Property Blog
19th April 2024
On Wednesday the 18th April, parliamentary officials confirmed that The Renters Reform Bill will have its next parliamentary consultation on the 24th April 2024.
This will see the Bill move forward to the reporting stage and third reading in the House of Commons, before then starting its progression to the House of Lords.
Why introduce change?
The private rental sector is a key part of the UK housing market. According to government statistics (2021-2022) there were around 4.5 million households renting property in the UK – which is double the number of renters recorded in 2004.
The Government made a commitment to ‘bring in a... more
15th April 2024
Four great country homes new on the market with Butler Sherborn from £1.65million - £2.5million And for those with a special classic or sports cars the Cotswolds offers some exemplary driving roads and great destinations for petrolheads
“With the clocks having ‘sprung forward’, Easter behind us and summer on the horizon, the Cotswold property market has emerged from hibernation and is now really motoring: clients are keen to get their properties launched, while purchasers wanting to move to the area are clamouring to know what’s new and what’s coming. There’s a real vroom in the air,” says Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn.
“It is a great time of year with a tangible sense of renewal, and if you have a classic or sports... more
5th April 2024
With Easter behind us, children returning to school and a little more sunshine, the Cotswold residential market is witnessing significantly increased activity.
Butler Sherborn is launching charming Cotswold stone houses across all price brackets from The Old School House, Little Faringdon at a guide price of £900,000, Orchard End, Long Newnton at a guide price £1,650,000 and The Great Barn, Sandford St Martin at a guide price of £2,500,000.
For those looking for the quintessential Cotswold family house Wellingtonia Lodge, Buckland, Oxfordshire has just been launched at a guide price of £2,250,000. It is a substantial Grade II... more
5th April 2024
The extremely wet weather experienced throughout the past six months in the UK has resulted in serious difficulties for farmers across the nation and the Cotswolds is not exempt.
Many farmers simply could not get on to their land to drill, as they usually would have done, in the autumn. As a result many will be unable to meet their expected quotas for production.
With crop losses of winter barley down by 22% and wheat down by 15%, there may be new opportunities for some alternative crops to be grown. It has been suggested that sunflowers may be a good crop to sow in those fields that remain unsown to date. Whilst it is a short term gain, sunflowers can be... more
28th March 2024
Defra has been reviewing the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to ensure that the scheme is effective and not used too heavily across the farming industry, in a way that compromises the environment, food production and food security. Nevertheless, important features of SFI are the flexibility and freedom of choice in the options available.
Defra, however, is concerned about the amount of land being taken out of food production. With economic instability and challenging weather conditions, it is thought that this may become a greater issue in the future.
As a result, a limit is being imposed, whereby no more than 25% of a farm’s total land holding can be put in six of the nine options presented in the SFI.
The 6 limited options are:
Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management - IGL1 ... more21st March 2024
Born in Cheltenham, I have lived in and around Cirencester for most of my life, minus my university years and 3 years in London!
Favourite Pub:
My favourite pub is definitely The Sherborne Arms at Northleach. Epic food, great wines, cosy atmosphere, and run by the fabulous Peter Creed and Tom Noest.
Favourite Restaurant:
Roots & Seeds in Cirencester. A clever menu of delicious homegrown vegetables with a modern twist. Situated in Cirencester Park so ideal after, or before, a dog walk.
Favourite Cotswold Shop:
Walter Bull & Sons, Cirencester. Established in 1815, this family... more
19th March 2024
We are lucky enough to be based on the edge of The Cotswolds, one of the UK’s designated Areas of Natural Beauty. With its rolling hills, chocolate box villages and houses made of honey-coloured stone, it’s not hard to see why. Anyone visiting a Cotswold village will have been won over by the beautiful gardens.
When we design Cotswolds gardens we are always aware of the impact of the landscape on the design, the two have to be unified. However small the space, a garden should be full of colour and interest, whatever the time of year. It’s an easy effect to recreate in any garden, and here are a few tips to help you do just that.
