Living the Cotswolds: where to buy in the UK’s most desirable countryside

Demand is increasingly international, with around a third of Gladwin’s clients coming from the US. “Buyers are drawn to authentic, characterful properties — especially the honey‑stone houses synonymous with the Cotswolds,” he adds. “However, there’s been a clear shift: most now prefer homes that are already modernised, with less appetite for major renovation projects.”

Alongside traditional homes, contemporary architecture is gaining traction. “Well‑designed modern houses are rare, but when they come up in the right location, they sell quickly,” says Glazebrook.

Shifting working patterns have also reshaped demand. Once primarily a weekend destination, the Cotswolds is now a main base for many buyers. “People are flipping their lives — living here full‑time while retaining access to London,” he explains. “A £2 million budget in much of the Cotswolds can secure a detached home with around half an acre, which appeals strongly to families compared with what the same budget delivers in a major city.”

“Hotspots tend to cluster around stations, with Kingham particularly popular due to its direct line to Paddington,” says Glazebrook. “With a new Bamford hotel opening, its appeal is only set to grow. Nearby villages such as Bledington, Churchill, the Oddingtons and Adlestrop are also highly sought after.” Those seeking larger villages or towns with more amenities gravitate towards Stow-on-the-Wold, or further north to Chipping Campden and Broadway, where there’s a greater range of shops, restaurants and cafes.

Meanwhile, south Warwickshire villages including Cherington and Brailes are gaining popularity, offering a more peaceful setting while remaining well connected. “These areas don’t command the same premiums as the prime North Cotswolds, but they offer unspoilt countryside and a sense of escape,” says Gladwin. “Whichford is a great example, with an excellent pub and you can still get to destinations like Daylesford Organic within 20 minutes or so.”

Families moving to the area often start their search around Tetbury, with buyers also quickly considering areas around the other market towns of Malmesbury, Cirencester — known as the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ — and Chippenham in the south. The M4 corridor offers excellent links to west London, Heathrow and the West Country, with most areas no more than 25 minutes from a mainline station.

“Sherston, Hawkesbury and Great Somerford are among the many desirable villages, with their charming pubs, village shops and primary schools,” says Rupert Sturgis, head of Knight Frank’s Cirencester office. “The Cotswold Escapement to the east is extremely pretty, with few properties coming available. While the area has a strong rural charm and community, the area also offers fine dining such as Juliets in Stroud, Whatley Manor, Lucknam Park and Calcot Manor, alongside world-class spas.”