With the Beckhams reportedly renovating a sprawling Cotswolds pile and soon-to-be-married Prince Harry and Meghan Markle rumoured to be hunting for their first home in the area, it will probably come as no surprise to learn that Gloucestershire, Bristol and the South Cotswolds saw some serious cash change hands in the property market last year.
More than 100 properties in Gloucestershire alone fetched £1million or more in 2017, while the most expensive home went for a whopping £5.8million. Up from 80 properties sold at £1million or more in 2016, 124 sold for six figures last year including 12 exchanging for £2million or more.
According to the Land Registry, 850,282 sales were registered in 2017, with 15,885 sales at £1million or more, so the Cotswolds, Bristol and Gloucestershire in particular fare well when it comes to the big spenders.
Those who live in the area already will be well aware of the jewels in its crown and with demand outstripping supply, the popularity of the region shows no signs of slowing. All of which makes it increasingly difficult for those house hunting in the area – unless you’re Harry and Meghan, of course.
So, what is it that attracts the great and the good to the area? Here are our top-seven reasons why Gloucestershire, Bristol and the Cotswolds are great places to live…
GREAT SCHOOLS
Gloucestershire, in particular, is home to superb schools. Denmark Road, The Crypt school and Kingsholm Primary are just a few examples.
CELEB SPOTTING
Fancy a quiet pint in a quintessential English pub in the Cotswolds? Of course you do! And should you choose to indulge, you may well be sharing the bar with the likes of Stella McCartney, Kate Winslet, Jilly Cooper and Hugh Grant, not to mention the Royals.
Gloucestershire, in particular, is home to a host of stars – but we won’t mention Jeremy Clarkson…
TRANSPORT LINKS
Rural living is a luxury, but such is the South West’s popularity, those in business can be in the big cities in no time. The M5 from Bristol to Birmingham runs right through the middle of Gloucestershire, providing key links to the M4 and M50.
And the area is also linked up nicely with London, thanks to main line rail networks. Indeed, several Gloucestershire towns have direct links into Paddington, with journey times a mere 90 minutes.
SPORT
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, granted, but for sports fans, there are few places more vibrant than the South West.
Premiership rugby courtesy of Gloucester, Cheltenham race course, home of the famous festival, on the doorstep, plus professional football from the likes of Cheltenham Town, Bristol Rovers and Bristol City and cricket from Gloucestershire County Cricket Club mean there is no shortage of top action to indulge in.
THE SCENERY
The sprawling Cotswolds are known for their beauty and tranquility. Bike rides, walks in the fresh air, quiet coffees in a host of small towns and villages unblemished by modern life – it really is a step back in time.
For those keen to explore, the living Cotswolds provide a stunning landscape to discover. Local produce is available to purchase at the farmers’ markets, which is a stunning assault on the senses.
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
Bristol topped the list of ‘Best Places to Live in the UK’ as recently as last year and it’s not difficult to see why.
Vibrant and independent, Bristol boasts bars on boats and art galleries in former toilet blocks – you don’t get much more independent than that.
Summer festivals are also part of the furniture in Bristol, with as many as three running at any one time during the warmer months.
PACE OF LIFE
Taking the above into account, you might be forgiven for thinking Bristol was a ‘young person’s’ city. It is, of course, with a burgeoning student population, but Bristol doesn’t grind to a halt when the student population disappear for summer or Christmas.
There is a gentle flow to life in the city, instead, and coffee and pastry bars thrive with people of all ages reading traditional print magazines and newspapers.
If you’re thinking of a move to the Cotswolds, Bristol or Gloucestershire areas get in touch with your local CJ Hole branch who can help you find the perfect property.
