RESIDENCE THE MAGAZINE OF THE SPITFIRE COTSWOLD COLLECTION
The Cotswold Distilling Company PASSIONATEabout DESIGN Just what is it that makes a Spitfire home so special?
THE ATTRACTION OF VILLAGE LIFE Not just a physical location, but a state of mind
with a COTSWOLD TWIST The Cotswolds Distillery The Spitfire Cotswold Collection
Welcome Page 12
Just what is it that makes the Cotswolds such a draw for young professionals, families, downsizers and retirees alike? Well, after reading this issue of Residence, the magazine of the Spitfire Cotswold Collection, it should all become clear. Throughout these pages you’ll learn more about this picturesque region’s many and varied attractions; about the exclusive homes Spitfire is creating in four scenic towns and villages, and an insight into what goes into the design, interiors and specification of these distinctive homes. State-of-the-art technology meets traditional craftsmanship. There are also features on downsizing and what the new pensions legislation means for you - and for when you want to relax, articles on what the Cotswolds offer in terms of spas and picnics, not Page 16 forgetting a local gin distillery of renown. So, read on and discover the real character of an area that is historic, beautiful and quintessentially English – and perennially popular.
Contents
04 Flying High. The Spitfire Story 06 Welcome to Spitfire 08 The Cotswolds. Rural retreat and elegant chic
10 Downsize without compromise Adopting the local architectural vernacular gives each Spitfire 12 The recipe for the perfect kitchen development its unique sense of place. 15 The Cotswold Collection specification 16 The Cotswold Collection. An architect’s vision Page 36 18 Crossways, Stow-on-the-Wold 20 The Rise, Chipping Campden 22 The Mill, Chipping Campden 24 Stoneways, Fairford 26 Highworth, Broadway 30 Subaru. The perfect choice for Cotswold life 32 Dine al fresco 34 Turning pensions into property 36 Craft distillery 38 Let stresses melt away at a Cotswold Spa How one man created a London dry style gin with a Cotswold twist. 42 The Sport of Kings
Lower Slaughter The information contained within this magazine is correct at the time of going to press. Illustrations on pages 19, 21-23, 25 and 27 are artists impressions and are indicative only. Residence | 3 The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Fairways, Little Aston of receivership when Edmiston joined up. He travels the world to witness and the fledgling FD was tasked with poverty and hardship first hand, making massive redundancies. entering countries ravaged by war to Jensen Motors may have been help refugees. “I believe in providence, Flying High based in West Bromwich, but Frank rather than luck. I am in a position Sinatra drove an Interceptor. This to do lots of small things for lots of was a cool brand in hot water. people and the virtue of generosity is an important one to live by. I want to The business stopped making cars, but help make the world a better place.” those still out there needed parts and THE SPITFIRE STORY services and so Jensen Parts & Service was born with Edmiston, showing steel By Rupert Bates and vision beyond his years, trading “ his redundancy money for 15% of the Nobody starts a business to fail, but new company. But Edmiston wanted to brinkmanship often comes into play Being picked up in an Isuzu sell cars too and the first franchise he The Pines, Ascot won was Subaru; the irony of his father and you have to be prepared to lose truck should have been a clue. having flown Spitfires and Hurricanes against the Japanese in the war not The second was the offices; “The only majority stake is 100%. Anything lost on Edmiston as he built a very the foyer decked out as a car else is a minority,” says Edmiston with a special and successful relationship ” smile, but he means it. Financial services showroom with this junction off with the country. The Spitfire name to car dealers and customers followed, There is one vehicle out of place in the the M42 very much Japanese for the housebuilding business did not as did property, building up an industrial, Coleshill car park. It is Lord Edmiston’s however derive from Edmiston’s father’s in automotive flavour. With commercial and retail portfolio, before Range Rover, but whether Spitfire site wartime exploits. “I was driving to see the housebuilding part of adding residential to the mix. managers get reasonable fleet deals on Tim Wooldridge to talk about launching their Isuzu trucks he is not divulging. the business named after the the business and I saw a Spitfire do a Lord Edmiston’s son Andrew Edmiston Spitfire likes its mix of the classical and roll over the M40,” says David Jervis, famous World War Two fighter is now managing director of the IM the contemporary, using locally sourced Managing Director of the Spitfire Brand. plane, it was all most confusing. Group, driving the car business in materials, craftsmen and suppliers particular. “I keep a paternal eye on where possible. You may see a modern pitfire Bespoke Homes based things and love what I do. It can take 10 twist on the Victorian vernacular at out of Coleshill in the West years to build a small business or a big The Fairways in Little Aston, Sutton Midlands, won silver in the Best “ business, so why waste time building Coldfield, or a thatched cottage beside Small Housebuilder category It can take 10 years to build a small a small one?” says Lord Edmiston, a Palladian style villa and refurbished ofS the 2015 WhatHouse? Awards. This created a life peer in 2011, but who has barns at Hall Farm Estate, Knowle, near business or a big business, so why was recognition from the housebuilding birthday and it is an extraordinary story, companies in the UK with a £1bn now retired from the House of Lords. Solihull. Spitfire has its radar on the industry that provides credibility and founded on the conviction, passion, drive development and investment portfolio waste time building a small one? south too with projects in the likes of status to this relative newcomer, and and smart thinking of company chairman across Europe and the USA. “I know how hard to swim, but which Ascot, Henley-on-Thames and Stow- elevates the company’s profile within Lord Edmiston – originally a man of spare way? You have to be aware of the ‘what on-the-Wold. But if you see a vehicle the industry and in the market place. car parts, but now a peer of the realm of Starting a housebuilder was the next step if?’ Nobody starts a business to fail, on site that isn’t in the IM franchise considerable means across the worlds of and for Spitfire, on the land acquisition ” Spitfire plans to capitalize on its success, but brinkmanship often comes into portfolio, have a word with his lordship. with sites already operational that will motoring, property and finance – one of trail with agile prudency, the bank of dad Like many a great entrepreneur Edmiston, play and you have to be prepared to double turnover year-on-year Britain’s most successful businessmen is considerable and a huge resource in a born in India in 1946, started trading lose,” says Edmiston, who lives in the Rupert Bates is editorial director for for 2016. In 2017 it has sites and a generous competitive and fast-moving new homes young. Growing up in Kenya he paid for Warwickshire village of Lapworth. He Globespan Media’s brands – Showhouse, Lord Edmiston philanthropist. market. Backed by a developer used to with planning consents to an air rifle to hunt guinea fowl in the bush remains passionate about the business, What House? and Homes Overseas Chairman, IM Group deliver more than 250 homes. holding commercial assets long term, the by removing flowers from roundabouts with trust and honesty key tenets and his magazine. He has also written for The The property arm company was able to purchase a bank of and selling them door-to-door. He was employees an extended family all getting Sunday Telegraph, is the property This is ambitious stuff and of the company was high-quality sites in quick succession. also into buying and selling used cars a turkey for Christmas and a discretionary editor of The Field magazine and has rapid growth for a company formed in 1987, building at an early age. So the motor trade was annual bonus, not to mention generous appeared on TV and radio on a wide that is just five years old. industrial parks and an So where did it all start? The offer clearly for him, although he had an early parties and trips, once taking more than variety of international property matters. But Spitfire’s parent is IM extensive investment to Bob Edmiston of a position as the eye for a property deal too, dabbling in 400 staff to Paris for several days. Properties, part of the business and it is now, financial director of Jensen Motors, buy-to-let investments in the Midlands. £700m IM Group. IM stands under the stewardship of one of the great names in British Edmiston’s faith is immensely strong for International Motors, IM Properties managing automotive history, seemed the dream Subaru was followed by Hyundai and and important to him as a committed which is where the cars director Tim Wooldridge, job for the former Chrysler treasury Isuzu and by 1987, with Edmiston 100% Christian, with the IM Group and come in. This year the IM one of the largest clerk in his late 20s. But the company, owner of the business having bought out Edmiston personally donating millions Group celebrates its 40th privately owned property owned by Kjell Qvale, was on the cusp Qvale, IM was turning over more than £100m. to the Christian Vision charity he set
