Quealy & Co Explores: The Cotswolds. Is The Hype Worth It?

 

The Cotswolds seem to be everywhere right now. Once thought of as a sleepy slice of English countryside, it’s now firmly on the map as one of the UK’s most fashionable holiday destinations. Even the Vice President of the United States chose it for a family summer break – a sign, perhaps, that the world is catching on.

But is it worth all the attention? Some say it’s become the “new Cornwall” without the crashing waves and sweeping beaches, of course. Others point to the Clarkson’s Farm effect, with Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop attracting long queues of visitors in search of a photo, some ‘bee juice’, or just the experience of saying they’ve been.

And then there’s Daylesford Farm a little further down the road, where the organic produce is as much of a talking point as the prices. Between farm shops, farmers’ markets, and charming pubs tucked away in honey-coloured villages, there’s no shortage of places to linger.

Of course, the real magic of the Cotswolds is the countryside itself. Rolling hills, winding lanes, and picture-perfect villages that look like they’ve stepped out of a storybook. It feels like a world apart, yet from here in Kent it’s only around two and a half hours away – close enough for a long weekend, but far enough to feel like a true escape.

And if you do find yourself wondering what it might be like to stay a little longer, our colleagues at Carter Jonas are marketing a rather special home in Chadlington (you may recognise the name from the legendary Clarkson’s Farm series), right in the heart of it all:

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Barley Hill Cottage, Chadlington OX7

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A beautifully renovated and extended country home with separate annexe/home office, garaging and fabulous landscaped gardens in an idyllic countryside setting on the edge of this popular Cotswold village.

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This stylish Cotswold stone property has been beautifully renovated, reconfigured and extended with the utmost attention to detail using the highest quality materials with a sympathetic blend of character and a contemporary finish.

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Set back from the road occupying a plot of 0.72 acres, it enjoys a rural outlook from its elevated position on the edge of the village and is complemented by stunning, landscaped gardens, garaging and a superb, detached annexe/home office.

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So, is the hype justified?

We’d say yes – though perhaps for different reasons than Cornwall. No sea views, no surfboards… just timeless countryside, exceptional food, and a way of life that feels uniquely and quintessentially English. Worth a visit if you haven’t been before!

Each month, the Quealy & Co team shines a spotlight on an inspiring property for sale, showcasing stunning homes across the UK and beyond. If you're curious to learn more about Barley Hill Cottage, feel free to reach out to the team a Carter Jones.

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*Property images and description by Carter Jones.