Property Blog
19th July 2021
Butler Sherborn’s offices in Cirencester, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold are now open to customers, without the need for an appointment during normal working hours. Monday- Friday 9.00am -5.30pm Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm
Whilst restrictions are lifted on the 19th July, Butler Sherborn consider that it is prudent to be vigilant and to continue to take sensible steps to restrict the transmission of the Covid virus.
Therefore, we ask that visitors still wear a mask when entering our office. Although not mandatory, we ask that this is done to protect our staff and members of Butler Sherborn when in a confined space.
We have decided to continue having a mask wearing policy when we undertake viewings... more
5th July 2021
Control of Legionella risk in a rental property - This news brief explains how landlords can comply with the regulations.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and the L8 Approved Code of Practice: Legionnaires’ Disease, set out the legal responsibilities for landlords in the UK, regarding their duty of care towards tenants in respect of Legionella.
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a bacteria that is found in man-made water systems. When inhaled, it can cause a potentially fatal type of pneumonia, known as Legionnaires' disease.
What properties are at risk of... more
28th June 2021
The Cotswold Guy is a bespoke food distribution service based in the heart of the Cotswolds. They provide you with fantastic locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, giving you the quality, consistency and choice to create the perfect dish!
The Cotswold Guy is also at your service to create a memorable meal at home, either for a special occasion, holiday treat or a meal kit for you to cook at home. They are passionate about the quality of their produce, and their love of fine food is evident in every bite.
The Cotswold Guy has a motto –‘We gather, you cook’ and the produce is of exceptional quality.
The bakery has mouth watering garlic sourdough bread baked by an artisan baker; all locally reared, rare breed beef... more
25th June 2021
A COMPACT AND VERSATILE RESIDENTIAL FARM WITH ABOUT 175 ACRES. COTSWOLD FARMHOUSE, BARN CONVERSION, EXTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS AND A BLOCK OF ATTRACTIVE LAND
For Sale as a whole- Guide Price £4,250,000, or in Lots
Manor Farm is for sale as a whole or in lots with, in all, about 175 acres on the edge of the pretty village of Compton Abdale. It sits on a south facing slope with wonderful views of the surrounding valleys and countryside and includes a comfortable Cotswold stone fronted 6 bedroom farmhouse and an attractive 3 to 4 bedroom barn conversion. In addition there is an extensive range of farm buildings. These have potential (subject... more
22nd June 2021
Established in 1976 by Jim and Dominique Keeling, Whichford Pottery is a family business with a world renowned reputation for the highest-quality frostproof terracotta flowerpots – designed and made entirely by hand from their workshop in Warwickshire. With a skilled team of over 30, Whichford produce flowerpots which are beautiful, durable and full of character.
Every pot has been lovingly handmade, hand-decorated and even hand packed! Everything at Whichford is done in-house which means they have total control during the making process - they even blend they own clay on site so that they can offer a 10 year guarantee against lamination in the frost. This year, the Pottery is celebrating 45 Years in business!
Tucked away on the edge of the Cotswolds a visit to the Pottery is a real treat...
Experience the unique delights of a... more
21st June 2021
Four properties with stunning gardens and grounds, new on the Cotswold market from £2 million - £4.25 million. Plus, latest market comment
With the appeal of staying at home this summer evident for all to see, those who have bought properties in the Cotswolds will be able to enjoy their downtime without the stress of going anywhere near an airport!
And for those who haven’t yet made the move to the Cotswolds, Butler Sherborn has launched four superb country homes:
Poulton Manor, Poulton, Gloucestershire, GL7 5JE - £2.25million
Sitting in around 2 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, Poulton... more
27th May 2021
The Cotswolds Residential Property Market May 2021 – Elizabeth D’Allemagne Head of Residential Sales
After a very strong end to 2020, the Cotswolds residential market has continued to witness an extremely high level of demand across all sectors from Cotswold stone cottages through to large country houses. In part, demand has been fuelled by a lack of stock, and demand outstripping supply, however there is no doubt that the pandemic has continued to have an impact.
There is a significant amount of cash coming out of London for second homes, with assured access to space and... more
24th May 2021
Assured Shorthold Tenancy notice periods
Previously extended to six months, as an emergency measure during the pandemic, the government has reduced the Notice period required to be given to tenants to four months with effect from 1st June 2021. The rationale behind this move, is to ensure that tenants continue to have protection through Step 3 and into Step 4 of the government’s Roadmap out of Lockdown. Step 4 will begin from 19th July at the earliest. Subject to public health advice, and progress with the Roadmap, the government... more
24th May 2021
Situated right in the very heart of The Cotswolds, on the escarpment, The Plough Inn provides customers from near and far with a great selection of traditional seasonal food, pub classics and a wide range of real ales and beverages to be enjoyed in a beautiful Cotswold pub environment.
The Plough is hugely popular locally, as a genuine proper pub, serving locally sourced produce and local ales. It is friendly, relaxed and fun!
The Plough has a strong connection to the local horse racing community, being situated just across the road from Jackdaw's Castle, the home of Jonjo O'Neill racing stables. In the season, you will often find shooters with their feet up by our log fire after a long day out and about. In the summer, walkers with children and dogs, cyclists and... more
13th May 2021
AND THE CHOICE OF PROPERTIES OPENS UP, TOO - Butler Sherborn launches a Grade II listed barn conversion; a family home with almost 4 acres and a tennis court; a contemporary development opportunity in 6 acres, and three apartments in a Jacobean-style country house
Jessamies Barn, Eastleach, nr Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 3NG - £1.6million
Stone barn conversions continue to be much sought-after in the Cotswolds, and Jessamies Barn is an excellent example.