4 | Residence Residence | 5 The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Spitfire Cotswold Collection Welcome to SPITFIRE
Although only five years old, Spitfire has already rom its headquarters in Warwickshire, Spitfire gained a strong reputation for creating award- began making its mark on the discerning 2 market in Central England, and earlier this year winning, small-scale developments in premium it established an additional South East office in The vision and the values Maidenhead,F focusing on desirable locations in Berkshire, locations. Backed by its parent company, IM Group Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. Limited, which in addition to being a widely respected Spitfire is passionate about creating homes with character, carefully crafted to meet the needs of international developer of commercial and industrial But what makes Spitfire different is its bespoke approach contemporary homeowners, balancing practicality to the design process, an ethos that has become properties also acts as the official importers for Subaru with timeless design that responds to, and blends synonymous with creating quality, beautifully designed cars across Europe, Spitfire has soon established in with, its surroundings. Key to this is being able to homes with a real sense of individuality, and which successfully deliver architectural harmony; the balance itself as a niche developer of homes of character gives Spitfire a distinct differentiation in an increasingly between the old and new; the classic and contemporary. and distinction. discerning marketplace. Whether it’s a city centre apartment, a highly individual barn conversion or a Palladian style villa, you’ll see the 3 same key values inherent in every Spitfire development.
This starts with the choice of a select location; often idyllically positioned within quaint villages and historic towns or strategically positioned within prosperous economic centres. An individual approach to design ensures the homes are ideally suited to their setting. Throughout the whole design and construction process Spitfire ensures the active implementation and promotion of sustainable practices and of course, that the quality of construction reflects and brings to life the care and attention given to the design of each home.
4 Finally, delivering an exemplary level of customer service remains at the very heart of the Spitfire brand; responding quickly to the requirements of purchasers and offering tailor-made customer care services to ensure their experience is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
1. The Pines, Ascot For more information about Spitfire, its current 2. Hall Farm Estate, Knowle 3. The Fairways, Little Aston portfolio of new homes and its Customer Care 4. Hall Farm Estate, Knowle Charter please visit spitfirepg.co.uk
6 | Residence 1 Residence | 7 The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Spitfire Cotswold Collection
Pershore ETTINGTON Station A46 A44 A3400 A422
Honeybourne Station A4104 Evesham Station A429 EVESHAM Hidcote B4035 Manor Garden THE COTSWOLDS B4081 A44 B4035
B4035 rural retreat and elegant chic. Bredon Hill National Nature A46 1 B4035 8 Reserve CHIPPING BROADWAY CAMPDEN 3 M5 2 A429 B4081 A46 The superb selection of primary, A44 secondary, public and state schools A3400 throughout the region is a definite 9 A46 B4479 Moreton-in-Marsh Station attraction for families, especially The Ashchurch for Tewkesbury B4077 A44 Cotswold School which is ideally located Station A435 a few miles from Stow-on-the-Wold, A44 A429 A436 and Chipping Campden School which M5 are rated respectively as outstanding A38 WINCHCOMBE B4077 and good by Ofsted. In addition, CHIPPING all of the developments in Spitfire’s NORTON Cotswold Collection are within a 4 A436 convenient distance of the well 10 A435 STOW-ON-THE-WOLD B4450 renowned Cheltenham Ladies School, A4019 B4068 Cheltenham College and Kitebrook CHELTENHAM A429 School. Cheltenham Spa Station A361 A40 11 BOURTON-ON- When it comes to performance, according A436 A436 THE-WATER 1 to figures from Knight Frank, the A40 A424 Leamington Road Cotswold property market has shown M5 ANDOVERSFORD A435 over a 10% increase in values over the A436 A40 SHIPTON-UNDER Ascott-under Badgers Field last two years and the long-term outlook A429 -WYCHWOOD -Wychwood 2 Station for the prime market is positive. For A417 now, interest rates remain at record A424 Wychwood B4437 3 Berrington Mill low levels, demand is high, economic National Nature A361 Reserve Upper Swell, near Stow-on-the-Wold growth is steady and mortgage rates A46 A40 A417 are competitive. Research shows that A429 4 Ashton House pitfire’s Cotswold Collection And for all its rustic allure, the region the London market is ‘cooling off’ which A435 BURFORD Cotswolds was born out of a passion is also perfectly placed for commuting. means London-based buyers have a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty A40 to offer stunning new homes Located approximately 90 minutes from great opportunity to purchase in one B4070 B4425 5 Saxon Way that complement its ethos; London by train, the Cotswolds is served of the country’s most idyllic and toS create homes of distinction with by excellent links to the M4, M5 and M40 commuter friendly locations. A417 B4425 individual personalities in some of for Bristol, the Midlands and the South. A361 the UK’s most desirable locations. The Cotswolds is also an area that has In this magazine you’ll find profiles of A429 CARTERTON Homes built with traditional materials wide appeal across the whole spectrum of the Spitfire developments in Chipping sourced locally so that they reflect buyers; those who want to enjoy the slower Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway B4425 the character and ambience of the pace of life of semi-rural living and also and Fairford; developments offering location. With its fine collection those for whom the stylish boutiques and homes of distinction in quintessential CIRENCESTER of historic and scenic towns and restaurants offer a metropolitan ambience in Cotswold locations. A361 A4095 A419 A419 A417 villages the Cotswolds met these the countryside. Buyers here are just as likely A417 A429 5 criteria perfectly. to be drawn from those living locally, those A419 FAIRFORD A417 living in London and international buyers. But just what is it that makes the Reasons to move here are as diverse; for a A429 A4095 A433 Cotswolds such a desirable place to change of scenery and slower pace of living A361 live? For many it’s the area’s inherent as part of a lifestyle change, a desire for a 1. Highworth, 2. The Rise, 3.A4 19The Mill, 4. Crossways, A417 5. Stoneways, picturesque charm. It’s the largest of second home or even a ‘buy to let’ property. Broadway Chipping Campden Chipping Campden Stow-on-the-Wold Fairford 34 designated Areas of Outstanding A selection of 2, 3, 4 Just eight 4 and 5 Eleven 4 and 5 Twenty spacious A small enclave of Natural Beauty in England renowned According to leading estate agency and 5 bedroom houses bedroom homes bedroom homes 3 and 4 bedroom just twelve 3, 4 and 5 for its unique honey-coloured stone, Knight Frank, research shows that 52% set in character areas set either side of a designed around homes in the bedroom homes with dry stone walls and gentle, rolling of buyers in the Cotswolds are drawn with panoramic views traditional lane, within an attractive village very heart of superb open views countryside that makes for some from London, 20% from the South West across open fields and walking distance of green and close to this fashionable across fields of the finest views in the country. and 10% are international buyers. Castle Combe, Cotswolds Broadway Tower. the High Street. the town centre. market town. to the west.
