How it rates
The ancient market town of Stow-on-the-Wold sits on the top of an 800ft hill at the junction of several old thoroughfares such as the Fosse Way. Historic towns near by include Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Stow comes out pretty well because it balances living, working, shopping and tourism. There is still a broad range of residents and it’s not all second-home owners and London escapees. Stow is also said to have more upmarket tourists. “How can I put this?” one agent said. “If I was to tell you that Bourton has three fish and chips shops, would that explain the difference?”
Architectural gems
The church of St Edward was built between the 11th and 15th centuries and its architectural qualities speak of Stow’s past successes as a centre for the wool trade. St Edwards Hall in the middle of the square was built in 1878 from unclaimed funds in the town’s savings bank. The lovely market cross, also in the square, has stood there since the 15th century.
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What’s new
On the outside, very little, which is part of the charm, although on the inside there is a changing array of shops, many geared towards the tourist trade. The developer Beechcroft has some cottages for over-55s for sale, and the town has occasional, but rare, new infill.
Travel
Trains from near by Kingham station reach London Paddington in under an hour and a half. There are buses to Oxford and Cheltenham. Heathrow is a two-hour drive and Birmingham airport takes an hour.
Quality of life
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Genteel and well-heeled. Touristy at peak times as coaches offload but superbly connected for exploring some great countryside. Excellent produce can be bought at Maby’s Food and Wine, as well as Lambournes, the butchers, and Daylesford Organic, a short drive away.
Smartest streets
Period houses near the town centre are the favourites, but some of the post-war housing down the slopes has spectacular views. Two-bedroom cottages can be had for £250,000-£300,000. Three bedrooms will stretch up to £400,000; four bedrooms from £400,000 plus. Some of the largest houses can fetch more than £1 million.
Restaurants
The Talbot for relaxed brasserie-style food and the Old Butchers (the Cotswolds Restaurant of the Year for 2009) for à la carte.
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Entertainment Shopping, antiques fairs, the Stow horse fair and the Toy Museum, which is up for sale at the moment through Tayler and Fletcher. You can get a shop, the museum area, a flat and a cottage all for £895,000 (business subject to separate negotiation).
Education
There is a primary school in the town. For secondary the Cotswold School in neighbouring Bourton received a glowing “outstanding in all respects” tribute in this year’s Ofsted report. Other schools can be found in Kingham and many fee payers will make the trip to Cheltenham.
Upside
Unspoilt, rural, attractive, and still not completely set in aspic. Very well placed part of the world, with Oxford, Cheltenham, Stratford and London all within striking distance.
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Downside
“Too many antique shops” complained one resident.