There’s a 375-year-old Airbnb in Coventry, UK | Priory Row Cottages
On the night of November 14, 1940, Nazi forces attacked Coventry for 11 straight hours using the power of 500 Luftwaffe bombers. It was the most focused and destructive attack on any single British city during WWII. The intended effect was to erase Coventry, including its beautiful cathedral, but instead, they inadvertently galvanised the city’s inhabitants and created a focal point of peace.
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Coventry Cathedral’s outer walls are intact today and a main draw for visitors who are inspired by the city’s reconciliation message. Because so much was destroyed, the history left behind is cherished even more in Coventry. Historic Coventry Trust was born from this, “to be a safe haven for the city’s heritage in perpetuity”. They recently restored and refurbished the Grade II listed Priory Row cottages. These incredibly unique and beautiful accommodations are unsurprisingly popular with those who have discovered them. It was down to serendipity, and a helping hand from No Ordinary Hospitality Management, the team behind Coombe Abbey, that I had the incredible fortune to stay in 6 Priory Row.
From Abbey to Priory
The 15-minute drive from Coombe Abbey was scenic and quick, just long enough to take in the morning sun before David and I needed to shift attention to rolling luggage along cobbled streets without incident. The medieval building was easy to spot just across from Holy Trinity. Our later exploration would take us down the stairs to wander the ruined foundation of St Mary’s Priory, then a short stroll down Priory Row to take in Coventry Cathedral’s story.
Historic aesthetic, but comfort in droves
The narrow staircase opened up to a wide landing, off of which was the living room and open kitchen, complete with microwave, kettle, coffee maker, range and oven. The overstuffed sofa with integrated chaise called to us, but we didn’t settle in for a rejuvenating night of Netflix just yet — there was exploration to be had. A double bedroom with original fireplace feature sat opposite a split white-tiled bath and toilet. I knew our room was upstairs, but I sank into the velvet pastel duvet anyway and let myself take it in for just a moment.
Retreat upstairs
The upstairs was a surprise as I didn’t expect so much space! A modern four-poster bed smartly dressed in blue and gold was the obvious centrepiece, but the huge wardrobe, plus full-length mirror, desk, chair and attached bathroom with shower was a treat. We laid out our suitcases, did a quick change and then headed out for food and sight-seeing. Later that night, we collapsed in front of the TV for an evening tea and unrestrained binge of Good Omens. Everything I needed in the kitchen I found, which put me in a lovely mood for a heavy slumber in the cottage’s excellent bed.
Connected in time
It’s a favourite pastime of mine to use a little imagination when touring a place connected to the past such as Priory Row. The house’s history is long and varied, but begins with the construction of Lychgate House or Lychgate Cottages (now 3–6 Priory Row) next to St Mary’s. The timbers have been accurately tree-ring dated to 1414–1415. The gate shown to the far right of the photo above is a lychgate, an entrance to a churchyard taken by a funeral procession. I like to think if you focus enough, you can imagine past emotions experienced in a place like this, embedded in the iron and bricks. To me, the gate sings with stories — it feels like both a farewell and hello to loved ones, depending on which side of life one may be.
Another of Priory Row’s lives was as part of Blue Coat School, which lies next to it. The school for girls was active for around 100 years until it was evacuated in World War II. An entire book is devoted to the subject of the history of Blue Coat school and the cottages published in 2000 by George Demidowicz. For now though, we’ll skip forward to the happy present, where Priory Row’s connection to time gone is honoured with a renewed exterior and the modern furnishings inside were chosen just for our enjoyment of this remarkable place today.
Recommendation and thanks
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to stay in the very best historic accommodations in Coventry, UK. Reserve a unique cottage or gatehouse stay via Historic Coventry Trust’s website.
My deep gratitude to Catherine Vonledebur working on behalf of Coombe Abbey and Historic Coventry Trust for so thoughtfully bringing Priory Row to my attention, and so professionally arranging my stay.