8 | Residence Residence | 9 The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Spitfire Cotswold Collection
ecent statistics from The Mark Johnson of leading estate agent and the surrounding countryside – appliances, plus stylish flooring and wall Prudential show that 20% Knight Frank commented ‘The Cotswolds while the homes themselves have been finishes. Homes blend the latest trends in of those aged over 55 plan is one of the most beautiful areas of designed to suit downsizers’ lifestyles. interior design with the needs for practical to downsize their property. England, it is the largest of 34 Areas of This includes space for entertaining and everyday use so the result is a superb living TheR reasons are varied; children may Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, the provision of en-suites for guests plus environment; a blank canvas to style a have long-since flown the nest, leaving known and loved by people across the of course, the benefits of being able to home you can enjoy right away. parents with more room than needed, world. Living in the Cotswolds you’re in enjoy a virtually maintenance-free new this time in life is often viewed as a stunning countryside but you have all of home with a manageable garden, brand Unlike older properties, which can be Moving on with the next phase of your life... chance for a fresh start, or an opportunity the amenities of many fantastic towns and new kitchen and bathroom and a ten- expensive to heat and light, a new Spitfire to free up some equity in order to make villages. A place in the country appears year warranty. Add the lack of stress and home is designed to be energy efficient the most of retirement. never to lose its attraction with buyers, uncertainty due to no onward chain and from the ground up. All of the homes and the enduring appeal is enhanced the result is a selection of superb homes feature extensive wall and loft insulation, For many people, the Cotswolds provides by the continuation of exceptional price that appeal to downsizers whatever quality double-glazing, the latest central the perfect retirement destination, long differentials especially when compared their motivation to move. heating and hot water systems and water DOWNSIZE viewed as an aspirational location offering to London’. efficient dual-flush toilets – all designed to picture postcard villages and an idyllic It’s also important to remember that be better for both the environment WITHOUT COMPROMISE and quieter pace of life. With a wide choice of new homes in downsizing doesn’t have to mean and your pocket. varied locations, Spitfire’s Cotswold downgrading in terms of comfort, Collection ticks all the downsizer boxes. convenience or status. All Spitfire homes With careful consideration and the right The settings have been carefully planned are carefully designed and built to preparation, when it comes to downsizing to ensure easy access to local facilities maximise the use of light and space and to the Cotswolds, it could be the best and amenities, road and rail connections feature the latest built-in energy-saving move you have ever made.
Downsizing Considerations
It may be a while since you last had your home valued, so ensure you receive up-to-date valuations from at least three local estate agents.
Be sure to factor in the costs of moving, from estate agents’ fees to stamp duty on your new home, plus solicitors’ bills and the price of hiring a removals van.
Take the time to really think about what you want from your new home; making a checklist of your most important criteria will be a big help when making decisions.
When the time comes to move, remember that you might have to be quite ruthless with your possessions. After deciding what you definitely want to take with you, ask friends and family if there is anything they would like to have, and then divide the rest up between items to sell, take to a charity shop, recycle or simply dispose of.
On an emotional level, try not to be too hard on yourself if you find it difficult to part with your belongings. You may have lived in your home for decades and you will have certainly made lots of memories. Take some time to allow yourself to reminisce, but also try to hold sight of the reason you are downsizing.
10 | Residence Residence | 11 The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Spitfire Cotswold Collection the recipe for A PERFECT KITCHEN
hen it came to designing ESIDENCE John, as you well know and specifying kitchens Rthere’s a huge choice of kitchen for the many and varied manufacturers out there so what is it house-types offered in their that made Hatt kitchens the right fit WCotswold Collection, it was important for Spitfire Bespoke Properties? for Spitfire to go to an award-winning UK-based manufacturer, which could OHN ELLIOTT I think the clue’s in their offer a range of hand-finished kitchens Jname. Spitfire wanted a manufacturer completely bespoke to individual who could offer hand-crafted premium properties. Such a company was Hatt, quality kitchens that are made-to-measure a Hartlebury, Worcestershire based for each of their homes. Unlike a lot of company which has been doing just that our competitors we don’t have anything for 30 years. We spoke to their Business that’s ‘off the shelf’; we just stock the raw development Manager John Elliott about materials and associated constituent parts why not all kitchens are created equal. for manufacture, fabrication and assembly. “ The perfect balance of state-of-the-art technology and traditional craftsmanship”
So you’re saying that in effect, all craftsmanship. In our factory But what about contemporary Ryour kitchens are made to order? you’ll see the latest automated R or traditional kitchens. Are they production techniques to ensure part of your range too? That’s exactly right. We take the structural integrity and consistency, J measurements of each individual including laser-fusion technology Absolutely. Another of the aspects plot and create a bespoke kitchen. for top-quality panel and door J of our business that appealed to ‘One size fits all’ might lead to edging, then all cabinets are Spitfire was the range of kitchens we economies of scale and speed of assembled by hand using traditional are able to design and manufacture. production but at the end of the day it glue and dowel methods. Many customers do want the slick ends up as a compromise. The sort of ultra-modern designs but for those buyers Spitfire attracts want the extra Our ultra-modern kitchens are who have bought in to the aspirational care and workmanship that goes into crafted in an effort to achieve an Cotswold lifestyle we also produce very creating a kitchen that’s just for them. almost mirror-like finish on our high contemporary-looking kitchens that gloss lacquered doors. These can feature traditional hand-painted Shaker- Does this mean that a Hatt kitchen be made to be handleless, creating style doors. These require extremely R is made by hand? designs usually seen in high-end labour intensive processes retail showrooms, not necessarily to achieve a smooth un-blemished, Yes and no. We have what we feel taken by house builders due to the hand-painted finish, again usually J is the perfect balance of state- added costs and technical abilities reserved for high-end retail projects of-the-art technology and traditional required to install correctly. and not house builders.
