Property Blog
22nd February 2021
Legislation has recently been passed, which comes into effect from 4th May 2021. The Debt Respite Scheme, also known as Breathing Space, has been introduced to help those in debt, including tenants in rent arrears.
The scheme allows for a person’s debt and any enforcement action against that debt, to be frozen for a maximum of 60 days (unless a Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space has been obtained – see below), allowing the tenant to find a solution to their financial problems, without being pressed by creditors or landlords.
The Forms of Breathing Space
There are two forms of Breathing Space, Standard Breathing Space and Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space. Both work in a similar way... more
22nd February 2021
Cotswold Gold is a premium, extra virgin rapeseed oil made using traditional cold pressing methods. This preserves the natural health benefits of the seed, creating an oil naturally high in vitamin E, rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9, and low in cholesterol
Cotswold Gold only use crops grown on their family farm in the Cotswolds to ensure that only the finest seeds are pressed to create their vibrant, golden oil. All oil is grown, harvested, pressed and bottled in the Cotswolds. With its natural health benefits and extremely versatile cooking properties, Cotswold Gold is unquestionably the best oil to use for all your culinary needs, from salad dressings to high temperature frying. Cotswold Gold extra virgin cold pressed rapeseed oil can be used... more10th February 2021
It is that time of year again where we look to Basic Payment Scheme applications and opportunities that might arise through Countryside Stewardship Schemes.
Dates to remember:
BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME (BPS) 2021
Online applications go live from Thursday 18th March. The submission deadline this year is Monday 17th May. *REMEMBER* You can now transfer land and entitlements via the online system – no need for a paper chain!COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP SCHEMES (CSS)
... more9th February 2021
Looking for that special romantic dinner for two with an extra special twist – visit www.maltandanchor.co.uk . This innovative, Cirencester fish and chip restaurant is offering a fabulous Take Away, and delivery service within 4.5 miles of Cirencester. The Valentine’s Menu has the reputed aphrodisiac, and epicurean dish, Cornish Lobster with garlic butter and twice cooked chips, as well as Hebridean smoked salmon and a couple of extra special puddings for the special day, at very... more
2nd February 2021
Four suitable properties from £295,000 - £975,000
“The idea of having your own place in the country is growing ever more popular,” says Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn. “Even as the vaccine roll out gathers pace and people begin to feel more confident that normality is on the horizon, the reasons for wanting a bolthole away from the smoke are many and varied. Whether simply looking to escape a city at weekends, as a staycation holiday let with its separate income stream, somewhere quiet to work, write or create, as an investment or... more
25th January 2021
Growing up in the Cotswolds, nearly every village had a village shop which formed the heart of the community
Sadly those days have gone and now they have become a rarity. So many buyers come to the Cotswolds dreaming of living in a village with either a pub or a shop and villages who can boast these much loved places, normally have a positive effect when it comes to house sales. The success of the village shop largely comes down to residents to either actively get involved with running them voluntarily or support them instead of filling up at the supermarket. Here are a selection who have shone... more
25th January 2021
Market comment from Elizabeth D'Allemagne
"The Cotswold housing market was incredibly strong in 2020; almost frenetic. The current Lockdown has created a degree of uncertainty. Understandably with current restrictions and challenges, normal life feels as if it has been suspended with an economic headwind which should not be underestimated.However, as the vaccine is rolled out across the country and the R rate has currently dropped below one, people are looking forward to life starting to resemble normality after Easter.... more
25th January 2021
Leading the way with one of the most extensive take away menus and supporting their local community, The Bell Inn offers superb pub food together with a straight forward wine list in a charming, cosy and relaxed environment. When we can all finally enjoy going out again you will find a warm bar area for quiet drinking, a restaurant and great beer garden. Acclaimed duo Peter Creed and Tom Noest took over the pub in 2017, and re-opened, it after refurbishment, to excellent reviews and... more
11th January 2021
Glebe House is an impressive 5 bedroom family home, in an elevated position on the edge of the village, with exceptional views across the Windrush Valley set in 2.26 acres. Guide Price £1,750,000
Carefully designed to take advantage of the lovely views, it is built in a traditional style with contemporary standards of comfort. With accommodation over three floors, the house is ideal for both entertaining and modern family life. The living areas are particularly bright and sunny, and there is an easy flow between the principal reception areas and the large kitchen/breakfast room, with the versatile and spacious layout allowing for a combination of convivial family life with areas of... more
11th January 2021
Update – 8 January 2021
The UK Government announced on Wednesday 5th January a further national Lockdown (3) for England.
The Government has advised that Estate and Letting Agent offices can remain open to the public.
