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.
- Boutique Apartment
- 2 bedrooms
- Self-catering + plenty of restaurants nearby
- All ages accepted; cot available
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
There are two good-sized bedrooms in the apartment. The master bedroom enjoys generous central head-height and space for a kingsize bed, but still has plenty of beams to marvel at (be mindful of the low doorway). For those with a keen eye for design touches, the cockatoo on the bedhead and bird-leg nightlight holder add a quirky avian element.
To the front is the smaller of the two rooms, complete with oak beams, wonky walls and sloping floor (which simply add to its charm). There’s a handy clothes rail, and a place to sit and read. Leading off from this room is a secret utility passage, accessed by a small door. Concealed within is storage space, a washing machine and some cleaning facilities should you need them. The window is another gentle restoration that involved removing secondary glazing to reveal a pirate ship-like portal to village life below. The private garden is a lovely spot to spend a sunny morning or warm evening, and a rare feature for an apartment to have. It is, however, set a short walk away from the flat: not the most convenient if you are wanting to eat alfresco.
Both rooms sport gorgeous Turkish rugs, sourced by Tarkan from Istanbul, plenty of pillows and soft designer bedding, wool carpets, as well as nifty remote-controlled bedside lamps suspended from the ceiling.
Features include:
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
This bolthole comes with a fully-fitted kitchen - we loved the locally-designed utensils hanging from a bespoke rail - plus basic provisions of tea, coffee, sugar and milk to start your mornings. Best of all, there are plenty of fantastic eateries within eyeshot.
For breakfast, stock up on fresh, local bread and preserves at Broadway Deli (it's right next door, plus there's a café too) and gaze longingly at two floors of mouth-watering produce. Or there's a Budgen's a short walk down the high street for filling the fridge. Lygon Bar & Grill is your best bet for upmarket steaks in a stunningly refurbished brasserie. The same historic hotel also houses a wine bar (serving a modern Italian menu), afternoon tea sittings and a cocktail bar. For fancy pub grub, check out The Swan. Russell's Fish & Chips is popular, and you can eat in (no booking required) or take away.
Features include:
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
Activities
- There is a bounty of boutique shops dotted around Broadway, with everything from a charity shop to OKA's flagship store
- Spoil yourself at the Lygon Arms spa. There are massages, spa day packages, a gym, pool, sauna and steam room
- Jump aboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Daily timetables run between Cheltenham and Broadway, so pack a lunch and stop by Toddington, Hayes Abbey Halt, Winchcombe and Gotherington
- Feeling lucky? Spend a day at the races. Cheltenham's course is a 25-minute drive away
- Endless Cotswold walks are at your disposal - for the best views of the Cotswold escarpment visit nearby Broadway Tower
- Or, if you're feeling altogether much more adventurous, tackle the 60-mile North Cotswold diamond way
- Competent golfers can take day memberships at the 18-hole Broadway Golf Club
- Broadway has a rich history of arts and crafts. Visit the Broadway Museum & Art Gallery for exhibitions, talks, children's trails and art classes
- Or head to the Gordon Russell Design Museum, which celebrates the work of the 20th-century furniture designer
- Cheltenham or Shakespeare's Stratford-Upon-Avon are around a 30-minute drive
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
- Wildlife
Kids
This apartment is more of a romantic bolthole, but we think some kids will love it here - the feeling of stepping back in time - if the bed arrangement (2 double bedrooms + cot on request) works for you. Keep in mind that this building has been lovingly restored, so little ones will need to be supervised at all times. Besides the cot, no other baby or child equipment is provided.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
A baby cot is available on request. An older child or teenager will have plenty of room in the front double bedroom (there's a great 'pirate' window for them to wonder at the world passing by below). Perhaps two kids could share this double bed if they're happy to do so
Families Should Know:
The stairs are steep, and the access to the garden is via the public high street and through a neighbour's courtyard so small children should not be left unattended. The garden is also just out of sight of the apartment windows.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The apartment is on the high street in Broadway, a picture-perfect village in the southeastern corner of Worcestershire. It's also close to the border of Gloucestershire.
By Car:
You will benefit from having a car to explore the surrounding areas, though there are many things to do and see on your doorstep if you prefer. There are some un-metered parking bays directly in front of the apartment (between 8am and 6pm cars can be left here for one hour; between 5pm and 9am there is no limit). Free long-term parking is a 10-minute walk away in a quiet residential area and paid long-term parking is available in two car parks in Broadway (the nearest is a 10-minute walk from the apartment). See our car rental recommendations.
By Train:
Cheltenham Spa receives trains from Birmingham (45 minutes), Bristol (40 minutes) and London Paddington (just over two hours). Then it's a (pricey) taxi for a scenic 35-minute ride through picturesque villages and rolling hills. The GWSR Steam Railway also runs daily journeys between Broadway and Cheltenham Racecourse.
By Air:
London Heathrow is your best bet if arriving from overseas; Bristol and Birmingham also receive international flights. There is a small airfield between Cheltenham and Gloucester, which receives private flights if you're feeling flush.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
Airports:
- Birmingham 61.0 km BHX
- Bristol 109.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 125.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km