An Advertising Feature
It’s been referred to as the Beverley Hills of the UK due to A listers flocking there to avoid the constant scrutiny of the media in London. People from all over are hopping on cheap flights to the UK and heading to The Cotswolds to see why stars such as Lily Allen, Liz Hurley, Pete Doherty and Hugh Grant have all chosen to make The Cotswolds their home.
The Cotswolds is the UK’s largest area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretching 90 by 25 miles from Cheltenham and Cirencester in the west to Oxford and Banbury in the east. The green, rolling hills, quiet country pubs and villages with quaint names such as Shipston-on-Stour, Stow-on-Wold and Chipping Campden all epitomise the English country-side; all this just 90 minute limo ride away from London. Setting up home in The Cotswalds means these celebs can live in the countryside but be close enough to the big smoke to be able to rush there should they need to jet away to LA to start filming a new movie or to record their new album.
Another highly desirable element of the area is that locals are so used to exchanging pleasantries with Hollywood starlets whilst buying their morning paper or nodding good morning to rock stars as they head out to walk the dog that they have become nonplussed by their presence and leave them to their own devices. Celebrities who are normally hounded by the paparazzi day in day out and who can’t leave the house without selecting the right outfit can finally relax and get on with living a normal life.
It’s not hard to understand why the charming, honey-coloured limestone houses associated with the region attract the stars. Not only are the houses large and set in acres of private land but they are either decked out with spectacular facilities or they offer a blank canvas for the stars to spend their cash creating the dream home that they always dreamed of and can now afford. It’s not unusual for homes to come with their own lakes, stables, rose gardens and grand summerhouses. Some homes already have impressive recording studios and cinemas as standard but if not, there is certainly room to build them.
The Cotswolds has carved itself quite the reputation for producing some of the countries freshest and most delicious produce. The locals firmly believe in the idea of supporting their own farmers and this organic, healthy lifestyle appeals to celebrities. In fact, the trend seems to be rubbing off on the stars with Alex James of Blur fame making a name for himself producing cheese and Kate Moss trying her hand at jam making. The area is also full of cosy, award-winning gastropubs which are some of the very best in the country and mean that they can dine out with their newest boyfriend or girlfriend, at high quality restaurants without having to head into London.
After visiting the region, it’s difficult not to be seduced by the charm and beauty responsible for attracting such fascinating residents.
