Property Blog
30th March 2023
There is no doubt that the residential property market in the Cotswold is in quite a different place from that which it was this time last year.
The froth has gone off the top and the frenetic activity experienced in 2022, as soon as a property was launched, has dissipated. The mini budget was largely responsible for this significant reduction in interest, together with the increase in cost of living and the war in Ukraine.
However, Rishi Sunak has worked hard to correct the chaos created by Liz Truss. His considered approach to all economic, and some political, matters has contributed to the stabilization of the mortgage... more
27th March 2023
An English garden is a beautiful sight to behold. Traditionally, it conjures up the idea of soft pink roses, tumbling honeysuckle, winding paths and an overall sense of countryside chocolate box charm.
However, the term can also incorporate larger landscapes that are made up of sweeping lawns, ponds and lakes. Creating your own perfect garden can be a little harder than it looks, especially with the changeable British weather.
You shouldn’t let that put you off, however. Gardening can be an incredibly enjoyable hobby, giving you a sense of reward and accomplishment when you see things growing successfully. It can also keep you fit and healthy, and can especially boost mental health... more
6th March 2023
Three great new additions to the Cotswold property scene from £975,000 - £2.65million
The Lodge at Dryhill, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire, GL53 9QR - £2.65million
Stunning west facing views across the Severn Valley towards the Brecon Beacons and an extremely high specification contemporary finish throughout are the headlines of this beautifully different Cotswold home.
Accessed via a long sweeping drive with glorious views on all sides, The Lodge nestles in a discrete elevated position on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment.
The property... more
2nd March 2023
CHELTENHAM - AN IRISH SWEEP OR WILL HENDERSON’S HEROES FLY THE FLAG? With the best four days of the National Hunt racing calendar ahead of us, we have a look at the various horses we should put our houses on.
This year, it is generally agreed that the Gold Cup has one of the most competitive and quality fields for some years. In addition, many of the other races on this year’s card offer exciting starting lines. There is no doubt that the Irish contingent headed by Willie Mullins will have a good chance of taking home The Prestbury Cup.
Willie’s record at the Cheltenham Festival is second to none, his 88 winners being 16 more than that of his closest rival, Nicky Henderson at 72... more
2nd March 2023
Every estate agent is continually asked what is happening in the residential country property market.
At the moment it is difficult to tell and we will only have a better idea once there is more to sell and houses have been sold.
There is undoubtedly uncertainty. The catalyst was the fallout from the mini budget in late September. On the one hand therefore there are plenty of bad news stories about and predictions are gloomy. Having said that neither mortgage rates nor inflation are likely to be as high as was first predicted, and most mortgage products are back on the shelf.... more
10th February 2023
Guide Price £2,650,000. A simply stunning Cotswold property with spectacular views.
The Lodge is accessed by a long sweeping drive with stunning views on all sides and is nestled in an elevated position on the side of the Cotswold escarpment.
It enjoys easy access to all the attractions of Cheltenham Spa with its numerous retail activities and cultural events including both the Cheltenham Jazz and Literary Festivals. Sporting attractions include the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, Gloucester Rugby, and The Cheltenham Gold Cup
This 5 bedroom Cotswold... more
9th February 2023
Four country homes on the market from £645,000 - £2.2million
With snowdrops now peeking through the ground and daffodils close behind, the rural landscape is starting to show some colour and the first signs of waking up after a long winter.
New additions to the Cotswold property market are also a positive indication that Spring is coming, and Butler Sherborn has a number of country homes new on the market from £695,000 - £2.2million.
The Cottage, Chadlington, Oxfordshire, OX7 3NY - £645,000
Located in Chadlington less... more
6th February 2023
Good News in the Residential Property Market!
We have begun to see a slight reduction in inflation, and the Bank of England now expects the base rate to be lower, than it had previously anticipated.
Despite the Bank of England’s rate rise at the end of last week to 4% being a 15 year high, as inflation is curbed, the Bank is predicting a milder and shorter recession than it previously indicated.
Whilst any increase in interest rates benefits savers and is detrimental to those with mortgages, fixed rate mortgages have been... more
26th January 2023
Ben, Associate Partner of Butler Sherborn, looks at the prospects for the coming eventing year
The horses came back in from their holidays just after Christmas, and their pre-season fitness and conditioning work is in full swing. At this time of year, they all get a full ‘MOT; which includes visits from the dentist, physio and chiropractor. Our competition season starts in March and runs through to October. We have got an exciting string for this season, with a good mixture of older horses establishing themselves at the higher levels, and some younger horses moving along, together... more
20th January 2023
Six Cotswold gardens - well worth a visit this Spring
1. Colesbourne Park Gardens
Colesbourne Gardens is the premier place to see snowdrops in bloom. The collection is probably the most varied of any garden on display, with over three hundred varieties of this spectacular harbinger of spring on show during the short season. Colesbourne has 10 acres of private gardens and woodland walks with a mix of snowdrops, hellebores, cyclamen and a wide variety of early flowering shrubs.
The Gardens include an arboretum of rare trees... more
12th January 2023
Four New Year additions from £475,000 - £1.85million. January Market Comment from Butler Sherborn.
“After the strong property market of 2021 and throughout ‘22 until the shenanigans of the Truss/Kwarteng ‘economic adventure’, the prospects for the year ahead look settled,” says Sam Butler, senior partner of Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist.
