Call us biased but we think the Cotswolds is the most beautiful area in the UK. Offering a mix of stunning natural landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, it’s the perfect place to not only visit, but to live. 

Tourists and residents alike are drawn to the area for its chocolate box cottages and local yellow Cotswold stone homes that you can find at every turn. Visitors are spoilt for choice when coming to the Cotswolds – from quintessential villages, bustling towns and not forgetting the surrounding larger cities all within easy commute.

It is just this combination of idyllic rural locations connected to larger towns and cities via a  well-established road network that makes the Cotswolds a fantastic place to live. In fact, many visitors to the Cotswolds return to live long here – long after their holiday has ended. 

It is easy to see why the Cotswolds is a good place to invest in property – not only in a home for you and your family to put down roots – but also in property to rent in the Cotswolds, from which you can earn a healthy income. 

Well-established commuter routes

The Cotswold property market saw a boom following the pandemic of 2020/2021 as many city dwellers looked to re-address their work-life balance and flexible working became the norm. And with the improvement in WiFi infrastructure across the Cotswolds, many of the towns and villages have become viable places to work from home. 

Additionally, for those looking for a more rural way of life without acquiring a horrendous commute, the well-established road and rail network across the area is a particular draw. Train stations such as Kemble, Oxford City, Oxford Parkway, Charlbury, Kingham, Moreton-In-Marsh and Swindon all serving London and Oxford. The road network links many of the towns and villages into the surrounding cities such as Cirencester, Bath, Cheltenham and Swindon.  

Variety of property types

This connectivity is just one of the reasons why the Cotswolds remains a popular place to live and work. The character and uniqueness of the properties hidden in the Cotswolds is another reason the area is still a favourite place for many to call home.

Large family-sized properties can be found on the edge of villages – with access to all the amenities on offer – as well as in more out-of-town, rural areas. Families can choose from cleverly renovated and extended cottages to spacious barn conversions and modernised farmhouses.

Equally couples of all ages are drawn to the Cotswolds by the opportunity to live in a stunning town centre property. Having a fabulous local pub, a choice of independent shops and a locally-owned coffee shop or café on your doorstep is a draw for couples old and young. Where else in the country can you live in the centre of town yet not feel hemmed in by car-filled roads and pedestrian-packed pavements?

Well-known locations and hidden gems

And with so many beautiful villages, towns and rural countryside for house hunters to choose from, it is easy to see how the rental market can remain buoyant.

Particular favourite rental spots are the thriving towns of Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh. It is here in these more ‘famous’ spots that many people looking to move to the Cotswolds will start their search. 

Burford

There are many reasons why you might consider Burford as your dream home location! For starters, as you make your way down Burford’s famous high street, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the River Windrush, its historic three-arched medieval bridge, and an impressive church. On both sides of the street stands an unbroken line of ancient houses and shops that have remained largely untouched for centuries.

Burford is a popular destination for visitors, offering not only beauty and history, but also a variety of shopping options – particularly antiques – and a diverse range of dining options, with restaurants, pubs and teashops to suit all tastes. Visitors can stay at a hotel once frequented by King Charles and Nell Gwynn, dine where Nelson dined, or visit England’s oldest pharmacy, a chemist since 1734.

This popular Cotswold village makes for the perfect setting to put down family roots, or seek more properties to add to your portfolio.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming Cotswold town that is full of character and charm. This town is located on top of an 800-foot hill, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the town’s narrow streets and alleyways, enjoy a drink in one of the many traditional pubs, or take a stroll through the beautiful nearby countryside.

Whether you’re looking for your dream home or seeking a rental property, you can’t go wrong with Stow-on-the-Wold.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as “The Venice of the Cotswolds,” is a popular destination for both visitors and new property owners looking for a Cotswolds investment.

This picturesque village is situated on the River Windrush, and it offers a variety of activities for visitors and locals, including exploring local shops and restaurants, taking a stroll along the river, or visiting the model village which is a one-ninth-scale replica of the village itself. The village is famous for its beautiful stone bridges that span across the river, making it a particularly scenic destination.

Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton-in-Marsh is a popular market town that is located in the northern part of the Cotswolds. This town is known for its vibrant community, friendly locals and stunning countryside.

The town centre has many fine buildings and is home to a weekly market which is held every Tuesday. The town also has a train station which makes it easy to travel to London or other nearby cities.

Finding the perfect location for your new property investment

However, as experts in Cotswold lettings, the team at The Cotswold Letting Agency are quick to advise on lesser-known places to live.

Villages such as The Rissingtons, Eastleach, Northleach, Lechlade or Naunton attract property owners who want their money to go a little further without compromising on how well their property will appeal to potential renters.

Want to know more about investing in rental property?

If you’re interested in investing in a Cotswold property but would like a little more advice and local expertise the team at The Cotswold letting agency are always on hand. They are able to offer advice on long term rentals in the Cotswolds as well as everything you need to know about short term lets in the Cotswolds.

Get in touch with the team via email: Hello@cotswoldlettingagency.com or by telephone on 01993 684572