Coventry’s most ancient buildings launched as boutique accommodation

Historic Coventry Trust has refurbished some of Coventry’s most ancient buildings in a £1.75m partnership project with Coventry City Council.

The trust has transformed and converted the two last surviving gates in the city wall and a terrace of timber-framed cottages in Priory Row.

The ancient buildings, which have been vacant for decades, were built between 1385 and 1440 and are survivors of the city’s medieval past.

No Ordinary Hospitality Management, the team behind Coombe Abbey Hotel, has been appointed by Historic Coventry Trust to promote and operate the six visitor cottages.

Graham Tait, assistant director of the Historic Coventry Trust, said the accommodation would give a welcome boost to the city’s visitor economy.

“The quality and craftsmanship of the restoration is exceptional and the design combines all of the character of the ancient buildings with all of the benefits of modern living.

“The unique nature of these properties will give visitors an added reason – should they need one to travel to Coventry during its year as UK City of Culture and is another fantastic legacy from this truly memorable moment in time for arts and culture in the region.”

The four properties in Priory Row can cater for groups from two to six, while the Cook Street and Swanswell Gates can both accommodate two people.

Richard Harrison, of No Ordinary Hospitality Management – the company behind Coombe Abbey Hotel – said they are expecting demand to be high to stay in these incredible historic venues in Coventry city centre.

He said: “It is really exciting and a true credit to the vision of Historic Coventry Trust to have restored six of the city’s most important historic buildings.

“This will give visitors from all corners of the UK and the globe the opportunity to enjoy a memorable stay in the heart of the Midlands particularly in a UK City of Culture.”

Cllr David Welsh at Coventry City Council added: “I’m delighted to see these great historical landmarks transformed and brought back into use.

“The Council is working closely with Historic Coventry Trust, and the buildings are among more than a dozen impressive cultural capital schemes that are underway or completed, with more than £40m of external investment.”

The funding is part of the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Transforming Places through Heritage Programme. It contributes to the regeneration and renewal of high streets and town centres in England by supporting charities and social enterprises to create sustainable new uses for redundant or underused historic buildings.

The programme is funded by a £15m grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.