THE team behind Coombe Abbey Hotel has been appointed by Historic Coventry Trust to operate some of the city’s most ancient buildings as unique visitor accommodation boosting the city’s visitor economy.
The partnership is set to bring some of the magic of Coombe to Coventry city centre with six historic buildings being launched as boutique holiday and visitor accommodation in October.
Historic Coventry Trust’s £1.5m partnership project with Coventry City Council to restore and convert the city’s two medieval gates and the three Lychgate Cottages in Priory Row is nearing completion, bringing new life to ancient buildings that have lain underused for decades.
The buildings were originally built between 1385 and 1440 and are rare survivors of the city’s medieval heyday.
The Trust has brought in Coventry-based heritage attraction specialists, No Ordinary Hospitality Management, to promote and operate the properties, following on from their recent appointment by the Council to operate St Mary’s Guildhall.
Graham Tait, assistant director of the Historic Coventry Trust, who has managed the delivery of the project, said: “The results of the works really are stunning and give Coventry a unique set of accommodation which will allow people to stay in historic properties while exploring what the city and region has to offer.
“The timing is perfect as the city gets into gear in its year of culture with lockdown restrictions lifting.”
There are four properties in Priory Row which can cater for parties from two to six, while the Cook Street and Swanswell Gates can accommodate two people each.
The project has been funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, the Council’s Cultural Capital Investment Fund and the Government’s Getting Building Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).
Richard Harrison, of No Ordinary Hospitality Management said: “These properties have been saved and then meticulously restored by the Trust which, along with Coventry City Council, deserves massive credit for the project.
“We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to manage the properties and being based locally means we are fully invested in making the project a success and showcasing just what a superb job has been done.”
Visit www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/stay-with-us/ to book accommodation.
