Our guide to the charming Cotswold town, Stow-on-the-Wold

From its vantage point on an 800 foot hill, Stow-on-the-Wold commands wonderful views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside. Countryside so precious that it’s been awarded National Landscape status – one of 46 “places so special they have been designated in the national interest.”

“It’s a beautiful area, first and foremost,” says Leigh Glazebrook, Knight Frank Partner and Stow-on-the-Wold Office Head. “It has really pretty architecture, rolling countryside, plenty of places to visit and really progressive facilities.”

The huge appeal of Stow-on-the-Wold

The bustling Cotswold market town appeals to those looking for their own beautiful place to call home. It offers a laid-back quality of life and relative value for money without feeling totally cut off. London, Oxford and Birmingham are all accessible, as are numerous charming Cotswold towns and villages.

The ability to reach London in around 90 minutes by train, or Oxford in 25-45 minutes holds great appeal. The M40 and A40 provide good road links too. It’s a very accessible area, despite its rural location.

The area’s always been appealing, but nearly ten years ago it became even more desirable. The exclusive members’ club, Soho House, opened their rural, Cotswold home in 2015 – Soho Farmhouse. Located in Chipping Norton, Soho Farmhouse offers a social space with a spa, gym, restaurants and outdoor activities. It’s been a progressive addition to the local area, and has certainly introduced a new market to its neighbouring Cotswolds villages. Add to that Daylesford Organic which has grown enormously over the years. It now provides shopping, dining and a cookery school. Plus a new health and wellness centre – The Club by Bamford.

“Since Covid, a new demographic of buyers has appeared in the Cotswolds,” explains Glazebrook. “Buyers in their 30s and 40s with young families who would’ve stayed in London until they retire, now have a more flexible work-life balance and want to take advantage of the Cotswolds lifestyle much sooner.”

The good local schools are also key factors. An abundance of popular primary schools are coupled with The Cotswold School and Chipping Campden School, two outstanding state schools nearby. For private education, there’s Kitebrook and Kingham Hill with further options in Cheltenham, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon which are all within easy reach.

The Moreton-in-Marsh Show

Capturing the Cotswold countryside in a day, the annual Moreton-in-Marsh Show is a wonderful, social event. In 2024, it takes place on Saturday 7th September. It’s a day full of farming, food and family fun. Watch the sheep shearing, show jumping and Shetland Pony Grand National. Shop wonderful artisan produce and crafts, and sample delicious local food. For the local Knight Frank team, it’s a brilliant day of socialising and chatting to the local community.

The best local products

The area regularly hosts a wide variety of festivals and events. It does Christmas exceptionally well. The Christmas Cotswold Fair is a highlight with an array of independent shopping with proceeds going to the WellChild charity.

The Big Feastival in Kingham is a wonderful combination of good food and good music. It’s held on Alex James’ farm (yes, Alex of Blur fame) over a weekend at the end of August.

Year round, there’s a wealth of local producers to celebrate. There’s always Cotswolds fudge in the Stow-on-the-Wold Knight Frank office! The Cotswold Distillery produces fantastic gin. Daylesford Farm in Kingham is a must-visit place for incredible, organic produce or to stop for a bite to eat.

Stow-on-the-Wold has a monthly farmers market. In nearby Moreton-in-Marsh, there’s a weekly market each Tuesday. It’s as easy to buy local products from the producers as it is to go to the supermarket.

Foodie destinations

Quality local produce is celebrated in restaurants and cafes around the Cotswolds area too. In Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Butcher’s is a wonderful restaurant for nose to tail, award-winning gourmet dining.

When it comes to brilliant pubs, you’re spoilt for choice. The Porch House is said to be the oldest inn in England and dates back to 947 AD. The Old Stocks is a beautiful 17th century pub with great food and drink. The Sheep does delightful small plates, as well as a cracking Sunday roast.

For a decent cuppa, head to artisan micro roastery, Stow Town Coffee for a takeaway. It’s the perfect start to your day.

Arts and cultural hotspots

Stow-on-the-Wold has a thriving arts scene. ArtÓ in Brewery Yard is a hub for creatives, showcasing featured artists and providing flexible working spaces. Clarendon Fine Art has an elegant gallery space on The Square which specialises in contemporary paintings and sculpture.

