Category: Cottages

EV Charging Points at Broadway Manor Cottages

EV Charging Station, Broadway
EV Charging Station, Broadway

An increasing number of our guests staying in our Cotswold holiday cottages in Broadway have hybrid cars or fully electric vehicles. At Broadway Manor Cottages we have two electric vehicle (EV) charging points which are available free of charge to our guests staying in our cottages. A small charge may apply to other users wishing to park and charge their car whilst visiting the village (please contact us for further information).

We have a ‘Slow’ EV point, a standard 13 Amp supply (6-8 hours for full charge) and a ‘Fast’ point with a 32 Amp supply (3-4 hours).

Nearly all electric models can be slow charged with a charging cable with the appropriate connectors: a standard three-pin plug or Blue Commando connector (IEC 60309) at the charging point end and either a Commando unit or the more modern gun shaped SAE J1772 socket for connection to the vehicle.

Fast charging reduces charge times to around half that of a slow charge by at least doubling the current to around 32 amps (7 kW). The time for a full charge is typically 3 to 4 hours. Most commercial and many public on-street chargers already use this technology however it is very likely that this charge rate will continue to become the most increasingly used across the UK.

While not all electric vehicles are able to accept a fast charge at 32 amps, most can be connected to them (with the right connector) and will draw either 13 or 32 amps depending on their capability. While Blue Commando plugs (IEC 60309) were the most common connector type used at the charger end, these are steadily being replaced by the more versatile 7-pin Mennekes plug (IEC 62196).

If you would like to bring your electric vehicle whilst staying in our cottages or would like to use one of our charging points when visiting the area please contact us for further information and to reserve your space.

Debbie Williamson
Broadway Manor Cottages

Wildlife in the Grounds at Broadway Manor Cottages

Wildlife in our Grounds

Our Cotswold holiday cottages in Broadway are rurally located and wildlife is a common occurrence in the extensive grounds surrounding the cottages. We actively encourage wildlife by developing and maintaining features and habitats to enhance our natural environment. Wildlife flourishes in our mature trees, shrubs and plants and there are two ponds and a stream (Bunchers Brook) in our grounds which are home to a variety of animals and plants. Log piles, stacks of stone and compost heaps also provide shelter for a range of wildlife including amphibians and insects.

It is not unusual to see the following whilst staying in one of our holiday cottages:

Bats

Pipistrelle bats in flight can often be seen at dusk feeding on flying insects. They roost in the roof spaces of some of the older buildings on site and hibernate over winter, usually between November and April.

Birds

Our grounds are home to a wide variety of birds including: Blackbird, Blue, Great and Long Tailed Tit, Buzzard, Finch, Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Heron (often sighted patiently waiting to fish in our ponds), Jackdaw (annually nesting in the trunk of one of our walnut trees), Magpie, Mallard duck, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, Robin, Sparrow, Swallow (annually nesting in the eaves of our barn), Wagtail and Wren. To name just a few!

Deer

Both Roe Deer and Muntjac can be spotted in our grounds at dawn or dusk (they love nibbling the shoots of the roses in spring). Muntjac deer can sometimes be heard ‘barking’ in the distance.

Ducks

Wildlife at Broadway Manor Cottages Ducklings on the Stew Potd
Ducklings on the banks of the stew pond

Wild mallard ducks share our ponds and stream with our own Indian Runner ducks. Over the years a number of ducklings have hatched and grown up in our grounds.

Foxes

Foxes can be seen meandering through our grounds (often unfortunately hunting our chickens and ducks or the rabbits). The foxes typically live in dens in the hedges bordering the neighbouring fields.

Newts, Frogs and Toads

Common newts, frogs and toads inhabit our ponds and stream.

Otters

Although we have never seen an otter in our grounds, otters have been sighted in Bunchers Brook both upstream and downstream of our grounds. Last summer we lost a number of fish from our ornamental pond and there were telltale signs that an otter had taken them in the form of otter spraint around the edge of the pond.

Polecat, Stoat and Weasel

These have all been spotted in our grounds.  The polecat was sighted in the orchard near the chicken run (I wonder what he/she was after) and both the stoat and weasel were spotted in the hedgerows.

Rabbits

Wild rabbits can often be seen hopping around the grounds at dusk and nibbling on our plants!

Sheep

Wildlife at Broadway Manor Cottages Sheep at West End
Sheep being moved along West End

In the field across the lane from our holiday cottages we have two pet Poll Dorset sheep. They are very friendly and will come to the fence if approached – their names are Muffin and Cookie.

The large field adjacent to our grounds is farmed by the local farmer and is often home to a number of sheep.

Squirrel

Grey squirrels frequent our grounds nesting high up in the canopy of the trees in the wooded area near Bunchers Brook. They are often seen nibbling on walnuts and pine cones and attempting to get at the bird seed in our bird feeders!

And finally …..

Chickens

ducks and chickens at Broadway Manor Cottages
Our ducks and chickens

Not wildlife but worthy of a mention as they share our grounds and are allowed to wander freely whenever possible: our chickens provide us and our guests with delicious free range eggs. The chickens are housed alongside our Indian Runners in our orchard.