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The Cotswold Collection SPECIFICATION
All the homes in the Cotswold Collection enjoy Spitfire’s signature specification
// Traditional stone and architectural detailing // Painted Timber framed windows Aspects like the paint finishes and designer handles were created solely for Spitfire // Bespoke hand-painted kitchens “ ” // Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware // Porcelanosa ceramics // Oak veneer internal doors They say that the devil’s in Has the market changed are prepared to pay for a kitchen // Hardwood framed wardrobes in paint finish R the detail. Is this an ethos R in the time you’ve been like ours that features top brand // Wood burning stoves that Hatt subscribes to as well? working in the industry? appliances, is better built and will last. // Data and HD cabling // Contemporary LED lighting Absolutely. You can see it in Very much so. The three And finally, what does the future // Underfloor heating to ground floors J features like our soft-closing J basic kitchen styles, modern, R hold working with Spitfire? doors. Rather than fit a separate contemporary and traditional are dampener we fit this mechanism still just as popular now as they’ve Basically keeping doing what we directly into the hinge. It looks always been but customers have J do best. That’s monitoring and cleaner and more high-end. At become used to better design, reflecting the latest trends and ensuring the end of the day it’s a small quality and style in many other we continue designing kitchens that feature but it demonstrates our aspects of their life like the cars are generous in size and built to the attention to detail. Even things they drive or the phone they use, so highest standards possible, which like the paint finishes and designer their expectations have increased. combine practicality and regardless handles; these were created solely There also seems more of an of style, are stunning to look at. If for Spitfire to further enhance the appreciation of the old adage, ’You we can keep on doing that we’ll be bespoke nature of their homes. get what you pay for’ so people around for another thirty years!
Residence | 15 14 | Residence The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Spitfire Cotswold Collection
Mike Lapworth of award-winning Birmingham-based Lapworth The Cotswold Collection Architects is the man behind the design of all the developments within Spitfire’s Cotswold Collection. Here he talks about the inspirations and influences behind the exceptional designs and how they remain AN ARCHITECT’S VISION sympathetic to the area’s unique architectural style. Homes in harmony with their surroundings. The towns and villages chosen for Spitfire‘s Cotswold Collection all grew wealthy from the prosperity of the wool industry which along with limestone excavation, really shaped the Cotswolds. At first the wool was exported raw to Europe but later it was manufactured into cloth; a major industry that dominated the English economy for several centuries. The wealth generated by this trade can today be seen in many striking buildings including the ‘wool’ churches that were endowed in many settlements owhere in Britain has the with particularly fine examples in underlying rock had such Fairford and Chipping Campden. Great N a dominant effect on the Markets also sprang up all over the landscape and architecture as in the Cotswolds and Stow-on-the-Wold Cotswolds. Built mainly from stone, and Broadway are fine examples. which was dug from local quarries, the towns and villages of the Cotswolds As architects for these developments have created an architectural style we looked hard at each of the individual that is unique. This simplified style locations to understand their setting known as ‘Cotswold Vernacular’ has within their surroundings. This then dominated every building whether influenced the individual design solutions a manor or a barn for centuries and proposed for each site. The new homes despite Renaissance, Georgian and look to offer a modern housing solution Victorian influences, it has survived. with a high specification that provides all of today’s requirements whilst at A key element of this style is the the same time being harmonious with essentially functional nature of the its surroundings. In other words it buildings, which appear to grow out seeks to be a modern interpretation of the ground with sturdy walls and of the Cotswold Vernacular style. steep pitched roofs. The main features seen time and time again are simple As a result the site layouts follow the building forms with gables, square traditional organic form with the spaces
chimney stacks, dormers and small between the houses being as important
windows. Variations evolved within the as the buildings themselves. As part of basic formula giving each building its that setting estate fencing and open “ own identity. The settlement layouts spaces combine with the simple built The adoption of the local architectural vernacular gives each site its own unique sense of place were generally not regular in form but forms of the buildings that include the tended to be more organic. Differences gables, steep pitched roofs and details. “ whilst at the same time confirming without a doubt that it’s firmly rooted in the Cotswolds. in size, stature and embellishment of These features, when combined with individual buildings sit comfortably the dry stone walls, give each site its alongside each other blending into own unique sense of place whilst at the the limestone landscape from where same time confirming without a doubt the building material had come from. that it’s firmly rooted in the Cotswolds.
16 | Residence Residence | 17 The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Spitfire Cotswold Collection
Profile on Stow-on-the-Wold
he highest town in the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold offers an enticing mix of history, splendour and sophistication. Once an important sheep market in the 18th Century, the town’s reputation Places of interest today is built upon a mix of fashionable restaurants, boutiques Tand galleries that attract a distinctly chic clientele. Stow life centres around Chastleton House and Garden its magnificently elegant and imposing market place, rich in mellow Cotswold The star of BBC’s Wolf Hall, this grand honey-coloured stone with high-walled alleys leading off in all directions. Jacobean country house stands as a symbol of once great wealth and power. Here, it’s almost impossible to resist browsing for antiques, crafts, high-end 01494 755560 fashion and exotic treats from the deli or fresh local produce from the farmers’ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton-house market. Bistros, brasseries, restaurants, tea shops and cosy country pubs Crossways abound. Quintessentially English, undeniably beautiful and shamelessly chic, ocated at the intersection of eight roads, the most comfortably integrate the design into the historic market town; Stow-on-the-Wold offers the very finest in elegant Cotswolds country living. Sezincote House important being the Roman Fosse Way leading across materials include Cotswold stone, blue slate, traditional timber Amidst 4,500 acres of rolling Cotswold countryside, discover a 200-year-old the Wolds to Cirencester, Crossways is a bespoke windows and timber cladding. Mogul Indian palace with its own temples, development of twenty new Cotswold properties. grottoes and water features. LocatedL on Union Street within the very heart of Stow-on-the- Crossways, Union Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, 01386 700422 Wold it has been designed to replicate the characterful stone Gloucestershire GL54 1BU www.sezincote.co.uk streets so typical of this ancient market town. Spitfire Bespoke For further information call our Selling Agents Homes have looked to the timeless Cotswold Vernacular to Knight Frank on: 01789 206967 Cotswold Farm Park All the family will love this working farm specialising in rare breeds, while children can help bottle-feed the lambs and kids. 01451 850307 www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection
Town centre A captivating museum that’s home to vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and motoring curiosities – plus a century of toys. 01451 821255 www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk
Bourton Model Railway Exhibition Enter the world of your childhood dreams with some of Britain’s finest model railway layouts. 01451 820686 www.bourtonmodelrailway.co.uk
