Hotel Review: House of George W. Davies, Broadway, Cotswolds, UK

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Broadway has long been one of the Cotswolds’ most seductive villages, a honey-coloured ribbon of handsome buildings, independent shops and old inns strung along a broad High Street. Now there is another reason to linger. House of George W. Davies has transformed a historic building in the centre of the village into a stylish boutique hotel, restaurant and bar.

Behind the concept of House of George stands George Davies, a titan of the fashion industry who’s lived locally for over 30 years. The result is an intriguing mixture of old and new: part country house, part contemporary boutique hotel, and part destination restaurant. It is clearly aimed at travellers who like their Cotswolds with a little more polish than chintz.

The building itself provides much of the character. Its external appearance is principally 17th-century, but its history reaches considerably further back, incorporating three medieval phases and what was originally a cruck-framed hall house. Later alterations, including 18th-century changes and a 19th-century agricultural building, have left the property with a fascinating architectural story. More recently, it was even used as a doctor’s surgery.

Today, the historic fabric has been carefully woven into a much more contemporary interior. Rather than turning Broadway’s heritage into a museum piece, the designers have embraced timber beams, old architectural details and the irregularities of the building while introducing tactile fabrics, sophisticated furniture and modern bathrooms.

Who for

Affluent families, couples seeking a romantic escape, and singles wanting genuine Cotswold hospitality

Accommodation

The House of George marries period charm with contemporary comfort across ten individually designed bedrooms, each reflecting Davies’ signature style. The accommodation is deliberately varied with characterful historic rooms in the main building and spacious courtyard suites in a modern building at the back.

We stayed in a King Room – spacious and full of character, it blended heritage and modern comfort in perfect balance. Exposed timber beams and exposed stonework added to the sense of history and a plush king-size bed guaranteed unhurried rest. Even though we overlooked Broadway itself, it was completely quiet at night, even with the window wide open.

A portable air con unit and fan were there as standard and a kettle and Nespresso machine meant we could make our own morning drinks. The contemporary bathroom was fitted with a large shower enclosure containing a generous rain shower.

Food and Drink

Unfortunately, the kitchen was being refurbished so the MODA restaurant was closed during our stay. However, that didn’t prevent them from delivering a full à la carte breakfast which we took outside on the terrace. The menu ranges from locally sourced sausages and house-smoked trout to freshly baked sourdough and pastries with fresh local fruit an option.

MODA will be re-opening on Wednesday 9th September with a new chef Greg Newman and a brand-new Autumn Tasting Menu, which will showcase the richness of the season, celebrating the finest produce from across the Cotswolds and beyond.

The bar is a sophisticated, intimate space designed to blend the cosy charm of a Cotswold country house with modern luxury. It incorporates a comfortable lounge complete with a roaring wood-burning stove, flickering candles, and soft sofas. It connects directly to the MODA restaurant and the outdoor courtyard terraces, letting guests move freely between indoor comfort and alfresco drinks in the summer

Facilities

Guests can unwind in a modern courtyard annexe, a cosy snug featuring a wood-burning stove, or a peaceful garden terrace

How much

House of George has King Rooms from £275 for two including breakfast. CHECK AVAILABILITY

What’s nearby?

Perhaps the biggest advantage of House of George is its position. You step through the front door straight onto Broadway’s High Street, meaning that the village is effectively an extension of the hotel. Village events include the Broadway Car Show and Broadway Food Festival.

The hotel is one of the most attractive bases from which to explore this corner of the Cotswolds. Without a car, you can walk out towards Broadway Tower and the surrounding hills, browse the galleries and shops, visit nearby villages or simply spend an afternoon wandering along the High Street before returning for a drink.

Verdict

House of George W. Davies succeeds because it understands what makes the Cotswolds attractive without slavishly reproducing the usual country-house formula. The building has genuine history, but the interiors do not feel trapped in the past. The bedrooms have character, yet deliver the comforts expected from a modern luxury hotel.

House of George W. Davies

38-40 High St, Broadway WR12 7DT