The area hosts a variety of cultural festivals too. The Dean and Chadlington Summer Music Festival brings classical music to the Cotswolds. Also in summer, Longborough Festival Opera takes place in a 500-seat home-grown theatre near Stow-on-the-Wold. Sit back and enjoy amazing opera whilst looking out over stunning views of the Evenlode valley.

Nearby Cheltenham is home to the world’s largest literary festival each October. Year round, it hosts festivals spanning science, jazz and music too.

Country pursuits

Being surrounded by outstandingly beautiful countryside lends itself to outdoor pursuits. Whether you want to explore it by foot, horse or bicycle, there’s a wealth of tracks to follow. The Cotswold Way is a 102 mile walk from Chipping Campden to Bath passing through charming towns and villages, and providing magnificent views along the way.

There are many clubs for sports fans and an abundance of equine facilities too. The local Stow-on-the-Wold rugby club is particularly popular. The family-friendly community club has fabulous juniors and minis sections.

Five of the finest houses for sale around Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold boasts many beautiful properties, from period cottages to country estates. You’ll also find stylish contemporary homes which can be a real draw. “It’s a really desirable part of the country,” explains Glazebrook. “Property performs really well here,” he adds.

Five to six bedroom house, Paxford

Cleverly designed by a local Cotswold architect, the aptly named Round House has a distinctive circular structure. This wonderful home seamlessly blends the ambiance and charm of the original period property with the modern extensions and enhancements.

The Round House enjoys a great deal of privacy. The home’s nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds. That provides ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the far-reaching Cotswolds views. There’s a heated swimming pool and terrace for outdoor dining. It’s a great place to entertain friends, with ample indoor and outdoor social spaces. This enchanting home has a guide price of £3,750,000.

Four bedroom house, Stow-on-the-Wold

Windrush is a stunning Cotswold stone property located on the edge of Stow-on-the-Wold, with possibly the best views in town. It offers a wonderful slice of Cotswold life – the ability to immerse yourself in the rural landscape, yet still walk to town and the local amenities.

From the front of the house, you can enjoy those glorious country views. There’s an easy flow around the generous living space. In fact, this impressive, detached house with its sizeable plot, has an overall feeling of space. Windrush has a guide price of £1,895,000.

Three to four bedroom house, Broadwell

If you’re after the picture perfect Cotswold village life, Roses Cottage in Broadwell ticks the boxes. The pretty, period cottage is in the heart of the village and overlooks the green. That means it’s walking distance to The Fox Inn pub and village hall.

The double fronted cottage has period features and a welcoming ambience. The large fireplace with wood burning stove provides a gorgeous focal point in the drawing room. There’s an additional sitting room on the first floor which could transform into a generous double bedroom. An adjoining annexe provides useful, separate accommodation. This attractive Cotswolds cottage has a guide price of £1,195,000.

Four to six bedroom house, Chipping Norton

The Tack Rooms is an exceptional conversion presented to a very high standard. It’s an attractive combination of traditional Cotswold style with sleek, modern interior design. Large glass doors allow natural light to flood into the space and also frame the views outside.

The kitchen and dining area is particularly impressive. There’s a bespoke Bulthaup kitchen, handy pantry and light-filled living space which is ideal for entertaining. An outbuilding has been converted for use as a garage. It also has ancillary accommodation upstairs. The Tack Rooms makes an incredible family home and has a guide price of £1,500,000.

Six bedroom townhouse, Moreton-in-Marsh

This is a rare opportunity to own an important Grade II listed Palladian townhouse with a prominent position in the vibrant market town, Moreton-in-Marsh. Having undergone extensive renovations, The Steps makes a wonderful family home boasting period character, a grand elegance and modern features.

Undoubtedly, the heart of the home is the kitchen and breakfast room, which has been handcrafted by Damian Spratley of Central St Martin’s College.

The gardens are a remarkable feature of this attractive house. Extending to around half an acre, they offer a tranquil retreat. As you relax there, it’s easy to forget that you’re mere moments from the bustling High Street. With six bedrooms and three reception rooms, The Steps makes an amazing home and has a guide price of £2,250,000.

Stow-on-the-Wold local, Leigh Glazebrook, has helped numerous people find their ideal home here. He and his team would love to help you too. He says, “The vast majority of people who relocate here only have one regret – that they didn’t do it sooner.”                                                                         

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