Chastleton House
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Profile on Chipping Campden
nown as the ‘Jewel of the North Cotswolds’, Chipping Campden is a small, historic wool merchants’ market town that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Its elegantly terraced Places of interest high street dates mainly from the 14th to 17th centuries and is officiallyK designated as a conservation area in order to preserve its beauty Hidcote Manor Garden and historical importance; in fact, over 270 town buildings are similarly One of the best-known and most influential officially listed. The High Street, characterised by its attractive honey- Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain with coloured limestone buildings, offers a sophisticated selection of shops, pubs stunning ‘outdoor rooms’ created by and restaurants, with the emphasis on fine dining, artisan foods and arts linked hedges, rare trees, shrubs and & crafts. The surrounding countryside offers some of the best local walks, herbaceous borders. cycle ways and bridleways. The town’s annual International Music Festival 01386 438333 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote and Literature Festival ensures that culture lovers are also well-catered for. Batsford Arboretum The Rise Idle the day away on gorgeous nature walks amidst 2,900 trees set in 55 beautiful acres complete with streams pproached through stone piers, The Rise and five bedroom homes feature large bespoke and water features. features eight individually designed kitchens and family rooms complete with bi-fold 01386 701441 properties set either side of a traditional doors to maximise light and space. www.batsarb.co.uk lane and within easy walking distance of theA town centre. The houses will be built in Cotswold The Rise, George Lane, Chipping Campden, Court Barn Museum stone from local quarries and in the local Cotswold Gloucestershire GL55 6EL Vernacular. As the lane rises gently the countryside For further information call our Selling Agents An award-winning celebration and views begin to open to the south and east. The four Knight Frank on: 01789 206967 exploration of the Arts & Crafts movement celebrating the town’s designers and craftspeople who achieved a national and international reputation. 01386 841951 www.courtbarn.org.uk
Kiftsgate Court Gardens Kiftsgate Court Gardens Created by three generations of women gardeners this breathtaking traditional English garden features fourteen diverse areas including stunning bluebell woods. 01386 438777 www.kiftsgate.co.uk
All Things Wild Nature Centre This family friendly centre offers a fun, interactive and educational setting with animals in an environment kept as close to their natural habitat as possible. 01386 833083 Chipping Campden High Street www.allthingswild.co.uk
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The Mill
development of just eleven detached houses, The The Mill, Station Road, Chipping Campden, Mill has been designed around a village green and is Gloucestershire GL55 6HY located just a short distance past St James Church, For further information call our Selling Agents Knight Frank on: 01789 206967 close to the town centre. The use of Cotswold stone thatA characterises Chipping Campden can be seen throughout the development and each house has a distinctive Cotswold style whether it’s a parapet detail, twin gables or a canopy porch. These spacious four and five bedroom homes have been designed for families and entertaining with large open plan living areas.
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Profile on Fairford ocated on the River Coln, and dominated by the beautifully proportioned ‘wool’ church of St Mary, Fairford is a thriving ancient English market town which retains much of its old- worlde charm but combines this with a host of modern facilities. Places of interest TheL town’s main street is lined with 17th and 18th century stone houses, Cotswolds Water Park while the many inns are a reminder of Fairford’s historic significance as an important coaching town. There are relaxing walks to be had along 150 lakes set over 40 square miles offering everything from angling and the River Coln which is home to a rich diversity of wildlife while the sailing to cycling and birdwatching. picturesque countryside, particularly to the north, offers the perfect 01285 868096 opportunity for riding, cycling, walking and family picnics. Aside from www.waterpark.org playing host to a world-famous air show, Fairford is also home to an annual steam rally and the long-running Fairford Festival. Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) The world’s largest and most thrilling military air show, staged every July at Stoneways nearby RAF Fairford. www.airtattoo.com et on the northern fringe of Fairford with open views to The use of stone boundary walls and iron estate style fencing the west, this select number of stone properties built in complements the simple but traditional architectural detailing. the Cotswold style has been designed to create a small Internally the properties feature Spitfire’s signature specifications Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Garden village grouping. A pleasant green lane with mature that provide a contemporary twist on traditional design. treesS and hedges has been retained and creates two separate From lions to lizards and from penguins to primates, meet them all in a lovely English enclaves, five large detached properties with frontage to the Stoneways, Welsh Way, Fairford, Gloucestershire GL7 4GZ country house setting. lane and open countryside views and seven 3 and 4 bedroom For further information call our Selling Agents Perry Bishop 01993 823006 properties to the south accessed from a private winding road. and Chambers on: 01285 655355 www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Bowmoor Sailing Club A family-friendly club just to the south east of Fairford offering great sailing Fairford village and racing facilities. www.bowmoor.co.uk
Bowmoor Sailing Club
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Profile on Broadway
ometimes referred to as the ‘Show Village of England’, Broadway sits amidst stunning Cotswolds countryside decorated with Bluebell woods and criss-crossed by ancient lanes. At the heart of the village Places of interest lies one of the longest high streets in England, enriched with superb examplesS of Tudor, Stuart and Georgian architecture. Lined with gentle horse The Ashmolean Museum Broadway chestnut trees, here you’ll find a good mix of boutiques and independent shops Priceless treasures and object d’art from and a good choice of traditional country pubs, tea houses and restaurants. the world-famous Ashmolean, displayed The village has its own golf course and cricket club and horse riding, clay in the elegant 17th century Tudor House. pigeon shooting, walking and cycling are other popular pursuits. There are 01386 859047 plans for the village to get its own station on the wonderful Heritage www.ashmoleanbroadway.org Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway, bringing the age of steam back to Broadway and offering direct rail connections with Cheltenham Racecourse. Broadway Tower Country Park Highworth Capability Brown’s famous tower with aturally divided into two parts by the retained field roofs and traditional window styles echoing museums on two floors in an attractive country park setting. hedge, Highworth offers superb views towards the historic architectural style of Broadway. Willersley Hill and Fish Hill which is marked by 01386 852390 www.broadwaytower.co.uk Broadway Tower, the Cotswold’s highest castle, Highworth, Leamington Road, Broadway, alongN with stunning views across open fields. The traditionally- Worcestershire WR12 7EB styled houses are laid out in a mixture of terraces and detached For further information call our joint Selling Agents Gordon Russell Design Museum properties and are integrated with feature squares and open Knight Frank on: 01789 206967 This unique museum celebrates the work spaces. All homes feature Cotswold stone detailing, slate Hayman-Joyce on: 01386 858510 of the pioneering 20th century furniture designer, Sir Gordon Russell. 01386 854695 www.gordonrussellmuseum.org
Cheltenham Racecourse Home of the world famous Cheltenham Gold Cup, Cheltenham plays host to some of the best National Hunt racing action.
