The Porch House

England"s oldest inn dates back to 947 AD. A building of this antiquated nature is always going to have an interesting history and as folklore would have it, it has had many guises, from family residence and sweet shop to hospice and allegedly a house of correction. The dining room fireplace has carvings, dating back to the 16th century which are said to give protection against witches. There are still low beams, cosy nooks and crannies but these days, modernisation and renovations give the establishment a contemporary feel. Rooms are neutral and tastefully decorated with vintage-style repro furnishings such as tripod lamps, Singer desks, trunks, leather topped tree stump bedside tables, tweed bedheads and chaise-longues. Bathrooms have roll top baths and power showers, all in full working order. British culinary staples (baked salmon and sticky toffee pudding) are served in the restaurant or one of the snugs.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
The age and history of the building. It was founded in 947AD as a hospice to shelter lepers. A leper hole can still be seen in the oldest part of the cellar. Other significant finds include a 10th Century Saxon shoe and a Royalist commander's letter. There's also evidence of a bear pit. It’s location right in the centre of the hilltop town of Stow, the highest point in Gloucestershire, means some rooms have wonderful far-reaching views over the town rooftops and countryside beyond.

What is there to do in the area?
Stow lies in a part of the Cotswolds with lots going on, e.g; music and food festivals, such as Festival and Wilderness, local farmer’s markets, Longborough Opera, Daylesford Organic Farm shop and the National Trust’s Chastleton House. Some of the loveliest Cotswolds villages are within walking distance or a short drive away, including Upper and Lower Slaughters, Bourton-on-the-Water, Kingham and Bledington.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
A range of hot, made-to-order dishes from a Full or Vegetarian English to eggs Benedict, quinoa and avocado with poached eggs and Belgian waffles to a cold buffet of fresh breads and pastries, granola and cereals, jams and comb honey, fresh juices, tea and coffee

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Lunch and dinner are also served daily. You can dine in the Hotel dining room, the Conservatory, the bar, lounge or garden. The Sheep at Stow-on-the-Wold lies opposite the Porch House and has a large, open-plan and airy dining room serving a more informal menu, such as grills, salads, burgers and steaks and great pizzas cooked in its wood-fired oven.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Its individually furnished feature rooms are the largest and most interesting. All come with luxurious touches, including free-standing roll-top baths and foldout sofa beds. They also hold charming and original architectural features including original oak beams and casement windows and exposed Cotswold stone walls.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
The Porch House has two rooms which can be joined together to offer a family room and children’s size portions of dishes on the main menus are also available.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
Stay in Britain's oldest inn, dating from 947 AD and enjoy its ancient, historic and well-preserved elements within stylish contemporary surroundings. On its front doorstep, a wonderful, historic hilltop market town with panoramic views and wonderful independent shops to explore and plenty to keep you busy in the surrounding area too.