Property Blog
30th March 2020
These are such very difficult times for everyone in lockdown due to the unprecedented Coronavirus Pandemic.
This will, of course, end but at a human and financial cost. With everyone’s support for the NHS, and amongst ourselves in our communities, we will get through this together.
At Butler Sherborn, we are following all the Government rules and NHS guidelines, whilst our staff, working remotely, endeavour to provide clients with services, and advice where we can. We are very much on the end of our telephones and e-mails.
Clearly we all need to keep busy; exercising while doing... more
24th March 2020
In accordance with Government Guidelines, Butler Sherborn LLP have shut their offices.
Despite these constraints, we are committed to delivering the services required by our clients during the current COVID-19 outbreak, and have full remote working arrangements in place. All staff can be contacted, as usual, by email and telephone throughout the working day.
In compliance with Government and NHS Guidelines, full and detailed Protocols for Staff and Office practices... more
18th March 2020
Butler Sherborn LLP - Response to Covid-19 & Business Continuity Plan (18 March 2020)
As the impact of Covid – 19 continues to rapidly develop we want to give you re assurance that we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our staff, their families, our clients and any other members of the public with whom we come into contact with. We are very much “open for business” with houses for sale, rent, valuations being undertaken, and rural property being managed – albeit with inspections and viewings only taking place under controlled conditions.
We are... more
17th March 2020
Farmers markets, delis & award-winning food and drink producers. Four beautiful period homes from Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist from £425,000 - £1.45million
If you’re looking for great British food that’s produced close to home, move to the Cotswolds. Not only is this the largest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, the Cotswolds also produces some of the finest food and drink, so whatever suits your taste you’ll be spoilt for choice.
And to really embrace the country living lifestyle, how about one of these beautiful period homes from Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist.
Cotham... more
16th March 2020
The Basic Payment Scheme 2020 online window is now open with the deadline for applications being Wednesday 15th May.
Provided that your submission has been made by the scheme deadline, you will be able to make amendments to your application up until the 31st May, without penalty.
The Rural Payments Agency has confirmed that the application process will be in line with last years process, however, BPS payments will only be made in sterling for the 2020 scheme year... more
6th March 2020
In conjunction with our associated office, The London Office, Butler Sherborn are taking their Stand in Chelsea Town Hall at The London & Country Property Show on the afternoon of Tuesday 28th April 2020 1.30-6.30pm.
The Show provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase and promote our clients’ houses to those actively looking to relocate or have a second home in the Cotswolds. All registered London applicants receive an Invitation to the Show and our Stand.
... more6th March 2020
Butler Sherborn wishes all local trainers, jockeys and owners a successful, and safe week of action packed steeplechasing at this year’s, Cheltenham Festival. The glorious Cotswolds plays host again to the greatest national hunt racing of the season, with 4 days racing top class racing against the backdrop of Cleeve Hill.
Despite the weather, Simon Claisse, Clerk of the Course and his exceptional team have the course in perfect condition. Local trainers Ben Pauling, Fergal O... more
27th February 2020
A customer’s review of this charming Cotswold pub –
‘The menu was interesting, and tempting with lovely variation and a good choice. We could have chosen any 4 of each course, and had difficulty making up our minds. It was refreshing not to be over faced with a huge choice. The presentation of the food was excellent, and the bream’s skin superb!
Good choice of beer, Bishops Finger, my old Kent brewer’s Shepherd Neame, as well as the local independent Hooky.
The... more
19th February 2020
In March 2015 the government introduced the above regulations, bringing into force energy standards for all private rented properties. In essence, the regulations make it unlawful to let properties with an energy performance rating of F or G.
What is an EPC
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented. The certificate contains information about a property’s energy use, costs and suggested recommendations to reduce... more
13th February 2020
Health, wellness and mindfulness - instructors, studios and spas for all Four great Cotswold properties to relax in from only £795,000
There’s no shortage of research about the beneficial effects of going for a walk in the countryside and spending time amongst the trees - country living is good for the soul, body and mind. And if you are looking for further relaxation or honing, the Cotswolds is well served with spas and studios offering a wide range of courses across disciplines such as Reiki, Tai chi, meditation, yoga and Pilates - see below.