“Notwithstanding the cost of living issues and current industrial action, confidence and stability are key ingredients of a successful property market, and while we cannot foresee any curved balls, inflation is predicted to... more
10th January 2023
Ben Way MRICS, Head of Equestrian, Sophie Lane and Katy Freeman, senior residential sales negotiators in Cirencester and Burford respectively, have been promoted as Associate Partners of Butler Sherborn, with immediate effect.
Ben Way is based in the Stow office. In addition to running the Equestrian agency department of Butler Sherborn, Ben competes regularly through the season at Advanced Level with his wife, Sarahunder the Team Way banner. He is extremely well connected in the equestrian world, and his knowledge of all equestrian property matters in the Cotswolds is extensive.
Sophie Lane has lived in the Cirencester area for much of her life, excepting a short sojourn working in London residential... more
9th January 2023
Vanessa Carter heads the Butler Sherborn Lettings Team, and together they have won the Award for the Best Letting Agent in Burford, Bampton & Carterton.
Karen Felstead and Valerija Christensen work along side Vanessa, in our busy Burford office. Together they offer an exceptional service to landlords and tenants alike.
A measure of their success is the repeat business they have generated over the years, with some very long standing clients.
Vanessa is renowned for her detailed knowledge and understanding of the legislation pertaining to lettings, in particular.
If you are interested in letting your property anywhere in... more
22nd December 2022
Welcome Valerija - Butler Sherborn are delighted that Valerija Christensen (left) has joined their busy Lettings Team, lead by Vanessa Carter (right).
The Team is based in the Burford Office, and ably supported by Karen Felstead (centre). Valerija was born in Denmark, but has lived in the UK for the past 13 years. She has had extensive experience in the London lettings market in Chelsea, Chiswick and north west London over the past 8 years. She now lives in the Cotswolds and is an exciting addition to the Butler Sherborn team.
For advice on Lettings or To Let your own property, contact
vanessa@butlersherborn.co.uk 01993... more
1st December 2022
After another hectic year, Butler Sherborn is delighted to wish all their clients and friends A Very Happy Christmas.
We look forward working with you in 2023. If we can provide advice on any of your property matters, please do contact us cirencester@butlersherborn.co.uk 01285 883740 stow@butlersherborn.co.uk 01451 830731 or bur@butlersherborn.co.uk 01993 822325
Christmas Office Opening Times
Friday 23rd December 9.00am - 12.30pm
Saturday 24th December -Monday 26th December -Tuesday 27th December - Closed
Wednesday 28th December, Thursday 29th December & Friday 30th December 10... more
22nd November 2022
With its enchanting villages, the Cotswolds is a wonderful place to spend both Advent and Christmas.
Cosy pubs in enchanting Cotswold villages with roaring log fires and hot toddies; carol services in ancient village churches; Christmas Markets and spectacles of light in historic castles, houses and gardens, all make for a wonderful sparkling Festive season in the Cotswolds.
Christmas Markets
These open air markets, once common place in Medieval England, have again become an festive tradition. In the crisp cold Cotswold air, the smells of mulled wine, warm spices and sweet... more
17th November 2022
The Chancellor’s Financial Statement was designed to steady the financial markets and restore confidence in the UK economy, at home and abroad. It is early, but initial market reaction tends to suggest that he has at least succeeded to an extent.
Jeremy Hunt has stated that he plans to keep mortgage rates down, and ensure that they become significantly lower. This is obviously an attempt to ensure continued movement in the residential property market, encouraging transactions together with all the benefits that filter therefrom across the economy as a whole.
In a further effort to stimulate the property market, he has retained the Stamp Duty cuts announced by his predecessor, and further confirmed that they will remain in... more
7th November 2022
Ben competes at Advanced Level, running a string of event horses with his wife, Sarah under the Team Way banner, whilst also very actively buying and selling equestrian properties for Butler Sherborn across the Cotswolds and beyond.
Tell us a little bit about your career to date.
I graduated from Cirencester in 2010 having completed the Rural Land Management Degree. Following my graduation, I had a couple of months at home before starting with Butler Sherborn in October of the same year. My father, who works for Knight Frank, always said that I could ride eventing full time if I wanted to do so, on the condition that I qualified first, so that I had something to fall back on, if needed.
How many years have... more
3rd November 2022
Open fires, log burners and ranges become the must have festive features for families. Four country homes new on the market from £895,000 - £1.395million from Butler Sherborn
With the cost of living and rising fuel prices on everyone’s mind, getting together with friends and family for a few days’ respite over Christmas will be something to look forward to this year, especially with a warm hearth or range to gather around.
The Old School House, Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, GL54 2JF - £1.25million
As a quintessential country bolthole in this idyllic Cotswold village, The Old School House takes some beating, and with an AGA in the... more
31st October 2022
The Cotswolds is renown for its plethora of pubs, which vary from the traditional drinkers pub with local beers to the gastro pub with a fine dining experience.
The Plough at Alvescot and The Lamb at Shipton-under-Wychwood are excellent examples of those pubs offering fabulous local food.
The Plough, Alvescot, Oxfordshire OX18 2PU
The Plough is a traditional pub in Alvescot on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, which serves lovely food and beers seven days a week in a welcoming and relaxed environment. All the beers come from the brewery of Wadworth & Co in Devizes. In addition to their flagship beers 6X & IPA, The Plough... more