ARC PAINSWICK
IN ONE LINE
A 15th Century Cotswolds Manor house reinvented into a luxury large-group holiday rental, with a focus on art and architecture.
SETTING THE SCENE
Founded in 2021, ARC is a a sustainable lodging concept with the goal of “reimagining the English country house for designed experiences”. The initiative is formed by London-based architects Parti together with fellow RCA creatives Regular Practice and the team plans on renovating a number of properties across the UK into modern spaces fit for large group holidays.
Last year saw the launch of the first two ARC stay properties - one in Padstow, Cornwall, and the second in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds Village of Painswick.
The Painswick branch, where we spent the weekend, started life as Cardynham house, a 15th Century Wool merchants Manor. ARC has sympathetically renovated the grand dame, striking a nice balance between historic charm and contemporary design and comfort. The house can cater to up to 30 guests and features 10 bedrooms, many of them ensuite, along with multiple lounge areas, a pool and outdoor dining, a huge professional kitchen & a dining room with a table large enough to ten pin bowl down. It’s a little bit of a warren of rooms, circling around an inner courtyard, and the type of spot that is designed to be explored. Revealing something new to guests they longer they stay.
Along with guest stays, the house will also host local events and exhibitions, the current“ Contemporary Textiles” exhibition is curated by a young collective, the Artist Contemporary and gives a nod to Painswick’s wool-rich history.
“Arc Painswick is pleased to present Contemporary Textiles, an exhibition that celebrates textiles in contemporary fine art but also looks back to Painswick’s history of the wool trade. Contemporary Textiles strives to celebrate different ways of making in the genre of textiles through the practices of Molly Kent, Emily Moore, Selby Hurst Inglefield, Eva Dixon, Seugwon Jung and Cecilia Charlton. Each artist has a unique approach to textiles that goes beyond the traditional conventions and what we expect to see. Including tapestries that are non symmetrical and feel as if they are continually growing, to digital printed fabric and paintings that incorporate weaving, industrial and contemporary references ”
GOOD TO KNOW
Guests can use the digital platform “ARC lobby” to curate their stay and book extras like private chefs, yoga classes and local activities.
Changing art exhibitions run within the manor house and the artworks on display are available to purchase.
The property is dog friendly for an extra fee.
There are two outdoor areas within the property, one with a pool, dining area and pizza ovens.
The swimming pool is heated between May and September.
THE HIGHS & LOWS
H: Location, location, location. Painswick is known as “The Queen of The Cotswolds” and makes the perfect backdrop for a country weekend with friends. The village itself is quiet, picture-book good looking and has enough pubs and small shops to keep a group happy. The surrounding countryside is also predictably stunning, although you may find yourself happy not to leave the house as space is plentiful and designed to be explored. And finally, considering we were staying in a medieval building with 20 other people, the hot water was incredibly quick and plentiful! (it’s the small things).
L: Guests may balk at the lack of both bedroom locks (removed to inspire sociability in the communal spaces) or onsite parking (which is why we suggest travelling via train).
GETTING THERE
ARC is located in the heart of Painswick Village, driving from London will take about 2.5-3hours or 1-1.5hrs from Oxford.
The closest station is Stroud and direct trains run from London Paddington to Stroud Station in about 90mins, after which a 10minute taxi (or 20minute bus ride) will get you into town.
We were invited guests of ARC, but as always our thoughts and opinions are our own
