In this blog I talk to Julia Bayne - multi-tasker, professional photographer and co-owner of Cotswolds Place. A 17th century holiday home in the pretty town of Broadway, Cotswolds Place is a two bedroom character apartment that offers a home away from home. It’s at the top of my best places to stay in the Cotswolds and is ideal for anyone looking for an Autumn staycation that offers a restful retreat and stylish escape. I mean face it, this summer has been pretty rubbish, right? So if you’re planning a long weekend getaway, read on and discover Julia’s inspiring story of how she and her husband and business partner Tarkan, transformed this hidden gem into a charming character rental in the Cotswolds.

1) Tell us about the inspiration for Cotswolds Place and what influenced you to take root in this beautiful part of the world.

For 10 years we’d been building our main holiday rental business Istanbul Place Apartments in the huge, wonderful, but bonkers megacity Istanbul. To be perfectly honest, we were ready for something quieter and more predictable! After a difficult few years for tourism in Istanbul we also thought, pre-Covid, that we'd be balancing our risks.

View from Cotswolds Place across Broadway’s pretty High Street

2) As a 17th Century holiday home, you must have uncovered a few hidden surprises. Tell us about the renovation and challenges you experienced.

We approached the renovation cautiously, doing most of it ourselves over a period of months, with the help of online research, SPAB (the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) and YouTube tutorials. We'd never been responsible for such an ancient building before - our Istanbul Place Apartments are historic, but no older than mid-19th Century - so we were cautious, using traditional products and techniques such as lime render and linseed oil as much as possible.

It was very exciting to remove layers of gloss paint from the mullion windows and to find ancient graffiti carved into the beautiful Cotsolds stone overlooking the High Street. In the 1650s the opposing armies of King Charles II and Oliver Cromwell gathered in the street just below this window, so we like to think the carving (which looks like an 'R' and a chalice) could be a political commentary on the times. It's still a mystery though!
All the visible structural beams were visually overbearing in black, covered with layers of plaster and paint. Tarkan made it his mission to strip them by hand and it took weeks. He ended up getting a painful tennis elbow, but thankfully that cleared up and we have beautiful oak beams to show for it.

The cotswolds stone exterior has changed very little since the 17th century

3) These days when I escape for a long weekend, I prefer characterful escapes over bland hotels. Can you walk us through the hidden charms of Cotswolds Place and what guests can expect?

350 years of character in every wonky wall! I think we've retained and enhanced the apartment's previously overwhelmed character. A pale wash of Farrow & Ball now connects it to the views outside and it’s become a very restful and energising space. We've also added some subtle, enhancing tech, for example remote controlled dimmer lights in the bedroom and a Nest thermostat to keep guests cosy in winter. Furnishing it has been a joy for me, balancing contemporary design pieces with some carefully selected antiques. We brought its grey and stone-coloured vintage re-dyed Turkish carpets back from Istanbul, so it really does tell a story - our story!
A favourite review describes our Cotswolds holiday cottage as “gently coaxed into the modern world without compromising on charm and comfort.” In case you do miss hotel facilities, you'll find it the best of both worlds as just across the road is the very smart Lygon Arms Hotel. With stylish cocktail bar, restaurant and spa, you can pop over any time you like.

The cosy living room is dual aspect, with lovely light and a timeless feel

4) How have the events of the last 18 months influenced what you offer?

As a small 2 bedroom property we attract couples and small family groups, so thankfully - when able to open - we haven't struggled with bookings as much as larger properties. We've had to keep on top of the complex government requirements and restrictions though, with risk-analyses and ever-changing cleaning protocols. A real bonus has been growing to appreciate and support the wider business community in Broadway village, which came together in many lovely ways over the lockdowns. Moving forward we hope to build on these relationships, for our guests, as much as possible.
The quiet times gave us a chance to work more on the garden - now smarter, very sweet and restful. I've been learning how to grow cut flowers, white ones! So this past summer was the first time we were able to offer home-grown fresh flowers, direct from the garden, as a welcome to guests.

The smaller of the the two bedrooms is still quite big

5) How do you make guests feel comfortable and safe?

