One stretch of towns and villages in the Cotswolds has been named among the most desirable places to live in the country. The Telegraph has identified several areas across the UK that provide an exclusive and lush lifestyle, reportedly dubbed “golden corridors” by estate agents.
One of them is the Cotswolds ‘platinum’ corridor, which covers several towns and villages in the region known for its picturesque scenery and famous residents. The 'exclusive' corridors have been chosen based on a number of criteria including convenience, commutability, good schools, access to countryside and the draw of celebrity locals.
The newspaper wrote: "Buying agent Harry Gladwin describes the belt that runs south from Chipping Norton to Lechlade-on-Thames as the Cotswolds’ platinum corridor. It is renowned for its celebrity locals (from the Beckhams to Kate Moss), with designer amenities down almost every winding road."
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Mr Gladwin went on to say: “Most people who move to this area commute two or three days a week into London or Oxford. It’s a melting pot of creatives, families and City professionals. The downsides are risk of flooding, the noise from RAF Brize Norton and potential housing developments, which all need considering.”
One of the towns featured in the 'Cotswolds platinum corridor is the aforementioned Chipping Norton, a thriving market town with historic pubs and numerous independent shops to choose from. Places such as Jaffé and Neale Bookshop & Cafe, and Station Mill Antiques are favourites of former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who lives nearby.
Speaking of Clarkson, The Telegraph writes that the priciest spot in this Cotswolds corridor is Chadlington - the idyllic village close to the famous Diddly Squat Farm. Since Clarkson's farming show was released on Amazon Prime Video, the area has turned into a tourist hotspot and become 'swamped' by fans.
GloucestershireLive reports that residents previously complained of long queues on the road leading to the farm while there have also been rows over traffic and parking since. Clarkson has himself admitted that his show has caused more traffic but argued it was also bringing benefits to the popular village.
He previously told BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine; "There is more traffic, yes, but there is more business – the village shop is doing better, the cafe in the village, the pub in the village – they are all doing better. They are swamped with people but they are swamped with people spending money.”
Further south in the corridor is the picturesque town of Burford, which boasts a high street flanked by an unbroken line of ancient houses and shops as well as a three-arched medieval bridge. Burford is popular with visitors for both its architecture and history as well as its antique shops and wide range of restaurants, pubs and teashops.
Nearby is the pretty town of Lechlade-on-Thames, which lies on the River Thames. Visitors can enjoy a boat trip, take a stroll across the pretty Halfpenny Bridge or explore the Thames Path National Trail from the town.
There's also a thriving town centre including many antique-dealers and regular markets while Buscot House can be visited along a towpath walk from Lechlade. The late 18th-century house is set in enchanting landscaped grounds and features a collection of pictures, furniture and ceramics which is displayed inside.
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