The Cotswolds Company was founded in Bourton-on-the-Water in its namesake region over a quarter of a century ago and has since expanded to 11 stores across the UK, selling its classical range of quality furniture, rugs, mirrors and more. And Marlow will soon become the newest addition to its list of ‘historically significant’ venues if plans to transform the old Natwest branch at 7 High Street are approved by Buckinghamshire Council. The company’s ethos of “beautiful things well-built and made to last” – including responsibly sourced timber dressers and handwoven carpets – certainly seems in keeping with the town’s relatively high-end retail scene.
Its parity with new arrival R M Williams , a pricey Australian leatherwear company, further cements the point – another effort by property investor Sorbon Estates to fill the buildings left empty by an exodus of banking branches last year, with the celebrity-favourite Aussie spot opening at the old HSBC site just last week. The plans to makeover the Natwest branch, which has sat empty for over two years, include proposals for three signs bearing the Cotswold Company logo and slogans, with one bespoke timber frame replacing the former cashpoint on the shop’s ground floor window. A signage application laid out by 360 Signs on behalf of the retailer emphasised the “suitable and appropriate” nature of the plans, which were designed to mimic the appearance of other heritage assets along the street and within the .