Broadway village 01242 513014 cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Broadway Tower Country Park
26 | Residence Residence | 27 The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Spitfire Cotswold Collection Cotswold inspired INTERIORS In just five years the Warwick-based interior design consultancy The Open Door Company has established an enviable reputation for creating inspiring show home interiors that fire the imagination of potential homebuyers. Working closely with Spitfire since its 2010 inception, one of their latest projects has been designing and fitting out the varied Cotswolds Collection show homes.
he whole process started by undertaking which will appeal to buyers. In the case of The Cotswolds comprehensive research into the various areas Collection we were looking to create very much an aspirational and the potential buyers. Managing Director Tracy feel. Regardless of the type of property all the show homes Baker explained, ‘This meant lots of site visits, are designed to evoke a feeling of traditional family values and Tdriving around the areas and looking for local points of interest rural life, somewhere you can sink into chair and cosy up to a Among the show homes within Spitfire’s or features which might give us design cues that we can log fire but with all the practicalities you associate with a well- Cotswold Collection you’ll see some of relate back to the interior style whether it’s fabrics, paint, wall designed, stylish new home.’ the following careful detailing: coverings, furniture or accessories. We spent a lot of time talking to It’s also very important that show // Wallpaper that includes a subtle print floral wallpaper with a soft, Spitfire and understanding their homes feel ‘authentic’. This means watercolour effect, and another with purchaser profiles. How we theme “ including elements that make it feel a design that mimics wood panelling and furnish a room will depend like a real functioning house, not a and which makes use of a traditional on whether the buyers are young One of the skills of a good interior sterile, artificial environment. For picture rail painted a slightly darker professionals, families or retirees, designer is not just their understanding example, one of the show homes finish to create a break and give height to the ceiling. for example.’ of the latest and local trends, but their includes a living room designed around a feature log fireplace with // Feature chairs in a contrasting wool Of course, underpinning all ability to interpret these fashions into bespoke built-in bookcases designed upholstery to the accompanying sofa, brought together by a large these considerations is a clear to blend in with the walls - to create a unique look and feel for each interior chunky twist rug. understanding of what exactly is a real, homely feel. Another, with ‘Cotswold style’? Senior Interior - each totally in tune with the lifestyle an appeal to downsizers, features // A bedroom featuring subtle striped Designer Melanie Miller explains: twin beds in one of the bedrooms fabric for a Roman blind with a needs and aspirations of potential complementary woollen bow detail ‘It’s very much a traditional English – a guest room for grandchildren buyers; how they will use the space on also used for cushions and bedding. country look and feel with features to stay. Elsewhere inspiration was like a complementary mix of softer an everyday basis, or for informal or taken from the authors, musicians // Combination fabrics; the use of traditional floral prints alongside painted tones and rich, warm and designers like William Morris formal entertaining, for example. modern textures. colours, floral patterns or checks who have intimate connections on wallpapers, an eclectic mix of with the Cotswolds, using these as // Cotswold inspired landscape different textured or embroidered a springboard for music-themed images to help bring the outside in. fabrics and the considered use of ” spaces and an author-inspired study. // Contrasting bright floral pattern wood panelling. Ultimately though, upholstery used on chunky we’re looking at a look and feel that pays homage to the tradition, Tracey sums up the partnership between Spitfire and The Open oak furniture. beauty and creative roots of the area whilst offering distinctively Door Company. ‘Whatever age the buyers and whether they // Tongue-and-groove panelling in the chic, contemporary living. are moving within the Cotswolds or are new to the region, our kitchen painted in a bespoke shade ultimate aim was the same; creating interiors that inspire, excite to match the kitchen cabinets. ‘It’s important that the various show homes capture and and surprise - but most importantly, give purchasers a sense of // A combination of textured plain express the whole lifestyle Spitfire is trying to conjure and ‘my home’ rather than show home. fabrics with a textured sheer panel to add depth to curtains.
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eyes’ for drivers that monitors the road dog owners everywhere. It’s Subaru’s and traffic ahead for potential hazards. most popular car in the UK and a true EyeSight employs stereo colour cameras ‘go-anywhere’ SUV. The Forester has to detect the presence of vehicles, received a range of recent upgrades All-Wheel Drive gives the XV off-road pedestrians, and even cyclists in the including a higher quality cabin ability its peers can only dream about. It’s road and includes features such as and a new 7.0-inch touchscreen light too and with a range of fuel efficient Pre-collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise navigation systems. Fitted with Boxer petrol or diesel engines. Recent SUBARUThe perfect choice for Cotswold life Control, Lane Departure & Sway Warning, permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel revisions include new factory-fit sat nav Pre-collision Steering Assist and Lead Drive as standard, the Forester offers and audio systems and revised suspension Vehicle Start Alert. Subaru’s newest a range of highly-efficient petrol and for an even smoother, more supple ride. One of the fastest growing property It’s Subaru’s renowned ability to go launched a pair of brand new models as model to their range is the ultra-practical diesel engines, as well as a smooth development companies has more in anywhere and do anything that makes well as introducing significant upgrades but sporting Levorg GT tourer. With a Lineartronic transmission or six-speed If you value excellent customer care common with one of the most innovative it popular among Cotwolds drivers. For across its existing range. practical estate car body, underpinned manual gearbox. combined with good technical knowledge, car brands than you’d think. The link? business or pleasure the marque offers by Subaru’s highly-stable Symmetrical the Subaru dealer network is one of the Both Spitfire Bespoke Properties and motorists a range of highly-capable Launched in the UK earlier this year All-Wheel Drive powertrain and a new For those who like their crossovers a best around. Consistently ranked highly Subaru UK are part of the successful and well engineered All-Wheel drive to widespread acclaim, Subaru’s new turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, the little more compact, the XV should be by owners, it scores well in the highly multinational IM Group headed by models. Given the all-conditions nature flagship, the all-new Outback boasts a Levorg combines a compact exterior size the car of choice. It might be compact influential Auto Express Driver Power Robert Edmiston, Baron Edmiston of motoring in the Cotswolds it’s no modern design, successfully combining with generous interior space. The Levorg, in size but the XV is big on ability both survey. Subaru has a substantial presence of Lapworth. Established in 1976 the wonder that Subaru often uses it for estate car practicality with the all-road with its low ride height, signature Subaru on and off road. Unlike its competition, across this beautiful area of the country, company was awarded the Subaru the UK launch of new models. Often capabilities of a high-riding SUV - with bonnet scoop and advanced chassis is the XV is much more than a town car with dealerships in Cheltenham (John franchise a year later. Today, its key with horse trailer in-tow or travailing a high-quality and refined cabin and the the perfect sport tourer for keen drivers to be used for school run duties. While Wilkins Cars), Swindon (Simpsons of markets are automotive, property and across a muddy field, Subaru Foresters, latest infotainment system and safety to tackle Cotswolds country roads. it will cruise round town with aplomb, Swindon) and Chippenham (MRG Subaru). car finance and with partnerships Legacys and Outbacks are a common technologies. The Outback adopts The Forester, long considered the Subaru’s stylish SUV also has one of For more information on the Subaru range worldwide the organization continues sight on lanes here. Not wanting to rest Subaru’s very latest ‘EyeSight’ collision backbone of the range has always been he highest ground clearances in the and to find the nearest dealers in the to go from strength to strength. on its engineering laurels, in 2015 Subaru avoidance system - a ‘second pair of a favourite of the equestrian set and class which along with symmetrical Cotswolds visit www.subaru.co.uk.
