Taking stock in the Cotswolds

A sense of normality has crept back into this once frenetic market, but some noteworthy sales are still being achieved

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THE very best houses in the most popular Cotswolds villages—as ever —are being snapped up with off market sales, particularly in the north of the region, going for up to 30% more than their guide prices. However, higher interest rates and a looming election have given buyers and sellers reasons to take a breath. ‘Although there were signs of the post-covid property boom continuing into the start of 2023, things have now cooled off significantly,’ says Harry Gladwin of The Buying Solution (01608 690783). ‘Right now, it feels as if we’re moving into what feels like a far more normal period within the property market. Sellers who are willing to be flexible and take a sensible approach to price are still achieving great results, but those whose mindsets remain in 2021/22 could be in for a tough ride, as that party ended some time ago.’

Stanton is a sleepy village that lies four miles south-west of Broadway on the Gloucestershire/Worcestershire border. As such, it’s removed from any of the parties taking place at the lifestyle or membership clubs that are opening thick and fast (Soho Farmhouse has now been joined by the Bamford Club in Daylesford and Estelle Manor near Witney). It’s almost completely constructed out of Cotswold stone and so emblematic of the area that scenes from the high street regularly appear on souvenir calendars and postcards. In the mid 20th century, Pevsner described it as ‘architecturally, the most distinguished of the smaller villages in the North Cotswolds’. However, had it not been for the efforts of an architect and civil engineer from Lancashire, little might remain of the village at all.