Property Blog
3rd August 2023
Four superb additions to the market from £1.25million - £4million. Cotswolds Market Comment - Elizabeth D’Allemagne, partner, Butler Sherborn.
Spring Farm, Middle Lypiatt, Gloucestershire, GL6 7LP - £4million
An idyllic forever family home, Spring Farm with its own 19 acres is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Immaculately presented, this six bedroom, four reception, four bathroom country house is set within its own land with stunning views across the valley.
Spring Farm is quietly set in a magical location on the side of a beautiful and peaceful valley. Originally a 17th century period cottage, the... more
1st August 2023
The Big Feastival is now the most popular festival in the Cotswolds.
Taking place on Alex James' idyllic Cotswolds farm, Big Feastival brings together music from the UK’s biggest artists, Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food and an exciting array of family activities, in an action packed weekend with a terrific programme of entertainment. It is a sell-out each year and hugely popular across all ages!
There is always a first class musical line up on the main stage, or you can dance the night away in the family silent disco, catch awesome DJ... more
27th July 2023
Butler Sherborn is again delighted to sponsor the Members’ Marquee and Enclosure at Moreton Show on Saturday 2nd September 2023.
This traditional Agricultural Society show is the highlight of the year for the Cotswold farming community, and many enjoy catching up with friends immediately after harvest. The Show has remained faithful to its core principles serving genuine rural and farming businesses, with a great display of livestock and associated services and equipment.
The Show offers activities and entertainment for all members of the family from the Grand Arena with The Shetland National, heavy horse... more
25th July 2023
500 years ago the Cotswolds were inhabited by many more sheep than people. Flocks of Cotswold sheep roamed the hills, and their fleeces were exported all over Europe.
The medieval wool merchants grew rich and built their ' wool churches' and their manor houses. The weavers of the Low Countries in northern Europe used to sing of the virtues of Cotswold wool, and to this day the Lord Chancellor sits in parliament on a woolsack to mark the historical importance of the wool trade.
Many of the beautiful buildings across the Cotswolds were built directly as a result of this lucrative trade. Examples of these buildings can be seen in almost every village... more
25th July 2023
Available for the first time in over 65 years, this handsome Grade II Listed family house dates back to the 17th Century, with later alterations and additions. In excess of 8,000 sq ft, it provides comfortable and well-proportioned accommodation, ideal for family living and entertaining, with the principal rooms having a southerly aspect.
There is scope to re-model the house subject to any necessary planning regulations and enhance the ownership of this wonderful country residence.
Situated on the edge of the village of Lighthorne, The Old Rectory sits on a south facing slope and includes a substantial eight-bedroom house adjacent to the church. It is within the village Conservation Area, with views across wonderful walled gardens to the countryside beyond. There is also a two-bedroom bungalow and a separate two-... more
17th July 2023
A beautifully situated and immaculately presented six bedroom country house set within 19 acres of its own land, with potential for ancillary accommodation and stunning views across the valley.
Spring Farm is quietly set in a magical location on the side of a beautiful and peaceful valley. Originally a period cottage believed to date from the 17C, it has been sympathetically and imaginatively extended by the current owners to create a stunning family home that retains the charm of the original building, complemented by light and airy rooms suited to contemporary family life.
Original details include stone mullions and exposed beams and panelling, as well as an... more
11th July 2023
Four quintessential Cotswold country houses launched - £2.6m to £3.95 million and July's Market Comment
The Dovecote, Southrop, Gloucestershire GL7 3PD - £3.95million
A Grade II listed barn converted to an extremely high standard, The Dovecote sits in the heart of Southrop, a very popular village on the eastern side of Gloucestershire and just over the border from West Oxfordshire. With a strong sense of community, the village thrives around its village hall, Norman church and primary school, with The Swan pub and Ox Barn at Thyme the places to meet kindred spirits.
... more
3rd July 2023
In the current economic climate with interest rates rising and the range of mortgage products expanding, Charlie Huxley can arrange competitive finance and mortgages for a wide variety of residential and agricultural properties. He offers great service and you will be able to call on him throughout the transaction (one point of contact).
Based between SPF’s Oxford and London offices, Charlie works with an extensive network of contacts within the larger lenders, private banks and specialist agricultural financiers. He is able to offer solutions from simple bridging finance to complex scenarios with diverse income streams. Charlie’s expertise lies in placing the right product from the most appropriate lender matched to the client’s particular needs.
With an agricultural background, Charlie arranges not only mortgages... more
22nd June 2023
The residential property market in the Cotswolds is now quite different to that which it was a year ago. The catalyst for the change was the September mini-budget and the subsequent knock-on effect from it.
We experienced a quiet five months immediately afterwards, added to which Spring was slow in arriving. In my opinion, it is fair to say there was then a flurry of activity in May, but since then the market has flattened. I blame the uncertainty created by interest rate increases and more anticipated in the coming months.
Most buyers and sellers, together with professionals involved in the property market, are already fully aware of current market conditions, and the need to be price... more
9th June 2023
Four fine Cotswold homes priced from £775,000 to £3.75million. Market comment from Sam Butler, partner Butler Sherborn
“After a sluggish start to the year, there is no doubt that we are now experiencing higher levels of activity in the residential market in the Cotswolds. Buyers are no longer sitting so tightly on their hands waiting for stock levels to improve.
