Celebrating Soft-Launch at The Wheatsheaf, Chilton Foliat
HPA Architects have been working closely with the Artisan Innkeepers Group on the renovation and extension of The Wheatsheaf, a Grade II listed pub located within the Chilton Foliat Conservation Area in Wiltshire. The project forms part of the group’s wider mission to celebrate British pub culture and support rural communities by creating places people want to return to – to eat, drink and stay.
At The Wheatsheaf, the works have focused on enhancing the existing historic building while introducing much‑needed guest accommodation and carefully crafted dining spaces. Together, these improvements help secure the pub’s long‑term future while reinforcing its role as a welcoming destination at the heart of the village.
Sense of Place
The primary aim of the project was to expand what The Wheatsheaf can offer guests without losing the strong sense of place that defines it. New accommodation has been created within a sensitively designed barn building, allowing the business to grow while remaining firmly rooted in its rural setting and established pub atmosphere.
From the outset, the intention was for the development to feel like a natural evolution of the site – relaxed in character, comfortable in scale and inviting for visitors. The extension and renovation utilise a locally crafted oak structure as a contemporary addition to the thatched pub, complementing the existing building while helping to shape a warm and informal environment suited to both dining and overnight stays.
Consideration & Care
Delivering this vision within a village setting brought inevitable challenges. The position of the site, its relationship with neighbouring buildings and the varied ground levels all influenced how the new accommodation could be arranged.
Care was taken to ensure the development sits comfortably alongside the existing pub and outbuildings and is experienced as a positive addition to the village. These considerations informed decisions throughout the project, shaping both the placement of the buildings and their overall appearance.
Design Approach
The new accommodation barn has been designed to feel familiar and understated, drawing on the simple forms of traditional rural buildings without imitation. Its roof shape, proportions and materials allow it to sit quietly within its setting while offering a robust and timeless presence.
Inside, the focus has been on creating calm, comfortable bedrooms that encourage guests to slow down and stay awhile. Natural light, clear layouts and a sense of connection to the surrounding landscape all contribute to a relaxed and welcoming experience.
Overall, the design supports both character and comfort, reinforcing the informal atmosphere that defines The Wheatsheaf – a place to gather, dine, unwind and return to.
Celebrating the Opening
We are pleased to have worked closely with the Artisan Innkeepers Group and the wider project team to bring the scheme to completion. As The Wheatsheaf enters its next chapter with a soft-launch phase, we look forward to seeing the new spaces enjoyed by guests, and to the continued success of this much‑loved village pub.