 

Broadway Manor Cottages

——–

 

 

 

Bibury: Spend a Few Hours in one of the Cotswolds’ Prettiest Villages

The Cotswold Village of Bibury:

Whilst staying on one of our Cotswold Holiday Cottages in Broadway, one of the Cotswold villages we recommend visiting is the pretty picture-postcard village of Bibury.

Bibury, once described by William Morris as the ‘most beautiful village in England’ is about a 5o minutes’s drive from our holiday cottages in West End. During the drive across some of the most beautiful Cotswolds countryside, the landscape changes from rolling hills and ridge and furrow fields inhabited by sheep, to expansive fields of arable crops but the dry-stone walls boundaries of the honey-coloured Cotswold stone are still a wonderful feature.

On arriving in Bibury you will find free on-street parking along the banks of the River Coln, a tributary of the River Thames, that meanders through the village. From there you can wander across the rustic bridge over the river with its clear waters, swans,  Brown Trout and dragonflies, to Arlington Row.

Arlington Row:

Owned by the National Trust, is a row of idyllic Cotswold stone cottages. The cottages were once a 14th century monastic wool store later converted in the 17th century to weavers’ cottages. Arlington Row is one of England’s most iconic and photographed places – it even appears on the inside cover of UK passports! From there wander up Awkward Hill (a short climb) and down along Hawkers Hill back round to the main street. Alternatively take the footpath across Rack Isle, a boggy water meadow also owned by the National Trust. Rack Isle is an important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and in late summer a small herd of Belted Galloway cattle (one of our favourites) graze the land.

Places to Visit and to Eat in Bibury:

In the centre of the village you will find Bibury Trout Farm, Arlington Mill (now a private dwelling), the Church of St Mary, tea rooms, restaurants and pubs serving food (our favourite is the 15th century Catherine Wheel Pub). The gardens at Awkward Hill Cottage are open by arrangement under the National Garden Scheme between July and September. The owner of the cottage, Victoria Summerley, is an award winning garden journalist and author of ‘Secret Gardens of the Cotswolds’ and ‘Great Gardens of London’.

We hope you enjoy your visit!

Broadway Manor Cottages

——–

 

Spend Easter in the Cotswolds at Rafters, Broadway

Are you looking to spend Easter Weekend in the Cotswolds?

Look no further than our award-winning, romantic one bedroomed apartment Rafters (sleeps 2) at The Manor House, West End. Rafters is available this Easter 2018 for a short break in the beautiful Cotswold village Broadway or stay longer and enjoy all that the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the villages and towns of the Cotswolds have to offer.

Rafters at The Manor House, Broadway
Rafters at The Manor House, Broadway, available this Easter

Fully self-contained on the first floor of a Cotswold Manor House that dates back to the 16th century, Rafters is an ideal base for a weekend away in Broadway. Rafters sleeps 2 in a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom (bath with over-bath power shower), fully equipped kitchen area with electric fan oven, hob, microwave and fridge and a spacious open plan vaulted sitting/dining room with original oak beams and views across the surrounding grounds towards Broadway Tower high above Broadway. Rafters is warm and welcoming with its own gas central heating, free WiFI and parking.

Rafters is ideal for a relaxing break away. Guests are invited to enjoy the surrounding grounds of several acres during their stay. A footpath leads from the bottom of the grounds across the brook to the centre of the village of Broadway with its wide range of independent shops, excellent restaurants, pubs and galleries. Rafters is also an ideal base for those who enjoy walking: The Cotswold Way National Trail crosses the neighbouring field and there are a number of footpaths in the area to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Rafters is available over Easter 2018 for a 3 night minimum stay at the rate of £375 inclusive of all bedding, linen, electricity and gas or £500 for 7 nights . Mention this blog post and receive a 10% discount. For more information or make a booking contact us by email or telephone 01386 852913.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheltenham Festival 2018 Availability

Cheltenham Festival 2018 Availability

We have availability in our Cotswold holiday cottages in Broadway during Cheltenham Festival week – minimum 2 nights’ stay in either Rafters (sleeps 2), Sheldon Cottage (sleeps 2), Willow Cottage (sleeps 4) or Corner Cottage (sleeps 4).

All of our cottages are located in Broadway in the extensive peaceful grounds of The Manor House just off the Cheltenham Road. The cottages are an easy drive to Cheltenham Racecourse and just a few minutes’ from the centre of the village of Broadway with its restaurants and pubs to enjoy in the evening after a day at the races.

 

Contact us for up to date rates and availability in our Cotswold accommodation during Festival week.

 

Worcestershire Life Interview: My Favourite Work of Art

My Favourite Work of Art: Galloway Landscape by Barbara Williams

In 2010 I was interviewed by Worcestershire Life for an article in the run up to the inaugural Broadway Arts Festival titled ‘My Favourite Work of Art. My favourite piece of art is a painting I own by Barbara Williams of the Galloway landscape.  The following article:

Debbie and her family moved to Broadway from Hertfordshire in 2006 and run Broadway Manor Cottages holiday cottages and apartment from their 16th century home on the outskirts of the village.

