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Dormy House - Broadway

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A perfect Cotswolds retreat

If you’re looking for a romantic break in the beautiful Cotswolds, but all that pub-with-rooms / drying-your-socks-by-the-fireside stuff isn’t for you, Dormy House is perfect. Big enough to be considered a proper, luxury hotel, yet cosy and romantic enough to keep things intimate, it’s great for anyone wanting to thoroughly relax – from the minute your bags are carried to your room to the minute they’re carried back down again.

Dormy House sits above Broadway, one of the most stunning market towns in the Cotswolds, if not the whole country. A converted 17th century farmhouse, it’s rural chic at its best – gorgeously renovated, beautifully decorated and oozing an atmosphere where nothing is too much trouble. The staff are fantastic – efficient and professional, yet friendly and informal enough to make you feel at home, and leaving you to enjoy your stay with as little fuss as possible.

Each of Dormy House’s 45 bedrooms has been individually designed, with some in the original house and others in equally lovely out-buildings. All have big, comfy beds with crisp linen, down duvets and lots of cushions plus views of the pretty hotel grounds and amazing Cotswolds countryside beyond, while those in the house have charming period features that will make you come over all Austen-esque. Choose from a standard or deluxe double, a suite, a four-poster or the thoroughly decadent penthouse suite – all are romantic and luxurious.

Downstairs, and Dormy House comes into its country pile element. A maze of sitting rooms, dining areas and nooks and crannies, perfect for hiding away from the rest of the world. The light and airy main dining room looks out over the hotel gardens and has a pretty little terrace for summertime evenings, al-fresco. The dinner menu is simple, yet delicious, with a distinctly British flavour – albeit with a modern, Mediterranean edge. A great value, regularly changing Table d’Hote option means ‘eating in’ won’t break the bank. For a more informal meal, the uber-cosy Barn Owl Bar offers way-above-average pub grub, with an always mouthwatering meal-of-the-month special. Brilliant for a hearty lunch or a relaxed evening meal. And if you’re still hungry for more, the afternoon cream teas at Dormy House are the stuff of legend…

Where is it?

The small town of Broadway is the stuff of fantasy – a broad sweep of a main street flanked by gorgeous, honey-coloured Cotswold stone houses and shops and red chestnut trees – and arguably the best place to base yourself for the full Cotswolds experience. Founded after the Norman conquest and home to the famous Lygon Arms – where both Charles I and Oliver Cromwell were known to have stayed during the Civil War – it is steeped in history. Nestled at the foot of Fish Hill, the town is watched over by the pretty Broadway Tower (www.broadwaytower.co.uk Tel: 01386 852390) at its peak. Built in 1799 as a grand, gothic folly, this mini castle was a favourite hang-out for the many artists, writers and musicians inspired by Broadway (William Morris, JM Barrie, Elgar and Henry James to name but a few). It’s also one of the best viewing points in England – on a clear day you can (apparently) see 14 counties – and makes for a lovely walk on a sunny day. For adventures on two wheels, Cotswold Country Cycles (www.cotswoldcountrycycles.com Tel: 01386 438706), just outside Chipping Campden, hires bikes and advises on good bicycling routes in the area.

Broadway is crammed full of antique shops, specialist food shops and cafes, but it’s most famous for its plethora of art galleries. For an amazing selection of styles and disciplines of art – both contemporary and from as far back as the early 19th century, visit the three Broadway galleries belonging to John Noott (www.john-noott.com Tel: 01386 858969). The galleries are perfect for browsing, but if you’re itching to start your collection, they also offer a great “Own Art” scheme, where you can pay for a piece in monthly installments.

Of course, staying in Broadway means the rest of the Cotswolds is right on your doorstep - miles and miles of beautiful countryside, chocolate-box villages and fascinating history. Read The Weekenders Guide to the Cotswolds for the best in what to see, do and eat in the area.

If culture’s your thing, drive half an hour north of Broadway and you’ll be in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of British theatre (or ‘Willy’s World’ as it was re-named on one memorable school trip). Shakespeare’s birthplace (www.shakespeare.org.uk Tel: 01789 204 016), a pretty, timbered house in the centre of town, and his resting place, Holy Trinity Church (www.stratford-upon-avon.org) on the banks of the River Avon, together with the chocolate-boxey, thatched Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and gardens (www.shakespeare.org.uk Tel: 01789 292 100), where the young William wooed the love of his life, really are fascinating places to visit and are, essentially, the English version of Graceland. But the best way to appreciate the impact that Stratford and its most famous son has had on our history (and the phrase “it’s what he would have wanted” suddenly springs to mind), is to watch some of his greatest works performed by the best actors around. The world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company is based at Stratford, and while their Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres are undergoing a transformation until 2010, the new 1000-seater Courtyard Theatre is still a tremendous place to see Shakespeare performed where it belongs (not to mention a vibrant repertoire of more modern works). For a full guide to what’s going on and to book tickets, contact the RSC (www.rsc.org.uk Tel: 01789 403444).

Where can I eat?

The two restaurants at Dormy House are a bit of a no-brainer of an eating option. Not only is the food great – whether you’re after a romantic posh dinner, or a more informal meal in front of a roaring fire – but there is nothing better than eating lovely food and getting through a bottle (or two) of great wine, safe in the knowledge that your bed is within staggering distance.

If you are looking for an alternative, however, there are plenty of other great eating options in the area. In Broadway itself, the main attraction is probably The Lygon Arms (www.the-lygon-arms.com Tel: 01386 852255), a historic paragon of a place, that over the years has played host to Oliver Cromwell, Elizabeth Taylor and Kate Moss. Today, this hotel has two popular restaurants open to non-residents – The Great Hall and Goblets Brasserie – both of which serve fantastic food, whether you’re after a full-monty of a silver service experience or a more relaxed, but equally mouthwatering menu of British classics. For something a little more contemporary, try Russell’s (www.russellsofbroadway.co.uk Tel: 01386 853555), a beautifully light and airy restaurant, that has gained a glowing reputation for its modern British and Mediterranean dishes. Dishes are vibrant, fresh and colourful – perfect for a great lunch or a lighter evening meal.

Outside Broadway, the Cotswolds are full of great restaurants and gastro-pubs – read The Weekenders Guide to The Cotswolds for the best in the area – but special mention should be made of The Fleece (www.thefleeceinn.co.uk Tel: 01386 831173) in the village of Bretforton, 6 miles outside Broadway. The only pub owned by The National Trust, The Fleece has been around since Chaucer’s Time, and has stayed pretty much the same since the mid 17th century. The interiors are ancient, with heavy beams, flagstone floors and an open hearth. The food is hearty but fantastic and the huge range of real ales served has made The Fleece a real CAMRA favourite. As if that wasn’t enough, the inn also plays host to the Annual Asparagus Festival in early summer - check out the British Asparagus website for details of this year’s event (www.british-asparagus.co.uk).

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If you’re looking for a romantic break in the beautiful Cotswolds, but all that pub-with-rooms / drying-your-socks-by-the-fireside stuff isn’t for you, Dormy House is perfect. It's big enough to be considered a proper, luxury hotel, yet cosy and romantic enough to keep things intimate.