Issue 20

THE COTSWOLDS

THE UK’S MOST GLAMOROUS RURAL RETREAT

By Susie Hollands

The Hamptons of England. I suppose, like all of us, you watch The Holiday every year and find yourself dreaming about a cosy cottage tucked away in the Cotswolds. Long before it became an international obsession, I was fortunate enough to spend time there in the late 1990s. Friends of mine were farmers in the area, and back then Chipping Norton was still Chipping Norton - before Soho House arrived and transformed it into one of the most fashionable addresses in England.

JOCKEYS GALORE

I remember the charm of those days: long lunches at country pubs, weekends spent wandering between villages, and regular trips to the races at Cheltenham, cheering horses up the famous Cleeve hill alongside locals who seemed to know every jockey by name.

These days, the Cotswolds has become something of a global brand. Americans, in particular, seem to have fallen in love with it, and everyone wants a piece of the lifestyle associated with places like Bamford and Daylesford. Yet despite its international appeal, the region has managed to retain much of the character that made it special in the first place.

If you’re curious to experience it for yourself, whether by renting a cottage for a long weekend or perhaps exploring the possibility of buying a home, you should definitely speak to us. We have some of the best connections in the area and know the market intimately. Like many countryside destinations, the Cotswolds is full of nuances and local peculiarities. One village can feel entirely different from the next, and understanding the distinctions between Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, Burford or Moreton-in-Marsh can make all the difference when choosing where to stay or invest.

TO THE MANOR BORN

One project we particularly love was created by our architect friend Luke Chandresinghe, who transformed a traditional barn into an extraordinary five-bedroom home. It’s a beautiful example of contemporary country living done properly -respectful of its surroundings while offering every modern comfort. I have to admit, I am especially fond of the kitchen, which perfectly captures the balance between rustic charm and understated luxury that defines the very best of the Cotswolds.

TIME FOR A PINT?

The Cotswolds is home to some of England’s finest country pubs, and no visit is complete without settling in for a pint beside a roaring fire. The Black Horse in Naunton is the quintessential English village pub and the perfect place to enjoy a local ale. Another of my favourites is The Sherborne Arms in Northleach, where traditional British dishes are served overlooking the historic market square. For a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, head to The Hollow Bottom, while The Halfway House in Kineton is another excellent choice for classic pub fare.

I’ve been visiting The Plough at Kingham since the late 1990s, and it remains one of my favourite places for beautifully executed seasonal British cooking. If pizza is what you’re after, my local friends insist that The Stump serves the best in the Cotswolds.

Beyond the pubs, don’t miss Daylesford Organic Farm Shop, renowned for its outstanding farm-to-table café and beautifully curated - if undeniably pricey - selection of organic produce and local delicacies.

The Cotswolds is also filled with memorable places to explore. Climb Broadway Tower for sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, wander through Bourton-on-the-Water with its charming stone bridges spanning the River Windrush, and spend time browsing the independent shops, cafés and traditional inns of Stow-on-the-Wold. For wildlife enthusiasts, Cotswold Wildlife Park combines beautifully landscaped gardens with an impressive collection of animals, making it a wonderful day out for visitors of all ages.

OUR FRIENDS AT PROPERTY VISION

We are proud to be associated with Property Vision International and we act as buyers agent for their clients in Paris and the south of France.

Through our close connection we are able to work with the best of Britain’s rural buyers agents. In the Cotswolds, this would be charming Lucinda Eaton. We would love to introduce you if you have a yen for the coolest English countryside!

Susie Hollands

Founder, VINGT Paris & Twenty1