Swanswell Gate

• Sleeps: 2
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 1 night

Perfect for a dreamy rural escape that’s also close to the beating heart of the city, Swanswell Gate is a medieval gatehouse that’s been beautifully transformed into a pet-friendly haven for two by Historic Coventry Trust.

Originally constructed all the way back in the 1440s, Swanswell Gate overlooks the historic Lady Herbert’s Garden in the centre of Coventry, with plenty of urban delights in easy reach… a true oasis in the city!

You’ll feel as though you’ve taken a soothing step back in time as you explore your dreamy surroundings, characterised by mesmeric ancient stonework and accented by modern conveniences that include a gleaming Neff cooker and a flat-screen HD TV for epic movie nights.

The contemporary kitchen/diner is on the ground-floor, featuring the aforementioned cooker and boasting sleek Corian grey quartz worktops for a ‘celebrity chef on vacation’ feel. There’s an integrated dishwasher, too – because who wants to do the washing-up when they’re on holiday?

Head upstairs to unwind in the sumptuous living space, with its ridiculously comfy sofa and dual-aspect windows that showcase those gorgeous garden views and original gatehouse arch to perfection (you may find you don’t need the TV at all, in fact!)

With such a beautiful backdrop, here you can get wonderfully lost between the pages of a good book, or open a bottle of wine and catch up on life with the one you love.

The second floor is home to an elegant double bedroom and a large, indulgent wet-room-style shower with a rainfall head – and of course, you have permission to spend longer than usual freshening up after a hard day exploring the local area.

At a glance

• A 15th century gatehouse, lovingly restored by Historic Coventry Trust as a pet-friendly retreat for two guests.
• Fully self-contained, there is a modern kitchen/diner on the ground floor, and a luxurious shower room on the second.
• Relax with a well-deserved drink in the first-floor living room, with dual-aspect windows that showcase both the beautiful Lady Herbert’s Garden and the original gatehouse arch.
• The city centre is in easy reach, including the iconic cathedral and the newly-restored music venue Drapers’ Hall. This is also an ideal base to explore wider Warwickshire.

Features

• Dog Friendly

More information

That’s exactly what you get to do, right after you’ve settled in and made yourselves comfortable (if you can tear yourselves away, of course!)

Start by taking a turn around that stunning ornamental garden, which dates back to the 1930s, and visiting the nearby art and transport museums to get up close and personal with some of the city’s intriguing history.

You could also pay a visit to Drapers’ Hall, the newly-restored Regency building in the city’s bustling Cathedral Quarter. Home to an eclectic music and events programme, you’re sure to find something that whets your cultural appetites.

In the mood to travel further afield? Stratford-upon-Avon is in easy reach; a must for fans of immersive, scenic heritage – and, of course, William Shakespeare.

However you decide to while away your time, it’ll feel imbued with more than a touch of historic magic… a uniquely spellbinding way to make your escape from the ‘real’ world.

Things to note

One well-behaved pet is also permitted to stay.