Property Blog
1st July 2022
Katy Freeman joined the Butler Sherborn Burford office in February 2020.
Having worked in the industry locally for some 20 years, she now runs a small and extremely busy team, covering the area from Lechlade to Burford and out to Charlbury.
Have you always lived in the Cotswolds?
Yes, I was born in Coln St Dennis and my family later moved to Upper Slaughter, where my parents still live today. Having moved around the Cotswolds, and having spent a short time in Wokingham, I have always regarded the Cotswolds as my home.
What do you love most... more
30th June 2022
On a warm summer’s day in June, there are few more relaxing places to be than in the garden of a country pub, perhaps beside flowing water, with a drink in one hand, and good company on the other.
The Swan at Swinbrook is on the banks of the River Windrush, close to Burford. It is a stunning Cotswolds inn boasting effortless décor, with a delightful personality, and a unique setting, which compliments its rich history.
Swinbrook was home to the aristocratic Mitford family. The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, known to the family as ‘Debo’ was especially attached to her Cotswold childhood, and this magical enclave.
The Swan boasts a superb restaurant with local, seasonal... more
21st June 2022
Bibury is a small village in the south Cotswolds. This charming Cotswold village has a population of just over 600 inhabitants, and it was indeed recorded in the Doomsday book in 1068, when it was known as Becheberie.
Perhaps for many, the most memorable and striking image in the village is that of Arlington Row, which is an enchanting collection of weavers cottages. Bibury was described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England”, and it is arguably one of the most famous and popular spots in the Cotswolds.
Bibury is actually two small villages, separated by the River Coln. The Coln flows through the middle of Bibury. On the one side of the river is Bibury, and on the other,... more
16th June 2022
Four properties new on the market from £800,000 - £3million
Langley Hill Farm, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5AA - £3million
For those looking for complete escape, Langley Hill Farm offers 207 acres of land on the edge of the historic Cotswold town of Winchcombe, best known as home of Sudeley Castle. Positioned within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it enjoys spectacular views of the Malvern Hills, the Vale of Evesham and the Sudeley Estate.
Spring House is the principal dwelling on the farm and sits... more
24th May 2022
Set on the ancient wold, with an uninterrupted view over the Evenlode Valley, the beautiful, grassed amphitheatre and splendid Pavilion provide a magical setting for excellent, inspiring, and uplifting entertainment for everyone
The Amphitheatre has been created in memory of Janet Cockell, whose love of telling stories, the performing arts, and the Cotswolds inspired the family to build this venue. Janet’s husband, Keith had the vision and co-owner, Jono Dudfield sculpted the venue. Janet’s daughter, Judy Reaves, an established West End Theatre designer, heads the creative team, together with her husband, Production Manager, David Hamblett. Their son, Charlie Hamblett is an actor (Killing Eve, The Secret Agent,... more
24th May 2022
With demand continuing to outstrip supply in the Cotswolds, the market is running hot. If you are to stand a chance of securing your dream home, you need to be organised, proactive and decisive.
WHAT - Know what you want. WHERE – Know where you want it. BUDGET– Set your budget FINANCE – Have it in place. SELL - Your own home - if you need to. PROFESSIONALS COMPROMISE BE DECISIVE REGISTER BE SMART - not SharpKNOW WHAT YOU WANT
The Cotswolds has always been, and remains a very attractive area in which to live. The pandemic has strengthened demand in the area, which offers easy access to London, Oxford, Bristol and Birmingham, together with an ability to work form home... more
13th May 2022
Potential buyers are increasingly turning to private sales to try and purchase land without it being available to the public. So if you are thinking of selling, should you pursue a private sale or go to the open market?
In some circumstances, private sales can benefit from discretion, speed, and premiums paid. The reasons why sellers may choose to sell off-market include privacy, or wanting to test the market and see how much money they are offered, before committing to a sale. A neighbour, for example, may be willing to pay a worthwhile premium to stop a property being launched on the open market.
However, in some circumstances, it may be advisable to test the open market, create competition and to... more
10th May 2022
Annually, Burford School enters several teams into the Young Enterprise Organisation’s annual competition known as ‘The Tenner Challenge’. The teams comprise pupils from Year 10.
The competition has a whiff of The Dragons Den about it, or perhaps it is more resonant of the parable of the talents. It is known as the ‘Tenner Challenge’ as the pupils are given a pledge of £10.00. They are then expected to research and agree upon a product or service, into which they will invest the £10.00 to get the concept off the ground.
They will research the market and target audience for their service or product, together with materials and production costs. They will... more
9th May 2022
Butler Sherborn announces five family homes new on the Cotswold market from £1.1million - £2.65million
Butlers Farm, Colesbourne, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NP - £2.65million
In an idyllic south facing valley location between Cirencester and Cheltenham, this five bedroom farmhouse makes a great family home, and with almost six acres, a stone barn, stables and ménage, perfect for those with equestrian interests.
Dating back to the late 18th century, original features include exposed beams and timbers, stone fireplaces, window seats and paved floors, with heritage style... more
12th April 2022
Did you know that the UK is one of the most environmentally degraded countries in the world? This is one of the reasons why the concept of Biodiversity Net Gain was introduced by the Environment Act 2021. Biodiversity Net Gain seeks to ensure that natural habitat which is lost to a development scheme is not just replaced, but instead is enhanced by a further 10%.
It is expected that the Act will become fully effective in Autumn 2023. Although not yet compulsory, some local councils are moving towards Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) by insisting that there is no net loss to biodiversity when granting planning consent for new schemes, in the meantime.