Butler Sherborn is a multi-faceted business and so we will be operating as follows:
Residential Sales and Lettings
Our offices in Cirencester, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold remain open for business, however by appointment only. We will be following our Covid-secure... more
22nd December 2020
Sam Butler Comments;
‘The year 2020 has been one of the most exciting, and exacting years of my professional life in the property market. In March 2020, Covid catapulted the nation into Lockdown; the offices closed and we all began working remotely from home in isolation. Many fully expected the property market to come to a swift halt, with values even dropping off the edge of a cliff. The Cotswolds, however, have proved yet again that they are one of the most desirable... more
17th December 2020
The Partners and members of Butler Sherborn send their very best wishes to you for a happy, healthy and restful Christmas, and hope that 2021 is a kinder year to us all.
Our offices will be closed from;
(12pm) Thursday 24th December - Monday 4th January 2021 (9am)
16th December 2020
Like all areas of business and commerce farming has had a difficult year and will not escape 2020 unharmed. The key messages in DEFRA’s recent total income from farming forecast are: (when compared to 2019)
Total Income from Farming is expected to be £4,151 million, a decrease of £1,127 million(-21%) Agriculture is expected to contribute £9,360 million to the national economy (Gross Value Added), a decrease of £1,048 million (-10%) Weather conditions coupled with the Covid-19... more10th December 2020
With Christmas fast approaching, there is still time to be in your dream Cotswold home before Santa drops down the chimney.
Butler Sherborn currently have an excellent choice of houses to rent, with something for everyone.
The properties range from a 6 bedroom farmhouse with extensive gardens, 3 bedroom period cottages, and culminating in a 1 bedroom executive apartment in the gracious and grand, Sherborne House. All the properties are unoccupied, and ready to be moved... more
10th December 2020
Basic Payment Scheme - Payment reductions confirmed for 2021 to 2027
It has now been confirmed how Direct Payments are to be phased out in England from 2021 to 2027. Reductions to BPS payments will start from 2021 and are to be reduced progressively until 2027. The reductions are to apply to the total payment the farmer would have received each year and are to work in a similar way to income tax bands, with bigger reductions for the higher payment bands.
The reduction... more
19th November 2020
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds a hop from Daylesford Organic, Stow on the Wold, and Chipping Norton. The Fox at Lower Oddington is a Cotswold inn with three individually designed bedrooms, roaring fires in the winter and a sheltered intimate walled garden in the summer. It serves the best of seasonal British food with a varied, quality wine list to match.
The menu is sourced locally, where possible, as well as bring seasonal and varied, it is always beautifully presented. In better... more
19th November 2020
Given that in the spring it looked unlikely that we would have any international competitions at all during 2020, at Team Way Eventing we have managed to have a surprisingly successful productive season!
The positive side of the spring lockdown was being able to spend so much time working on the basics with the young horses, without the pressure of having to take them to competitions. Interestingly, I think they ended up progressing more quickly than normal. The major blows for us were the cancellations of some of the big international events, such as Badminton in the spring and Blenheim in the autumn. However, we are able to get some good 4* runs into our top horses, and qualify all of... more
19th November 2020
With uncertainty surrounding what we will be allowed to do this Christmas, a warm ‘home and hearth’ takes on even greater significance. Three Cotswold houses perfect for Christmas, available through Butler Sherborn from £775,000.
With the Stamp Duty holiday due to end on March 31, the Cotswold property market remains ‘open for business’ during Lockdown2.
‘Driving home for Christmas’, Chris Rea’s perennial Yuletide track will soon be flooding the airwaves but with even greater significance this year, and soon we will know where we are heading and how many friends and family members will be able to join us.
“After the year we have all had, and with uncertainty surrounding what we will be allowed to do... more
2nd November 2020
The Housing Minister has confirmed that house moves can continue during the national Lockdown due to start on Thursday. The housing market remains open in both the sales and rental sectors. Our offices are currently closed, but Butler Sherborn remains fully operational. All staff are contactable by email and telephone during normal working hours. Access to our offices, or properties is strictly by appointment only.
Butler Sherborn will continue to assiduously follow the Covid-19 Guidance... more
30th October 2020
A survey, conducted by the Country Landowners Association, of more than 1,000 Londoners found that 55% of 18-34 year olds are more likely to move to the countryside as a result of Covid19.
The reasons for the change in mindset are, in part, due to cheaper housing stock, with 78% ranking it the most important factor in deciding to move. Digital connectivity came in at 56%, and the ability to do an existing job from a new location at 55% , were two highly important and influencial factors.
The survey found that, of all those polled across all demographics, the COVID-19 epidemic has made 44% of people more likely to consider moving to the countryside, versus just... more
