-catering accommodation in the main farmhouse. The three-bed cottage's dining room even houses some of Potter's own possessions, while outside you can take a soak in the hot tub.

Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DP (015394 41433; yewtree-farm.com). A week-long self-catering stay in January costs £468.

Brackenborough Hall, Lincolnshire

Brackenborough Hall, Lincolnshire

An 18th-century coach house converted into three self-catering apartments makes up the accommodation at this Lincolnshire property. The Granary apartment features sky-lights and original beams, while the Saddle Room and Stables apartments incorporate old hay racks, mangers, stalls, and feeding troughs. The farm is set in 800 acres of cattle-grazed parkland surrounded by woodland, with guided tours available for guests.

Brackenborough, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0NS (01507 603193; brackenboroughhall.com). Two night self-catering breaks from £152.

Launceston Farm B&B, Dorset

Launceston Farm B&B, Dorset

More than just your average farmhouse, this B&B is a boutique option with en-suite bedrooms plus two self-catering cottages, complete with private courtyards, outdoor fire places and outdoor baths. The property is a working farm, with a focus on organic produce and sustainability. The family of the current owners have run the farm since 1929, and it opened to overnight guests in 2008.

Tarrant Launceston, Blandford Forum DT11 8BY (01258 830528; launcestonfarm.co.uk). Doubles from £100, b&b.

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel Gloucestershire

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel. Gloucestershire

Room categories at the 13th-century Tudor Farmhouse Hotel are named after types of chicken: cockerel, hen, bantam and hatchling. All 20 bedrooms, however, come with roll-top baths, monsoon showers, exposed stonework and original beams. There is an in-house forager who supplies the hotel with produce, and also offers foraging expeditions for curious guests.

High Street, Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire GL16 8JS (01594 833046; tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk). Doubles from £100, b&b.