Posted on December 17, 2021
With only a couple of weeks left of 2021, you’ll probably find yourself reflecting on the past year and making plans for what lies ahead. One question which we know is on many minds: should I make the leap to the countryside?
In the age of flexible working, the opportunity to choose country life without compromising work or your career has never been greater, and The Cotswolds offer the very best of true country living. Rural and peaceful enough to slow down and appreciate the surrounding nature, with fantastic travel links for easy commutes to surrounding towns and cities.
Rather than share factual reasons why The Cotswolds is an amazing place to live, we thought it would be best to share why we and our fellow Cotswolds residents and friends love living in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty…
Peter and Francesca @sharvellproperty
“The Cotswolds has been our home for many years now. We never cease to be blown away by the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the stunning villages and towns dotted throughout. With three active boys we are always out and about discovering new corners of the Cotswolds with long walks through woodland and meadows, stopping at cosy country pubs. There is so much on the doorstep with boutique shops, farm shops, cafes, delis. It is a charming place to live and whilst much of it is quaint and pretty we also love the rustic parts which are a little less discovered.”
Lizzie from @theoscarcollective
Specialists in 19th Century Italian & French and European mid-century decorative antiques and interiors.
“I feel so blessed living in Painswick nestled in the rolling hills of the Golden Valleys, the heart of Laurie Lee country. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty but also so many creative people have chosen to live here, artists, writers, artisans, designers. I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with very talented fabric designers including Parker & Jules and Josephine Munsey, both of whom draw their inspiration from nature in our beautiful surroundings.”
Anna from @vivaansie
Designer of Merino tops, cotton T’s, super soft joggers and sweatshirts embroidered with neon, animal print or sparkle.
"I grew up in the Cotswolds and now live here with my husband and 3 children. I love the stunning countryside for amazing dog walks and riding. And we are very lucky with so many incredible pubs serving amazing food and drinks."
Natalie from @medium_room
Expert in sourcing vintage, antique paintings & prints
“The Cotswolds are easy to love, pretty villages, great pubs and wonderful walks. Living here for nearly eight years now I’m also enjoying the flurry of independent shops and innovative small businesses that are popping up all over the area. The Cotswolds aren’t necessarily known for its creative businesses but happily I think this is on the rise.”
Brooke from @ourcotswoldhouse
Sharing her Grade II Listed renovation in The Cotswolds and interiors
“Of course we all know how beautiful the villages are, but to me the beauty of living here is more than that - it’s being able to spend time with loved ones, uninterrupted. We can go for a walk in some of the most beautiful woods and valleys and barely see a soul. And yet if we need some culture, great food and company, you’ll be in town within 20 minutes too.”
Archie and Caddy from @originalhouseinteriors
Specialists in decorative antiques, vintage and industrial furniture and lighting.
“We feel that the Cotswolds has a great level of energy to it. Whether it is the abundance of top notch places to eat or unusual independent places to shop. The Cotswolds also has its hidden gems, unchanged by the passage of time and fashion. We love the clear seasons the Cotswolds gets from a wintery -10 degrees with weeks of sledging in Miserden to lazy 30 degree strolls along the Coln river in the summer."
Kate from @kateevansstyle
Image Consultant & Coach
“It is not surprising that the Cotswolds draws people from all over the world to visit- as it really does deliver! Stunning countryside, beautiful architecture, great independent shops and restaurants and amazing food producers all nestled amongst a timeless scenery. There is always so much going on, so whilst you might live in the countryside, life, culture and variety is always so close by.”