30 | Residence Residence | 31 The Spitfire Cotswold Collection The Spitfire Cotswold Collection Flavours from the Cotswolds for a perfect picnic
Crusty bread and artisan rolls - Hobbs House Bakery was established in the Cotswolds in the 1920s and is a true family business with five generations dine of baking experience. www.hobbshousebakery.co.uk
Honey - Honey Blossom Farm Ltd AL FRESCO is a family company producing the renowned Fosse Way Honey brand. Once only reserved for wealthy hunters and country The range includes jams, marmalades, chutneys and mustard. Top picnic hotspots people out on their estates, it was the Victorians who www.fossewayhoney.co.uk popularised the picnic with writers like Dickens, Trollope and Jane Austen all featuring the picnic in their books. Piquant goats’ cheese - Since 1983 Cerney Cheese has been lovingly Stroud Valleys he best way to take advantage of handmade in Gloucestershire from The Coaley Peak Picnic Site, is 4 miles beautiful, warm days, whether in Spring, locally-sourced goats’ milk. Location is paramount and in the south west of Stroud and has 12 acres Summer or Autumn, is with a tasty www.cerneycheese.com Cotswolds there is a never-ending of grassland with panoramic views over picnic eaten in a lovely al fresco setting. supply of parks, riversides, hilltops, the Severn Vale while Painswick Beacon TThere’s something about eating outdoors, sitting Apple juices and cider - 10 different is an open upland area with fine views on a blanket, that makes food taste slightly more varieties are made including a and woodland, all providing and walks. At Woodchester Park you delicious. And the perfect picnic will include thirst-quenching cloudy apple glorious picnicking opportunities. can thread your way through the something different for everyone – it can be juice and cider too. woods and find a quiet spot as simple or as complex as you want it to be, www.haylesfruitfarm.co.uk overlooking one of the lakes. homemade or shop bought, eaten with fingers or Cheltenham forks. Whether you’re planning a hike followed by a Decadent chocolate - The Cotswold Try The Devil’s Chimney on Leckhampton Tewkesbury & Severn Vale meal, or just know of a beautiful Cotswolds location Chocolate Company makes delicious, Hill with lovely views across Cheltenham Victoria Gardens, Tewkesbury, are where you want to spend some time, here are some fresh, handmade artisan chocolates, & Gloucester. Or take a trip to Dowdeswell bordered by the river Mill Avon, which ideas of what you could pack in your next picnic. using only natural ingredients. with scenic woodland and reservoir or hosts swans, ducks and kingfishers. At www.cotswoldchocolatecompany.com Pittville Park where you can enjoy your one end of the garden is Abbey Mill with picnic with views of the lake. its working water wheel and beyond the Finishing touches – Selsley Foods is a Mill Avon lies The Ham, a pretty meadow family-run business offering a selection Cotswolds area. Take a walk from Tewkesbury along of imaginative chutneys, preserves, At Bourton-on-the-Water you can dangle the Severn Way towards Odda’s Chapel. condiments and sauces. your feet in the River Windrush and watch There are many spots along the way www.selsleyfoods.com the world go by or go to the country park to stop and have a picnic. at Neigh Bridge which is found on the Smoked meat, game or fish - Upton edge of Somerford Keynes village. The Smokery specialises in smoking meat, Sherbourne Estate has hundreds of picnic game and fish by traditional methods. locations and you can explore the trails www.uptonsmokery.co.uk until you find your ideal spot or visit the National Trust’s Hidcote Manor Garden which has a picnic spot free to use for Flavourful ice cream - Winstones Ice Cream is one of the longest running, non-members as well as members. and most highly awarded ice cream producers in the country with flavours Gloucester from the traditional to Honeycomb Robinswood Hill Country Park provides Crunch, Rhubarb Crumble and 250 acres of open countryside and nature Champagne and Elderflower Sorbet. trails while Westgate Leisure Area offers www.winstonesicecream.co.uk a boating lake, walks and a picnic area.
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You’ve probably read or heard a lot about the changes to the pension regulations over the past few months. This is all due to the new UK ‘pension freedom’ which came into effect on With greater pension freedom comes a raft 6th April 2015, and which represents the greatest change of opportunities for investing a lump sum to private pension regulations for a generation.
ntroduced by the government Buying off plan means you can secure the to provide greater flexibility and home of your choice early and also take choice for retirees, individuals will advantage of pre-completion prices in what now be able to access their pension is currently a very healthy and rising market. savingsI from age 55. This means that from Add in all of the benefits of a maintenance- age 55 you can access your pension pot, free new home including a ten-year warranty, withdrawing as much as you want to, when energy saving features plus the lack of you want, subject to tax. Figures from the anxiety and uncertainty from having no Financial Conduct Authority showed that onward chain and there’s a strong argument nearly 205,000 people took advantage to invest in a new Spitfire home. of the new rules in the first six months, withdrawing over £2.7 billion pounds. The popularity of Cotswold homes means that demand will outstrip supply But what exactly does pension freedom mean? Well, the answer is just that; freedom to release equity from your fund in a variety Mark Johnson of leading estate agents of different ways. You can leave your pension Knight Frank commented: “We have seen pot as is and draw a monthly income, you increasing demand for quality new homes could take the whole fund as cash in one in prime Cotswold locations such as Stow- go, you could make withdrawals as and when on-the-Wold. This is coming from informed you want to, investing the remaining balance, buyers looking at their future from a or you can take a lump sum now and then number of perspectives such as lifestyle, start drawing a monthly income at a later the opportunity to join a thriving community, Turning date. What’s more, there are absolutely accessibility to shops and facilities and no restrictions on how you use the money. a sound financial investment. Spitfire has spotted a gap in the market and With greater freedom comes a raft of has acquired a number of small bespoke opportunities for investing a lump sum and Cotswold sites. Given their thoughtful of course, many people choose to invest in designs, quality product, the exceptional property. When anyone mentions investing position of the sites and buyers’ greater in property it’s usual to think about the buy access to funds, we have no doubt that to let rental market and yields. While this demand will outstrip supply.” PENSIONSinto property would be considered a sound investment in the Cotswolds, more people are taking a Of course, an article like this can only long-term and prudent view and purchasing cover generalities of the subject so it’s a second home or holiday home now, which important to seek expert advice to ensure they could eventually retire to, and enjoy a you plan well for your eventual retirement. great quality of life in some of the country’s For further information go to: most attractive and quaint villages. www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk
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“We are working tirelessly until we can make whisky every bit as good as our neighbours to the north, and a refreshing London dry style gin with a Cotswolds twist worthy of Dan was looking for a way out of his 30-year career in finance, to create the name of this something with his own hands and make beautiful region” a difference in the community. He’d been a CEO Daniel Szor whisky-lover for over 20 years, and looking out of his window one day he saw a field of golden barley waving in the breeze – and that was how the idea of the Cotswolds Distillery was born.