Formed from one half of a substantial Grade II listed threshing barn, Jessamies Barn is an exceptional country home with the benefit of a rural location and stunning countryside views.
The property enjoys seclusion and security in an idyllic setting. It features a... more
23rd April 2021
The family-owned and run Oxford Shirt Company is delighted to be able to open its doors again after Lockdown.
The company offers a comprehensive range of shirts, fashion and outdoor clothing, for both men and women. Browse the collection at the flagship store on the picturesque High Street in Burford, Oxfordshire, or online at www.oxfordshirt.co.uk
As the leading retailer of exclusive fashion in the Cotswolds, The Oxford Shirt Company offers a large selection of clothing and accessories, with over 30 different traditional and contemporary brands including the likes of Barbour, Dubarry of... more
20th April 2021
A selection of five new properties from £300,000 - £1.25million
“With the weather warming up and lockdown starting to ease, we are experiencing one of the strongest residential property markets for a decade here in the Cotswolds,” says Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn.
“We have seen a 30% uptick in buyers registering with us during January and March versus the same period last year, viewings up 35% last month and 40% of those viewing making offers. There is no doubt that the desire to move to the country along with low stock levels are fuelling this... more
20th April 2021
The brain child of three friends, The Scenic Supper is a unique dining experience developed as a direct response to Covid, and its accompanying restrictions.
Diners sit in one of seven, bespoke glasshouses, accommodating either two or four guests, positioned on a Cotswold hilltop offering panoramic views and monthly changing set menus of seriously delicious modern British dishes. From 1st April – 25th September 2021, The Scenic Supper will be taking a six-month residency at Todenham Manor Farm, near Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire. The Scenic Supper was created by three local school friends, Toby Baggott, Sam Lawson-King and Scott Sullivan in... more20th April 2021
We have been very lucky at Team Way Eventing with both Sarah and myself meeting the criteria for ‘elite athletes’.
This has enabled us to keep travelling and training during lockdown, and to run our horses at some of the elite only events in March. The cancellation of Badminton was very disappointing. However, we are now looking to Luhmuhlen in Germany at the end of June, as a replacement aim.
All of our horses have had their first runs of season. Now our biggest challenge is that the ground conditions have gone from soft mud to very firm in the space of two weeks. The ground permitting we are... more
29th March 2021
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rental Sector (England) Regulations 2020 and 2021
In January 2020, the Government announced the above regulations were being passed through Parliament and we can now confirm that these came into effect from 1st June 2020.
The regulations apply to all new tenancies created from 1st July 2020, and for all ongoing and existing tenancies from 1st April 2021. The requirements are that private landlords must ensure that the Electrical Safety Standards are met in a residential property, during a tenancy.
Inspections and Testing.... more
26th March 2021
A family run Cotswold farm offering local produce and an independent business enterprise
Hayles Fruit Farm covers approximately 100 acres of picturesque countryside on the outskirts of the Cotswold market town of Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. With origins back to 1880 the land, along with 4 other fruit farms on the edge of the town, was initially planted with apples & Cob nuts under the instruction of Lord Sudeley. More than 130 years later Hayles Fruit Farm is the only one to survive! Farmed by the Harrell family since the 1950’s it has, as you might imagine, seen many... more23rd March 2021
Three great properties on the Cotswold market from £725,000. Spring is on its way, and with the easing of lockdown already underway, everyone will be ready to get out and explore.
As the world begins to open up, people will be wanting to get into the garden, visit garden centres and begin exploring the countryside once again, and with excellent access to footpaths, bridleways and destination walks such as The Thames Path and Cotswold Way, the Cotswolds remains as popular as ever.
Comments Sam Butler, of Butler Sherborn: “The phenomenal demand we experienced last year from people wanting to move to the Cotswolds has continued unabated. The issue we now face is... more
12th March 2021
With a milling legacy spanning eight generations, Matthews Cotswold Flour is one of the UK’s oldest family-run flour mills.
Trading grain and milling flour in the heart of the Cotswolds since the1800s, they believe passionately that local partnerships, traditional methods and premium grains make for better baking. Matthews offers premium quality Organic and Stoneground Wholemeal flour, using grain from local farmers and time-honoured milling techniques. They still use the original building that was completed in 1912, and set beside the railway, which in former times was used to distribute the flour across the... more4th March 2021
At Butler Sherborn, we receive this Budget with cautious optimism. The Chancellor seems to have found a balance between supporting families, businesses and the self-employed, as the effects of the Covid Pandemic role on short to medium term, whilst looking to properly address and correct the deficit in the future.
For the property sector, there are some helpful measures, albeit the Stamp Duty holiday is probably a two edged sword.
In the short term, the nil rate SDLT band remains at £500,000 and this has been extended from 31st March 2021 to 30th June 2021. This nil rate band then reduces to £250,000 until 30th September 2021, before returning back to £125,000 from 1st October 2021. At some point therefore, there will be the cliff edge to face, but the phasing will certainly help maintain the... more
1st March 2021
Communication is key to a smooth sale. Asking the right questions at the outset goes a long way to ensuring that this is achieved.
What’s the position of the buyer?As soon as you have found a buyer for your property, establish their precise financial position. Are they a cash buyer? Do they require a mortgage? Are they already part of a chain? How quickly can they exchange, complete and move?
The central question, ‘what is the position of the buyer?’ will give you a much better sense of the circumstances surrounding their need to move, and will give context to further communication.
What is the position of... more