BNG is calculated by reference to several key steps. Firstly a “Phase 1” habitat survey is carried out on the development scheme, to establish a baseline of what type of habitat is present, and how... more
11th April 2022
Butler Sherborn is delighted to wish everybody a Happy Easter and Bank Holiday weekend.
The market remains highly active and we are delighted to book viewings over the Easter weekend, subject to availability.
Do contact the relevant office BEFORE the weekend if you wish to book a viewing of a particular property.
Cirencester: 01285 883740
Burford: 01993 822325
Stow-on-the-Wold: 01451 830731
Our Offices will be closed on Good Friday 15th April, Easter Sunday 17th April and Easter Monday 18th April.
7th April 2022
Manor Farm Barns is an impressive five bedroom Grade II Listed Cotswold stone barn, offering almost 6,000 sq ft of accommodation ideal for family life and entertaining, with delightful gardens and a rural outlook. Guide Price £3,000,000.
Manor Farm Barns is a stunning threshing barn dating back to the late 18th Century, situated within the Tarlton Conservation Area, which is in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was converted and sympathetically extended in the late 1990’s to a high standard, to create a comfortable and spacious family home of great character.
Many original details remain including exposed stone walls; arrow slit windows; blue brick paving and blue brick pillars; whilst more... more
7th April 2022
Four great additions to the Cotswold market this Spring from £650,000 - £3million
With daffodils and primroses adding their yellow hues to the gardens, blossom in full bloom and the hedgerows greening-up, fresh new colour is being added to the Cotswold countryside, while the sound of lawnmowers making their first cut of the year is joining the rural soundtrack.
Meanwhile in the property market, four new launches from Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist are creating fresh interest for house hunters looking to move to the Cotswolds this Spring.
... more
5th April 2022
An interview with Richard Greasby - What brought you initially to the Cotswolds?
I was born into a farming family in Oxfordshire, and came to the Cotswolds to study for my degree in Rural Land Management at the RAU about 30 years ago! I took my first job with Strutt & Parker in Moreton in Marsh.....................and haven't left the area since, with the Cotswolds becoming my home. I now live with my wife and three children near Winchcombe, where we are all fully embedded in many aspects of the local community.
How did you become involved in rural property... more
22nd March 2022
The Butler Sherborn team, including Sam Butler, Sophie Keogh, Katy Freeman and Laura Negus really look forward to welcoming all who wish to join them for Refreshments in their boozie boots in the Reserved Car Park Spaces 29/30.
Butler Sherborn Feather flags should help you find us! It will be lovely to see you.
Entry £15 per person. Book online. https://embed.futureticketing.ie/c/point-to-point-uk/?ftredirect=1
10th March 2022
As February turns into March, there is a certain air of anticipation at Seven Barrows, Nicky Henderson’s Lambourn yard, as he arrays his battalions for the battle that is The Cheltenham Festival. Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes what Nicky regards as the four most prestigious days of the National Hunt Calendar.
With 70 winners already on his Festival score sheet to almost match his number of years, Lambourn’s senior NH trainer once again approaches this week with a formidable team, while not so long on quantity, certainly as deep as ever in quality.
The first race on day one, Tuesday, is always a good place to start, The Supreme Novices Hurdle. It always a good one to get in the bag. Constitution Hill, under Nico de Boinville, unbeaten in two runs, including the Grade 1 Tolworth, has as... more
7th March 2022
Four new additions to the market from £550,000 - £1.25million
“The Cotswold property market remains buoyant with sales enquiries continuing to come in strongly, while the increase in the number of invitations from prospective sellers to value their properties is encouraging,” comments Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist. “With Spring just around the corner, this is undoubtedly a very good time to sell,” he adds.
Monks Gate, High Street, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, OX7 6BA - £1.25million
... more
28th February 2022
Nestled in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Stocks Inn is a beautiful 17th-century coaching inn that really stands out from the crowd
This boutique hotel is luxurious, but not stuffy. Elegant, but not pretentious. Quaint, but not twee. Owner Jim Cockell’s inspired duo, Rich and Charlotte Tuck, are passionate about what they do and have fun doing it. It all adds up to a unique experience for their guests.
Great food and drink is at the heart of The Old Stocks experience. From the freshly ground artisan coffee served with breakfast to the mouth-watering dinner menus and the unique selection of ales, wines and spirits... more
15th February 2022
Six properties new on the market: a modern two-bed apartment, four-bed family home, and four development opportunities from £525,000 - £925,000
“Demand continues to outstrip supply across the Cotswolds by a very high margin,” says Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn, the Cotswold property specialist. “One property recently attracted 65 viewing requests within 48 hours of being launched; this resulted in eight good offers and consequently sold very quickly and over the asking price.
“We aren’t expecting demand to diminish any time soon, so now might be a particularly good time to move.”
5 The Old Brewery, Priory Lane,... more
8th February 2022
Having previously been a part of the Butler Sherborn sales team for 7 years I suppose my love of gardens blossomed through being fortunate enough to sell some beautiful Cotswold properties with beautiful gardens.
Having a great love of the outdoors and a passion for gardening once I got my own garden, a career is garden design was inevitable.
One of my first gardening jobs, I was lucky enough to work in the wonderful gardens at Oxleaze Barn nr Lechlade where I learnt the trade from the brilliant Chipps Mann. I then attended the Cotswold School of Gardening to obtain a distinction in professional garden design. From then on it has been full steam ahead with projects across the... more