Craft Dan explained: “We built the distillery to mirror the beauty of our artisanal spirits, showcasing the rich agricultural nature distillery of the Cotswolds. “We’ve also made a big investment in the The Cotswolds is full of rich history, stunning scenery, charming old towns, beauty of our land, re-planting native trees, shrubs, flowers and even botanicals to be great hotels and gourmet dining. Everything but a working distillery... until now. incorporated into our gin recipes.”
he Cotswolds Distillery in Dan came to the Cotswolds from London with Living just a few fields away from the Stourton is the brainchild of CEO his wife Katia and daughter Emily to spend distillery Dan believes in being a valued biogas at a nearby anaerobic digester. create world-class spirits, but that’s not Daniel Szor. Situated in an Area family time at the weekends in an old barn, just member of the local community, committed The 80 solar panels on the warehouse enough... We are working tirelessly until we of Outstanding Natural Beauty down the road from where the distillery now to being as clean and green as possible, so roof go a long way to powering all the can make whisky every bit as good as our Tfamous for its horticultural heritage and sits. What started as a weekend love affair the company makes certain that production distilling equipment. Dan added: “We’re neighbours to the north, and a refreshing set in five acres of beautiful Cotswolds with this beautiful region soon turned into a waste is recycled. The spent grains of onto something exciting, and we know it. London dry style gin with a Cotswolds twist countryside, the state-of-the-art distillation passion, so much so that Dan and his family barley from the mash go to feed Cotswold We’ve created the first craft distillery in worthy of the name of this beautiful region.” equipment is now running seven days a decided to leave London and live full-time cattle, and the other co-products created this most beautiful part of Britain, using For more information visit: week to create fine spirits. in the Cotswolds. by the distilling process are turned into the best local ingredients to lovingly www.cotswoldsdistillery.com
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LET LIFE’S STRESSES MELT AWAY AT A Cotswolds
spa iving in today’s technological world has enormous benefits compared to years gone by. We can have a face-to-face conversationL with a friend in Australia. We can find out the answer to any question thanks to the world wide web. We can order anything we like to come to our home the very next day.
But as we all know, our fast-paced lifestyle comes with its own set of problems. With technology all around us, it can become difficult for us to truly switch off; to relax and just be. If that sounds like you, then a trip to one of the Cotswolds’ many spas could be just what you need.
There is a huge range of beautiful venues to choose from in the area, each with its own brand of unique charm to make sure you have a relaxing and unforgettable experience.
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Whatley Manor Features at this spa include thermal cabins complete of 5 with a caldarium, steam grotto, laconium and sauna. There’s also a tepidarium with heated stone recliners, plus salt scrub and experience showers. Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0RB the www.whatleymanor.com best
Dormy House The spa offers clean 7 Scandinavian design with cosy Barnsley House Cotswolds stone, in a former At Barnsley House you can enjoy time in Calcot Manor farmhouse built in the 17th century. Treatments use the 1 the hydrotherapy pool, or relax in the first- This manor house dates back to the 14th Temple Spa range of products, floor lounge taking in glorious views of the century and is set in 22 acres of countryside. surrounding countryside – a truly idyllic 6 aimed at reducing stress. The spa’s pièce de résistance is an outdoor way to spend an afternoon. hot tub that is surrounded by lavender and Willersey Hill, Broadway, Barnsley, Cirencester, overlooking an open wood fire. Worcestershire WR12 7LF Gloucestershire GL7 5EE Near Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8YJ www.dormyhouse.co.uk www.barnsleyhouse.com www.calcotmanor.co.uk Cotswold House Hotel and Spa Set in a Regency stone property with 4 two acres of gardens. The award- winning spa offers holistic Decléor treatments for both men and women plus a hydrotherapy pool and an Wyck Hill House Hotel & Spa aromatic steam room. Six treatment rooms, including one dual The Square, Chipping Campden, 3 room, plus a steam room, sauna and a Gloucestershire GL55 6AN relaxation area. Offering guests an idyllic www.cotswoldhouse.com Montpellier Chapter and relaxing retreat, with a selection of This spa is described as a ‘subterranean haven treatments available. 2 from the outside world’. Treatments are given Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1HY Kings Head Hotel using products from the British skincare brand www.wyckhillhousehotel.co.uk A spa set within a boutique hotel in the centre of REN, which uses only natural ingredients. 8 Cirencester. Includes four subterranean treatment Bayshill Road, Montpellier, Cheltenham, rooms, with skincare products from the Lubatti Gloucestershire GL50 3AS range and Leighton Denny for manicures. www.themontpellierchapterhotel.com 24 Market Place, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2NR Photograph courtesy of Montpellier Chapter. www.kingshead-hotel.co.uk Please note that spa imagery is indicative only.
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he Cotswolds hosts some of the most famous Horse Eventing and Trials including showjumping, cross country and dressage competitions in the UK Tand the World - The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, Badminton Horse Trials, Blenheim International Horse Trials and Hartpury Horse Trials.
There are also popular polo clubs including the Beaufort Polo Club and Cirencester Polo Club as well as a regular calendar of horse racing at Bath, Cheltenham, and Stratford Upon Avon with Warwick and Worcester close by. And you will be in good equestrian company as one of the world’s most successful racehorse trainers Jonjo O’Neill has his training facility - Jackdaws Castle, just THE outside Stow-on-the-Wold and Gatcombe Park, spectacular home of the Princess Royal and her family, hosts the The Festival of British Eventing.
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, competed in the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal and her daughter Zara Phillips was part of the British Equestrian team SPORT at the London 2012 Olympics. Zara is the reigning Eventing World Champion and was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year by the British viewing OF public in 2006 - an award her mother won in 1971. KINGS
Described as ‘trying to play golf during an earthquake’, the popular equestrian sport of polo has a distinguished history.
600BC 4th Century 7th Century 16th Century 1850s 1862 1869 1875 1876 1888 1910 1919 The first recorded game King Sapoor Polo spreads The Moguls were largely British tea planters The Calcutta Hockey on First official Polo Handicaps Handicaps Height took place between the II of Persia from China responsible for taking the game discovered the game Polo Club was horseback match arrives in introduced introduced restrictions on Turkomans and the Persians learned to play, to Japan from Persia to the East and by on the Burmese formed by British is played on played in Australia in America in England polo ponies – the Turkomans won aged 7 now it was established in India border with India tea planters Hounslow Heath Argentina and India abolished
Residence | 43 42 | Residence Bespoke homes WHERE CHARACTER COMES AS STANDARD
Hall Farm Estate, Knowle
Our bespoke approach to housebuilding enables us to create homes of distinction in prime locations with an outstanding level of customer service. From traditional family homes to characterful barn conversions or avant-garde townhouses, you’ll see this ethos in all of our superb developments.
Developing in these prime locations
// Berkshire: Ascot // Birmingham: Harborne // Buckinghamshire: Gerrard’s Cross // Gloucestershire: Broadway, Cheltenham, Chipping Campden, Fairford, Stow-on-the-Wold // Oxfordshire: Henley on Thames // Somerset: Clevedon // Warwickshire: Gaydon, Shottery, Welford-on-Avon // West Midlands: Knowle
Best Small Residential Developer Housebuilder of the Year www.spitfirepg.co.uk