“Historically, May, June and July are months when buyers commit to viewing and making offers for properties. The improvement in the weather, together with a greater level of confidence in a more stable economy, despite interest rate rises,... more
8th June 2023
This Grade II Listed Manor House dates mainly from the 16th century, and occupies a commanding, yet private, position in the village, with grounds running down to the river. Guide Price £3,750,000.
The Manor of Baunton belonged to John George, who was MP for Cirencester at the time of the Civil War. He was initially a Parliamentarian, but when his life was spared by the Royalists upon capture, he converted to the Royalist cause. It is believed that he harboured King Charles II at The Old Manor House on the night of 11th September 1651 during his retreat from the Battle of Worcester.
In essence, The Old Manor House is an L shaped house constructed in the middle of the 16th ... more
6th June 2023
The Renters (Reform) Bill which was introduced to Parliament in May 2023, sets out the government's plans to fundamentally reform the private rented sector (PRS) and level up housing quality.
The Bill, as it is proposed, will be the most significant shake up of the private rented sector in England for more than 30 years.
It is interesting to note that according to the gov.uk website, the total number of privately rented properties has doubled since 2004, reaching a zenith in 2016, and remaining stable at this level. With a growing number of rented properties, The Bill aims to improve the systems to deliver a fairer, more secure, and better quality private rented sector... more
2nd June 2023
Together with Victor and Nicki Lay’s Gunn Law, Ben has been selected to represent Great Britain on the Nations Cup Team at Millstreet International Horse Trials in Ireland
Team Way Eventing and Butler Sherborn are very excited to see the 9 year old gelding competing at 4* Level, run over the short format.
Ben, as Head of Butler Sherborn Equestrian, is extremely well placed to advise on all equestrian property related matters. Indeed, Ben consistently sells equestrian properties across the Cotswolds and further afield. In addition, Ben has a comprehensive knowledge of properties available, many of which never come to the open market.
If you are... more
23rd May 2023
Berrybank Park is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds at Oddington, near Stow-on-the-Wold. This small estate overlooks the Evenlode Valley and, with its views of a glorious expanse of sky rising over the distant treeline, it’s a beautiful and inspiring place.
Built into the natural slope is a grass-terraced Amphitheatre. Now in it’s third season, The Amphitheatre offers a charming, intimate space in which to enjoy an eclectic range of theatre in the open air.
Alongside is the Pavilion, its Indian-inspired, circular form created from an Ash frame covered by canvas. It is ideal for screenings, orchestral works and parties, as well as providing cover in the case of extreme bad weather. Situated close to the estate’s entrance, the existing... more
16th May 2023
Glorious Gloucestershire Gardens - finally exploding into life!
Bourton Hill House, Bourton-on-the-Hill is surrounded by its immediate three-acre garden and a seven acre walled pasture, populated by specimen trees. In 1953 the house and land were sold at auction and there followed a quick succession of six owners, until 1983 when the house was acquired by the Paices. The transformation of the neglected garden took place over a twenty five year time frame, and led to the beautiful garden that can be seen today.
In 2010, Bourton House Garden... more
9th May 2023
Park House is a substantial Grade II Listed village house with charming gardens, in the attractive and popular village of Alvescot, set in circa 0.46 acres.
It is beautifully presented and offers a great deal of accommodation arranged over three floors. The interior space has been extremely well utilized to offer modern living within the Grade II Listed building.
The property has a double fronted Georgian façade dating from 1741, and adjoins an earlier building. It overlooks the former village green and is surrounded by it’s own gardens on three sides, with terraces positioned to maximize the sun throughout the day.
In... more
9th May 2023
Four Cotswold properties new on the market from £875,000 - £2.65million
Speaking about the spring/summer market in the Cotswolds, Helen Whitfield, head of residential agency at Butler Sherborn says: “We are seeing strong demand for properties that have been completely refurbished to a high standard, and think this will continue. Buyers at this end of the market are time short and just want to move in and get on with their lives, avoiding taking on an 18 month building project and the inevitable financial uncertainty.”
Added Sam Butler: “At the start of... more
25th April 2023
Ben Way – Previews Badminton 2023 - Head of Butler Sherborn Equestrian & Badminton Radio commentator
The Badminton Horse Trials (presented by Mars Equestrian), is just around the corner and will this year be starting on Thursday 4th May.
Due to the clash with the Coronation, there will be a slightly different timetable with the dressage days running on the Friday and Saturday, cross country on the Sunday, and the show jumping on the Monday.
This year’s entries look strong, with the equine line up being a really good mix of established campaigners and younger horses stepping up to the level. The one thing that did jump out at me, when looking at this year’s entries, is that there are very few Badminton first timers... more
20th April 2023
Helen Whitfield AssocRICS has been appointed by Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist, as an associate partner and head of residential agency.
Helen obtained her RICS accredited degree from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), Cirencester in 2008 and worked for Savills, South West London in the lettings department for four years.
She then moved to the country house department of Savills to cover the Cotswolds and surrounding area selling properties over £2.5 million, where she worked for three years while based and living in London.
In 2017 and after seven years in London, Helen moved to Strutt and Parker to... more
31st March 2023
History will record 2022 as being a year of global turbulence, and domestic political and economic uncertainty for the United Kingdom.
The continuing war in Ukraine is having an effect on the supply of commodities, as well as an impact upon inflation around the world.
Despite this state of affairs, a limited supply of farm land for sale appears to have strengthened values in many areas, driven also by an increasing pool of buyers. There continues to be healthy demand from those buyers driven to rollover money for tax purposes, and they certainly seem to lead the market for the big commercial farms and estates.
... more