The Cotswolds – A Beautiful Fairytale

Bibury, Gloucestershire, England - 15th January 2025

Blog

The most romantic, nostalgic, and charmingly beautiful areas in the country. Ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families with children and dogs who enjoy spending time outdoors, and artists or photographers wishing to capture emotions. The name “Cotswolds” is said to be interpreted as “Sheep Hills,” reflecting the region’s historical connection to sheep farming and its hilly terrain. Another interpretation is “Cod’s wold,” meaning “Cod’s Hills,” referring to a Saxon landowner named Cod. It is not a case that in 1966, the Cotswolds were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Pure Magic

This rural area in Central-Southern England covers parts of six counties, notably Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Characterised by rolling hills and meadows, it is home to medieval villages with thatched roofs, churches, and historic houses built from the region’s distinctive honey-coloured limestone. The Cotswold Way, a 102-mile hiking trail, runs from Bath in the South to Chipping Campden in the North. It offers a quintessential English countryside experience with beautiful trails ideal for walking, historic sites, and charming small rural towns.

To the North

The northern part of this treasured region features rolling hills, historic towns, and charming villages that capture the essence of the English countryside. Chipping Campden, with its splendid High Street, reflects the city’s wealth from the wool trade and hosts the annual Cotswold Olympic Games. Broadway, known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds,” boasts a wide tree-lined street full of honey-colored stone buildings and is home to Broadway Tower, offering panoramic views. Stow-on-the-Wold is famous for its large market square and antique shops, while Moreton-in-Marsh provides a lively center with rich history and convenient transport links. Bourton-on-the-Hill offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and a tranquil experience compared to the more tourist-heavy spots in summer.

To the South

The southern area presents varied landscapes with stunning views of the English countryside. Cirencester, often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” is the largest town in the area and boasts a rich Roman heritage, particularly evident in its ancient amphitheatre and Corinium Museum. Tetbury, another significant town, is renowned for its royal connections and well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings, as well as its proximity to the beautiful Westonbirt Arboretum. Malmesbury, the oldest town in England, hosts the impressive Malmesbury Abbey and charming medieval streets. The Highgrove Gardens are part of the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Located near Tetbury, the gardens showcase an extraordinary evolution of the landscape and the sustainable principles applied over the last 40 years. Castle Combe, often cited as one of England’s most picturesque villages, offers a glimpse into the past with its intact medieval architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Inspirational Places

The “best” place in the Cotswolds really depends on what you are looking for, as the region is naturally generous. However, I consider Bibury one of the most beautiful and iconic villages in the Cotswolds. Located near the River Coln, it is famous for its picturesque row of cottages known as Arlington Row, one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds. The village is typically English, with its honey-colored stone buildings, lush greenery, and charming atmosphere. It is a place where you can truly experience the timeless beauty of this extraordinary location that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for its charming bridges over the River Windrush, and Castle Combe, often called the most beautiful village in England, are also excellent contenders.

Living in the Cotswolds

At the end of your visit here, you may choose to buy a property of this enchanting place just two hours from London. Well,  having grown up in a beautiful country like Italy, I have learnt to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of many Italian places. Yet, there are spots in the Cotswolds that have moved me as much as seeing Capri from the sea. If you too fall in love while strolling through these rural areas, you should know that the property market in that special location is particularly stable, and investors purchasing properties in the Cotswolds can certainly benefit from long-term capital appreciation, given the region’s rich history and architectural heritage that ensure lasting appeal.

Property prices in the Cotswolds can vary greatly depending on location and type. In well-known villages prices can be high, starting around £500,000 for a medium-sized property and exceeding £1.5 million for the most prestigious ones with large gardens. In lesser-known villages or peripheral areas, prices are more moderate. Here, a medium-sized house might cost between £300,000 and £600,000. Luxury properties, such as those in Tetbury or other exclusive areas, can range from £1 million to £8 million or more, depending on size and features.

Feel free to contact me if you wish to explore this special English area. Based on your budget and needs, we can arrange targeted viewings to find the best property according to your expectations.