We offer self check-in and once you're in, the apartment is completely your own private space. You'll have the confidence that all cleaning has been done professionally, to extra-high-level standards. The Visit England Industry standard mark ‘Good To Go’ was awarded to us and ‘Safe Travel’ accreditation from The World Travel & Tourism Council too. Guests can completely control their own levels of engagement with what they find in the village and to be honest, it's lovely to just watch life pass by through the windows. The Cotswolds Way walking route passes by the front door, so it's very possible to have a fabulous stay without going inside anywhere else, should you wish.

6) What do you love about your business and life?

Every minute of every day is different, so there's certainly never a dull one! In theory the flexibility of it all is great too, though this is more tricky than it sounds, as often we can't plan ahead much because things change so swiftly, particularly in Istanbul.

7) From Istanbul to the Cotswolds. Do you divide your time between here and Istanbul?
We're currently based in England as our son has been at school here, though he's now just finished his A levels. Pre-covid Tarkan and I would both spend time in Istanbul, sometimes independently, mindful of our flights and their carbon impact. It's so much more complex now though as Turkey is currently still a red zone for the UK. Thankfully we have a wonderful manager, Taşkın, in Istanbul and are able to work well together across the miles using email and WhatsApp.

8) What challenges do you and Tarkan your husband face, as business partners?
Our approaches and skill sets have always complimented one another in many ways, which has been great. However we often have different ways of achieving the same goals. This is because of our different cultures, but also personalities I think. When time is tight and we're too tired to negotiate patiently it can get 'interesting'! Usually it all boils down to communication. Another big issue is keeping work and family time separate, which in all honesty we haven't managed in the 15 years since we started Istanbul Place Apartments.

A private retreat, perfect for small celebrations

9) There are more people on staycations this year, what are guests looking for when they come and stay with you?

I think everyone is so tired after such a difficult 18 months. Cotswolds Place really is a convenient and restful way to experience the location in comfort. Great restaurants and cafes are within a couple of minutes' walk so you don't need to plan for cooking much, though that option is there if needed. Being right on the High Street, with privacy and views, you'll immediately feel a sense of belonging. The countryside and surrounding villages, National Trust properties and gardens are varied and gorgeous so there's something for everyone. Even for mixed-generation families, a stay with us will recharge everyone's batteries in an easy, stress-free way.

The apartment’s wonky windows have been lovingly restored

10) I know the issues around sustainability are close to your heart. Have you included sustainable practices into Cotswold Place?

Yes, we're always trying to improve on this. The building is listed so we were limited in what we could do during the restoration, but we only used traditional techniques and materials. The boiler is new technology and the heating system is very efficient. The carpeting and its underlay are all pure wool.
Much of the furnishing is vintage and antique and when we buy equipment it's always well-considered and high-end, with a view to it lasting as long as possible. Although quite a few things, for example our Turkish cotton towels, have been brought back from Istanbul, it's always in a suitcase on a journey that is otherwise being made - so hopefully that's ok?!

In the garden we've installed an eco water butt and continue to grow native English flowers for guests with zero transport miles. We have a bird's house now, though it's not yet occupied.
Lastly we do encourage guests to forget about their cars as much as possible while they stay. Many adventures are possible on foot or by public transport. Steam train to Cheltenham anyone?

Broadways pretty High Street is right on the Cotswolds Way

11) What are your top 5 things to do in the Cotswolds.

The location for me is all about resting and recharging, so my personal choice would be:

Wander around the 'garden rooms' at nearby Hidcote and factor in a cheeky cream tea.
Get pampered with a spa treatment at one of several indulgent options nearby.
Walk part of the Cotswolds Way, perhaps through smaller villages and definitely making time to just stand or sit quietly in a field for a while.
Enjoy a drink while looking out of one of the apartment's 17th Century windows, at the scene that's changed so little over the centuries.
Meet friends for a coffee or meal at one of Broadway's lovely restaurants.

Cotswolds Place is offering 5% off if you mention this blog and book by 31st October 2021.

https://www.cotswoldsplace.co.uk/booking/

Image Credit: All photos by Julia Bayne. Image of Julia by Dorte Kjaerulff

Country Escapes: Talking Character Cottages With Julia Bayne From Cotswolds Place