The main feature of a traditional Cotswold garden is the use of hedges to divide the space into a series of rooms, each with its own theme, feel or style. When... more
7th March 2024
Principally, Tuesday’s budget affects three areas of the Cotswold residential property market, Multiple Dwellings Relief, Capital Gains Tax and Furnished Holiday lettings.
SDLT Multiple Dwellings Relief has provided a tax benefit for purchasers of properties that align with HMRC requirements. Whilst the abolition of this Relief, affecting completions from 1st June 2024, will result in the loss of a tax advantage, it does not affect a large percentage of property transactions. Ancillary accommodation should continue to be viewed as both a good investment and source of income generation.
Mixed Use Relief remains unchanged.
The reduction in the... more
7th March 2024
Born in Coln St Dennis, I spent my childhood in Upper Slaughter and attended The Cotswold School, Bourton-on-the-Water. As Head of Agency Sales in the Butler Sherborn Burford office, I have extensive contacts across the Cotswolds, and a comprehensive knowledge of the local area.
Favourite Pub/Restaurant : The Bell at Langford
Favourite Cotswold Shop: Cotswold Cheese Company in Burford is an absolute must!
Favourite Walk: Sherborne Woods
Favourite Place to visit/Garden/historic building/or similar: Chastleton House has the most amazing feel with beautiful gardens.
Favourite Activity: eg Hobby - Wild swimming, horse racing, hockey and rugby
Best Kept Secret in the Cotswolds: A good village fete in the summer is the place to be and... more
5th March 2024
Three new-on-the market country homes from £695,000 - £1.25million and 10 top Cotswold farm shops and farmers’ markets
Pinks Cottage, London Road, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4AR - £895,000
Appropriately held in Fairford’s Marketplace every Wednesday morning, traders at the weekly market include bakers, cheese makers and fruit & veg sellers, while throughout the summer events such as French, German and Italian food & drink festivals are often staged.
An easy walk into the heart of Fairford, Pinks Cottage dates from the 17th century and is a great family home from where... more
4th March 2024
We are delighted and proud to announce that we will be working alongside locally renowned estate agent, Butler Sherborn, The Cotswolds Property Specialist.
We will be offering sellers and prospective buyers alike, a personal and individualised ‘House Moving Service’.
What is the service?
This service is designed to help clients present their property to the market in the best possible way. Or to help buyers make difficult decisions in respect of the interiors of a property, which may require a great deal of work, but with the right help and advice your dreams could become reality.
All advice will be offered with an... more
27th February 2024
The Cotswolds have the most trainers in one area of the United Kingdom outside Newmarket, and with Cheltenham as the home of jump racing, it is the best place to look for your top tips.
Jonjo O’Neill, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Ben Pauling and Fergal O’Brien to name but a handful, all live a stone’s throw from each other near Stow-on-the -Wold.
As Festival fever begins to build in the run up to meeting, locals together with punters from the Emerald Isle, begin to gather. Binoculars seem to fill the hills with those looking for a glimpse of their favourite bankers of Festival week in work, before the meeting opens on Tuesday 12th March, and the crowd roars.
On the... more
27th February 2024
Reflection On Light; Vigour and Skills Celebrates the Spring Equinox in the Heart of the Cotswolds With An Exhibition At The Gothic House Charlbury
Charlbury, — Vigour and Skills (V+S) Makers Collection, in partnership with Branch Arts, is set to unveil a captivating exhibition that brings to life the boundless talent, creativity, and artistry that define the Cotswolds. This event marks Charlbury as an idyllic location for celebrating the synchronicity of art and craft, capturing the essence of the Spring Equinox.
Event Details - Exhibition dates:
Date: 20 March – 24 April 2024
Location: Gothic House, Charlbury,... more
20th February 2024
Do come and join the Butler Sherborn team for Drinks and Refreshments in our usual two spaces in the Sponsors Car Park, right by the Bar, with stunning views of the course.
