history
Burford Lodge was built c.1814 as an elegant country residence for a local businessman and was the first property to be built alongside what was then a new road. By 1844, it was The Bird’s Nest public house and in 1864 became The Oxford. Soon afterwards, called Oxford House, it was the private residence of Thomas Henry Reynolds who wrote hymns and was financially involved in the Burford brewery and a number of local utilities. He renamed the house High View and this name remained until around 1930, when it was once more converted to trade as The High View Private Hotel.
Later, the liberally minded Sharpe family, conservationists, musicians and naturists, operated the High View as a bed and breakfast establishment with a caravan site attached. Their business continued until the 1960s, after which it was known for a while as The Winter’s Tale. Following an extensive refurbishment in 2005 by Punch Taverns, it changed to its current name.
In May 2009, the business was acquired by Tim Waller and managing partner Mark Bullows, who both have a wealth of hospitality experience between them. Mark was an award-winning Head Chef prior to moving into hotel management, although he still likes to keep his hand in at the stove! Tim was previously a General Manager for two well-known UK hotel groups for many years and also owns the historic Corinium Hotel & Restaurant in nearby Cirencester.