Guiting Power and Temple Guiting are two exceptionally beautiful villages in the Cotswolds ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, encircled by Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and the Regency city of Cheltenham 12 miles to the west. With honeycomb-coloured houses, rolling hills, country lanes and drystone walls being a common sighting, this area makes a perfect romantic getaway destination. Get your skates on and book ahead of Valentine’s weekend!
For those looking for a more permanent option, come for a stroll through the Windrush Valley looking at the lifestyle, the schools, local events and property nuances, with our advisor Gemma Maclaran who is based in the Cotswolds herself and knows just how coveted the country cottages and old farmhouses of this area are.
While the Old Post Office in Guiting Power is only part-time in its original function these days, it’s now also an important hub of the community as a place where you can get barista coffee, lunch and post your parcels. It’s popular with cyclists and walkers, and dogs are welcome.
This is very much a walking and cycling country. There’s a lovely walk through Guiting Woods or you could take The Wardens’ Way to Winchcombe. And the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway route from Toddington station is a lot of fun for all ages.
For a small village, Guiting Power has plenty of amenities. As well as the Post Office and village shop, there’s a playground, two pubs (The Hollow Bottom and The Farmers Arms – the latter even having an old-school skittle alley!). The recently-opened Cotswold Guy shop offers high-end seasonal and local food produce and delivery service. And, of course, it’s impossible not to mention Daylesford Organic (‘a retail heaven of organic gorgeousness’ according to The Independent) and Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton – which are attractions in their own right for many house-hunters.
For many of our clients, the local schools will be a major factor in moving out from London, returning from abroad, or settling in the UK. From primary through secondary, there are lots of good schools in this part of the Cotswolds including the ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted rating, June 2022) Cotswold Montessori, the very popular Temple Guiting Primary School, the renowned Cheltenham Ladies College and St Edward’s, which is situated nearby, in Cheltenham.
Just two miles away is Naunton Downs – a sporting and lifestyle destination in 200 acres of Cotswolds countryside offering an 18-hole golf course, children’s camps, two restaurants, shop, fitness club and events. The nearby Cotswold Club Equestrian mixes social and world-class equestrian facilities. And, of course, Cheltenham – voted by the Racing Post as ‘the greatest racecourse in the world’ and host to one of the UK’s great sporting festivals, is just 10 miles away, while there’s premier league rugby at Gloucester Rugby Club within half an hour’s drive.
Within a 15-minute drive of Guiting Power you’ll find the Cotswold Farm Park, Sudeley Castle, Birdland Park & Gardens, The Model Village in Bourton on the Water, and the annual Guiting Music Festival which has been showcasing Classical, Jazz and Blues from artists from around the world for 50 years.
If there’s a wedding in the pipeline, Temple Guiting Manor & Barns is an exquisite venue. The 12th century St Mary’s Church in Temple Guiting is equally picturesque.
Whether you are looking to move out to the countryside, or for a second home, this area of the Cotswolds is a wonderful part of the world, and near enough to commute back to London, particularly if you don’t have to be in the office five days a week. The predominant architecture is 17th and 18th century Cotswold limestone cottages and farmhouses, many of which are Listed. A four-bedroom house in good condition with an acre of land will cost approximately £2m.
The Guitings and surrounds are much sought after, appealing to a wide range of buyers. Young families are drawn to the area as there are lots of good schools, plenty of activities and the cultural appeal of Cheltenham nearby. It’s also very popular for couples retiring, seeking a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. With lots of wonderful bridleways around and at least four race-horse trainers nearby it’s also very popular with anyone with an interest in equestianism.
A lot of property in the villages is owned by the Guiting Power Amenity Trust so houses don’t come on the market often. When they do they are snapped up almost immediately, so it pays to have someone with their ears to the ground on your behalf.