Whittington Manor, Whittington, Gloucestershire, GL54 4HB - £1.5million... more
11th February 2020
Overwhelmed by Probate?
There is a lot to deal with when someone close to you dies and the process can be slightly overwhelming.
To briefly summarise, probate is the judicial process of authenticating a last will and testament, if the deceased made one. It includes locating and determining the value of the deceased's assets, paying final bills and taxes, and distributing the remainder of the estate to the rightful beneficiaries.
Where... more
3rd February 2020
The second version of the Agricultural Bill, introduced last month, proposes amendments to tenancies in England that are governed by the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. These proposals are summarised below:
Restrictive Clauses
Tenants to be able to object if Landlords refuse consent for changes necessary to enter new financial schemes or comply with new regulations If a Landlord refuses consent, then there may be the ability for tenants to apply to arbitrators or third... more27th January 2020
How will it impact farmers?
The government published a new version of The Agricultural Bill last week which is expected to go through without amendment and become an act of parliament. The original bill fell by the wayside last autumn amidst the Brexit and political chaos at the time.
The key points of the bill are:
The 2020 BPS payments will remain unchanged. The phasing out of direct payments (BPS) from 2021 to 2027. The % deductions for 2021 have been set at 5% for... more24th January 2020
Banks, agents, solicitors and accountants will be familiar with red book valuations, but often their clients are not. We thought it would helpful to give an explanation.
Formal valuation reports are always needed for bank security valuations, divorce and litigation and are very often required for capital gains tax, inheritance tax and probate.
These formal valuations are carried out by Registered Valuers who are... more
23rd January 2020
The Five Alls is a charming Cotswold stone pub right at the heart of the village of Filkins, near Lechlade. It has a warm, friendly atmosphere with a large bar, two restaurants, a big garden and nine beautifully appointed bedrooms, all en -suite.
Open 7 days a week, The Five Alls only closes on Sunday evenings. It offers a comprehensive range of menus for brunch, a la carte and set menus for lunch and dinner, a children’s menu, party menu and buffet menu, all in addition to bar snacks... more
20th January 2020
The New Authorisation regulations came into force on 1 January 2018, meaning that those with previously exempt abstractions now require an abstraction licence. The Environment Agency has announced a six-month extension to the application window for previously exempt abstractions, with the deadline being extended from 31 of December 2019 to the 30 June 2020.
Previously exempt abstractions include:
transferring water from one inland water to another in the course of, or as the... more10th January 2020
If you believe in ‘location, location, location’ - the Cotswolds wins on so many levels Five superb homes from the Cotswolds property specialist Butler Sherborn - £610,000 - £3million
By any yardstick, the Cotswolds continues to be one of the most desirable places to live - great houses, good value, beautiful countryside, excellent education, wonderful pubs, safety and security - and with easy access to London, international flights and other parts of the country especially the Midlands, South West and Wales.
“The Cotswolds wins on so many levels,” says Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn, “so if you want to be sure of making the right move in 2020, take a good look. ... more
2nd January 2020
Cotswold District Council (CDC) has developed The Long-Term Empty Property Strategy to ensure long-term empty properties are brought back into use to provide quality affordable homes to residents in housing need.
It is designed to identify homes that have been vacant for more than six months and support owners in making them available for occupation.
At the end of August 2019 Cotswold district had 648 properties classed as being empty for more than six months. Cllr Lisa Spivey... more
19th December 2019
Leaving aside the equestrian eventing escapades of Ben Way and his superb team of good horses, Sam Butler and Richard Greasby have led the way in Butler Sherborn with their sporting endeavours in the past year.
Richard trained for many months to run his first Ultramarathon in June from Bath to Cheltenham, along the Cotswold Way. The race was over a distance of 100kms, and took place on the hottest day of the year, in June, with temperatures soaring to 35 degrees. Conditions... more
17th December 2019
The Burford office was where Sam Butler and his team originally started Butler Sherborn. As the business has grown and evolved, this riverside office by the bridge in the bustling town of Burford, has been part of the landscape for nearly 30 years. With a fresh team in Lettings, and some new faces, we have enjoyed a fantastic year, with some great results for our clients, In the second half of the year we saw an increase overall of 60% in sales transactions. Elizabeth D’Allemagne... more