You don’t need to move more than a few paces to get to the paddock, the bar and the bookies, and can eat and drink with us! In addition, this year Cotswold Lakes Brew Co. are joining us and will be giving out their great local craft lagers.
Cash/card entry at the gate £15 per person.
We look forward to seeing you…
15th February 2024
With Cheltenham Festival just over a month away, The Porch House at Stow-on-the-Wold, is hosting a pre-festival exclusive ‘Mark the Card’ event on Thursday 7th March from 7pm. £15pp.
With only limited places available, book now via the website here, porch-house.co.uk
Find out more ahead of the UK racing calendar’s premier week from 12th-15th March with these inimitable group of racing professionals. On the panel and for a Q&A session following the talks are;
Alex Steedman - Head of Racing Operations at Racing & Sports and known internationally for his knowledge of racing, journalism and relations with owners, trainers and jockeys, Alex heads up local... more13th February 2024
Royal Agricultural University offers first ever degree course in residential estate agency
A new course offering would-be estate agents the chance to obtain a foundation degree in residential estate agency – the first degree course of its kind in the UK – is being launched by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) at its Swindon campus.
The unique course – which is now recruiting its first entrants to start their studies in September 2024 – will be taught two days a week, enabling students to work while studying for the qualification. Areas covered will include valuations... more
9th February 2024
Elevate your home with Interiors By Chloe, a boutique interior design studio based in the Cotswolds. Chloe’s team is dedicated to transforming your home into a sanctuary that reflects your style and personality.
From concept to installation, Interiors By Chloe collaborate closely with you, the client, to create beautifully functional interiors that seamlessly blend comfort and sophistication.
Within the service, they will consider furniture (both fitted and free standing) and its placement, architectural elements including wall and floor finishes, lighting and window treatments. Clients benefit from an extensive supplier database, which includes trusted trade accounts and craftsmen, as well... more
5th February 2024
The quintessential English cottage makes the perfect entry into the county living lifestyle for many, while also offering good investment potential. Invariably packed with period features for the all important charm factor, the difficulty can often be finding one!
Butler Sherborn is currently launching three lovely cottages in the Cotswolds as detailed below:
Cross Tree Cottage, Cross Tree Lane, Filkins, Gloucestershire GL7 3JL - £500,000
Four bedrooms, two reception rooms and a bathroom, this semi-detached period cottage sits in around 0.19 acres, and would make a great renovation project for a young couple looking to create a beautiful village home. There are period features throughout, a large garden to the rear and it is well... more
30th January 2024
The start of the 2024 eventing season is now just around the corner, with our first event, Poplar Park in Suffolk, on 2nd March. The ground over on the east coast is very sandy and well drained, so holds up well to the rain in March.
The majority of our horses have been back in work since just before Christmas, and so we are well under way with our pre-season fitness work. We will have plenty of trips out schooling to blow the cobwebs away before March.
Sarah and I, at Team Way Eventing, have got a really good string of talented horses for the coming season, with five horses running at 4* level and above, followed up by an exciting bunch of young horses.
As Head of Butler Sherborn Equestrian, if you require... more
26th January 2024
Traditional village dining pub with rooms, The Sun Inn at Hook Norton in west Oxfordshire, is perfect for a cosy get together with friends, family or for a romantic escape. The building dates from 1849 and is built of local ironstone and lies at the heart of this picturesque village surrounded by gorgeous, unspoilt countryside.
Expect toasty fires, flagstone floors, quirky design touches and a spacious bar popular with locals supping local and guest beers, including Hook Norton ales (this historic brewery is a five minute walk away and is open for tastings and tours!. The Sun's unpretentious, well-priced and regularly-changing menus include seriously delicious and hearty, modern British dishes alongside elevated and comforting pub classics, a renowned Sunday roast and a children’s menu.
Head chef,... more
