History
Lower Slaughter is a rural parish in the heart of the Cotswolds. The village is located just off the ancient Fosseway, three miles south west of Stow-on-the-Wold and immediately north of Bourton-on-the-Water. Its’ eastern and southern boundaries are formed by the rivers Diklers and Windrush. The River Eye, more commonly known as Slaughter Brook runs through the centre.
Washbourne is located on an area formerly known as Washbourne’s Place which took its’ name from the family who owned it in 1470. The building was originally divided into three farm-workers cottages with a stable block.
In the early 1920’s, the cottages were converted into one large private house before it became a boy’s cramming school for Eton. The boy’s assembly and dining room were located in our bar area, the Westbury room was the headmaster’s office. The barn building was a recreation area, with the upper floor covered by a large model railway.
In March of 1988, the house opened as a hotel becoming Washbourne. Whilst it has undergone many changes in appearance and was most recently refurbished after being badly damaged by the flooding of 2007, it is still today a hotel known for its warm and welcoming ambience in the heart of the Cotswolds.