Imagine this: it’s 1651 and the final battle of the English Civil War is about to commence. Oliver Cromwell and his army stay the night in Broadway – a vital Cotswold stop along the trade artery connecting Wales to London. Standing at a window across the street from the coaching inn, someone engraves the symbol of a chalice into the deep honey stone frame of a window. A defiant Royalist gesture against the puritan Parliamentarians before the Battle of Worcester, perhaps?
Fast forward to today, and the very same window still bears that mysterious 17th-century graffiti, now in the living room of this first-floor, two-bedroom apartment. Owners Julia and Tarkan (who also run a smart collection of apartments in Istanbul) have painstakingly removed thick layers of paint, which concealed precious historical features, by hand. This eco-restoration respects the balance between contemporary and antique, while the palette reflects the high street's grey cobbles and ochre stone. Though the streets of Broadway are awash with boutiques, foodie magnets and cottages cute enough to make your eyes water, pockets of its past remain. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway for two, or a break for four exploring the ‘jewel of the Cotswolds’, this place has it all: oak beams, wonky walls, carefully selected designer-meets-retro furniture, a luxurious roll-top bath, modern kitchen, smart heating, remote-control mood lighting and even its own private garden with seating.
Highs
- The opportunity to feel like a resident of a historic building into which others could only dream of having a glimpse
- Julia and Tarkan have delicately revealed the original wooden beams and deep sandstone window frames which were previously covered with thick layers of paint
- Extremely comfy beds: we enjoyed a sound night's sleep
- You could easily fill a couple of days simply exploring Broadway's museums, galleries, boutiques, eateries and short scenic walks without leaving the locale
- The clever blend of modernity and antiquity
Lows
- Those gorgeous beams and low ceilings may be troublesome for vertically-gifted guests
- Garden access is via a private alleyway on the high street and across a neighbour's courtyard, plus it's overlooked by windows. But it's a lovely, sunny spot once you get there
- Head room in the bathroom means the spoiling roll-top bathtub is to be enjoyed sitting down - no standing showers allowed
- The estate agent's windows below the apartment are a popular attraction in themselves. Keep the front door locked to avoid people wandering in by accident
Best time to go
The Cotswolds are achingly beautiful year-round. Christmas sees late night shopping in Broadway's quaint boutiques (plus the possibility of being served a gin cocktail from a horsebox) and fairy lights aplenty. Be mindful of race days at nearby Cheltenham. The big festival usually happens in March and places get booked up a year ahead, plus the streets and venues fill with revellers from the races. For creative types: there's a renowned arts festival in June.
Our top tips
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway runs a daily timetable from a station about 10 minutes' walk away. It's cheaper than a taxi to and from Cheltenham (though it'll only take you as far as the racecourse and not the mainline station). Plus your ticket fare goes towards the upkeep of this heritage line; it was brought back to life by dedicated volunteers in 2016, more than 50 years after passenger services ended, tracks were lifted and buildings demolished. We were grinning and waving like kids the entire journey.