The Great Bustard, a 19th-century farmhouse turned pub in Wiltshire’s Great Durnford Conservation Area, has been thoughtfully restored to serve as a thriving community hub. Situated just three miles from Stonehenge and six miles from Salisbury, this countryside pub and guesthouse now welcomes both locals and visitors looking for a warm, inviting experience.
Before closing in 2019, the pub had fallen into disrepair after years of underinvestment. The restoration focused on preserving its historic character while improving function and comfort. Poor-quality extensions were removed, and new spaces were added in keeping with the site’s heritage.
The refurbishment includes a spacious restaurant, larger bar, private dining room, ten guestrooms, and a treatment room. The new accommodation is arranged to echo the original cluster of outbuildings, restoring the sense of place and making better use of previously underutilised space.
Materials were carefully chosen to match the original palette, including handmade redbrick, larch weatherboarding, clay tiles, slate roofing, and copper rainwater systems.
Inside, guest rooms blend rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring oak floors, exposed beams, large showers, and a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. Each room is named after a bird species successfully reintroduced to the UK, connecting guests to the local landscape. The estate’s organic products are also used in the bathrooms and treatment room.
Sustainability is a key feature of the project. A ground-source heat pump provides renewable energy for heating, cooling, and hot water, alongside significant thermal upgrades to the building. Special care was taken to protect the nearby River Avon SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), ensuring environmentally responsible operation.
The grounds have been enhanced with native planting, outdoor dining areas, and a terrace enclosed by a historic cob wall. A farm shop onsite offers produce directly sourced from the Great Durnford Estate.
This project demonstrates how careful refurbishment and sustainable design can bring new life to historic pubs, making them vibrant centres for local communities and quality hospitality experiences.
Planning Consultant
JPPC
Building Control
SWECO
Structural Engineer
Morgan Structural
M&E
Method Consulting
AV
TwentyTwo Integration
Kitchen Consultant
DF20
Interior Design
Victoria Forbes
Lighting Design
Light House Designs
Landscape Architect
Jonathan Uglow
Civil Engineers
Avocet
Ecology Consultants
Davidson-Watts Ecology
Terraconsult
Arboricultural
SJ Stephens
Quantity Surveyor
JaM Management
Contractors
Smith Heritage
Greenford