Need we say more than that England's favourite village, as decided by a panel of distinguished judges for Country Life last year, was Kingham in the Cotswolds? Well, only perhaps that Kingham is surrounded by a whole host of other unspoilt rural villages, all with local amenities and thriving communities.
From Moreton-in-Marsh to the Slaughters, residents of the Cotswolds have dedicated time and effort to ensuring that the architecture and the countryside which surrounds them have not been despoiled, unlike other places near London. As a result the area is highly sought-after by those who are in search of a place to live in which practicality sits happily alongside history and tradition.
With its soft yellow stone, the architecture of the Cotswolds is world-famous and the fabulous undulating countryside is instantly recognisable as quintessential England at its best. The precise boundaries of the Cotswolds, however, remain a mystery to most. 'Malmesbury to Moreton in Marsh, the River Severn to West Oxfordshire,' explains Sheila Hancock from Knight Frank, but the inhabitants of many fringe villages have different ideas.
The rolling countryside and idyllic stone villages that lie amid these hazy borders, ensure that, unfortunately, demand for houses always outweighs supply. Simon Merton, an Associate at Strutt and Parker, Moreton in the Marsh says: 'There is a distinct shortage of property – lots of people want to move here and no one wants to move away'. The region is filled with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and Conservation Areas and councils are sensitive to the style of developments.
With its charming rural pubs, woodland walks and 100% darkness at night in many places, it seems astonishing that central London and Birmingham are within easy reach. 'There is a lot of space in the Cotswolds and people don't seem to be frightened by a project', says Merton.
Edward Welton, an Associate at Knight Frank in Moreton in Marsh sees the Cotswolds in a similar light. 'It is a beautiful part of the world with lovely rolling hills and local market towns'. Welton explains how the recent reduction in interest rates has already started to generate a new base of confidence. 'The market has really picked up this week, probably relating to schools going back'. But despite this increase in buyer interest, there are still not enough mid to top end houses on the market: 'There is very little new and fresh coming to the market and buyers are getting frustrated', says Welton.
The area around the north and north east of Cirencester where the Rivers Coln, Windrush and Churn run, is one of the most desirable parts of the area. But the 'Cider with Rosey' country to the north of Stroud, despite not being so accessible, is also very much in demand. The Beaufort Hunt country around Tetbury, in South West Gloucestershire is always popular as is the area around Chipping Campden and Broadway, with its appeal to those commuting to Oxford on the A40.
The Cotswolds property market rarely shows signs of cooling. 'The Cotswolds holds firm in an unstable market,' says Welton. Simon Merton agrees, 'I think we're lucky here, when things start to soften they don't so quickly in this part of the world.
'Although the market is not as easy or volatile as it was a year ago, the right house for the right price is not lingering on the market'. This is true across the board with nice smaller properties attracting couples from London and the larger ones popular with families who want space and a tranquil setting, close to good schools,' he adds.
Property Guide to the Cotswolds
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Comments