“We used to go up to Kirkcudbright in Galloway, South West Scotland a lot on holiday as my husband is a Scot and he’s been going there since he was about 10 years old. Kirkcudbright also has its own colony of artists and I bought this painting to remind me of Dumfries and Galloway and holidays with the children as they were growing up. I just love the open rolling hills and acres of sky and in a way the stone walls and the rolling hills are similar to here. My two boys also love the Belted Galloway cattle, as shown in the painting. There are a herd of them up on the hillside here in Broadway, so when we moved here and walked up the hill and saw them it was wonderful.”

This summer sees the 5th Broadway Arts Festival which will take place in the village from 8th to 17th June 2018.

For more information about our Cotswold holiday cottages and apartment at The Manor House, Broadway, click here.

 

Cotswold Holiday Cottages with WiFi

Cotswold Holiday Cottages with WiFi

Cotswold holiday cottages with WiFiWe are pleased to announce that all of our Cotswold holiday cottages in Broadway including The Stables, our Cotswold holiday cottage on West End, Broadway, have free WiFi access.

If you want to keep in touch with work or the latest news, one of our self-catering holiday cottages with free WiFi access is a must. Bring your laptop or phone and when you arrive you will find a code for the WiFi listed in your information folder in your cottage, simply type in the code and get online.

The WiFi signal in our cottages is strong enough for you to take your laptop, ipad or phone into the garden, put your feet up and look for local events and attractions.  Why not Skype or FaceTime your family and friends and show them around your beautiful Cotswolds holiday home?

For more information about rates and availability in The Stables and our other Cotswold holiday cottages with WiFi in Broadway click here.

What’s On in The Cotswolds 2018

What’s On in The Cotswolds 2018

Broadway Arts Festival 2018

Broadway Arts FestivalThe Broadway Arts Festival 2018 will be taking place in and around the village of Broadway from 8th to 17th June 2018. The beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway is a renowned centre for the arts with a unique artistic heritage of a world famous colony of artists the ‘Broadway Colony’. The Broadway Colony was a group of American artists, writers and musicians who visited and worked in Broadway in the late 19th century.

Broadway Arts Festival 2018 Events

The Broadway Arts Festival during June 2018 will offer a huge selection of events for all the family including: celebrity talks, art workshops and demonstrations, art exhibitions including an open art exhibition, a WW1 Exhibition, music including a ‘Come & Sing’ choral workshop, and theatre of the highest quality.

Broadway Artbeat Weekend will take place during the first week of the Festival from 8th-10th June – an exciting weekend event featuring artists and craftsmen demonstrating their skills, with specialist demonstrations led by some of the country’s most renowned contemporary artists.

During the evening of 14th June, Heartbreak Productions will be bringing romance to the village with their performance of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in a tent on the village green.

Featured Guests

Featured guests during the Festival will include:

  • Sir Roy Strong CH FRSL, Patron of the Festival, in conversation with Tristram Hunt, the current Director of the V&A.
  • Richard Ormond the grandson of Violet Sargent Ormond, sister of John Singer Sargent. Richard, historical advisor to the Festival, will be giving a talk on the Art and Adventures of John Singer Sargent.
  • John Julius Norwich (2nd Viscount Norwich CVO) who will be giving a talk on his latest book The Art of France.
  • Leading art critic Andrew Graham Dixon.
  • Artist, writer and broadcaster Lachlan Goudie who recently present the BBC’s Big Painting Challenge.
  • Author Guy Fraser Sampson whose books include the Mapp and Lucia series.
  • Violinist and composer Ben Powell in concert.
  • Award-winning author Donna M. Lucey whose works include the bestselling Archie and Amelie: Love and Madness in the Gilded Age and  Sargent’s Women.

Broadway Arts Festival Tickets

Tickets for Broadway Arts Festival events this June will be on sale later in the year – more information about the Broadway Arts Festival 2018 can be found at: www.broadwayartsfestival.com.

Accommodation during the Festival

Our Cotswold holiday cottages on West End are just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the village. Our self-catering holiday cottages are an ideal location to stay whilst visiting the Festival. For more information about our cottages in Broadway visit www.broadwaymanor.co.uk.

 

 

Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year from Broadway Manor Cottages
Happy New Year

We would like to thank all of our lovely guests for their visits over the past year. It is a pleasure to see many familiar faces time and time again and it’s fantastic to welcome new guests to stay in our Cotswold holiday cottages in beautiful Broadway.

If you’re thinking of returning to stay with us or are planning to visit the Cotswolds for the first time, now is a good time to plan your holiday in this lovely part of the Cotswolds. Broadway has so much to offer and is an all year round destination. We are already taken bookings for this year with Christmas 2018 in Sheldon Cottage already booked! We’re looking forward to 2018 welcoming both returning and new guests to our Cotswold holiday cottages.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Ross and Debbie Williamson
Broadway Manor Cottages
West End
Broadway WR12 7JP