The Cotswolds are famous the world over for their beauty, and consequently draw in many, many visitors. People with a fair wad of cash also choose to buy homes in the region, including celebrities from the United States. Even Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z were recently rumoured to be considering a move there. Rightmove reports that house prices in the Cotswolds have had an overall average of £439,704 over the last year. The majority of properties sold were detached properties, for an average price of £659,683. Semi-detached properties were flogged for a mean price of £384,942, with terraced properties fetching £359,253.
Overall, sold prices were 5% down on the previous year, and 2% down on the 2022 peak of £448,630. The Cotswolds’ popularity may put some people off visiting or purchasing a property there, preferring somewhere off the beaten track. Luckily, there is another area of the UK referred to as the “New Cotswolds”, which has been listed as one of the eight places highlighted by Country Life for being less swamped by tourists and more affordable – albeit not everywhere.
The villages to the southwest of Northampton close to the Oxfordshire border – such as Culworth – were also mentioned in Tatler this summer, as well as the market town of Brackley.
Culworth is located on a hilltop, with views over almost three different counties.
It was once home to the notorious Culworth Gang – a band of highwaymen that had carried out 47 recorded robberies, along with other offences.
The settlement is described by its parish council as “thriving”, and has a primary school, a pub, a butcher, as well as a coffee shop.
Culworth was first settled in the Iron Age settlers, who utilised its good defensive position.
Later, in the early 12th century, a motte and bailey castle was built alongside the ancient trackway known as the Welsh Way.
The historic town of Brackley is known widely for its Georgian architecture, weekly market and close proximity to the Silverstone race track, which hosts the British Grand Prix.
There is a wide range of shops and cafes, and a the remnants of a nearby 13th castle to explore.
New houses have been built of late in the town, such as at the Fairways site in Brackley Village, which has seen a boost to the population.
Rightmove says that house prices in Northamptonshire have had overall average of £311,786 over the last year, way more affordable than the Cotswolds.
Specifically, the figure is £356,678 in Brackley.
However, if you wanted to live in Culworth, you’d have to fork out nearer to £489,286 – more than the average seen in the Cotswolds.
