The Notswolds – The Cotswolds without the price tag
If your dream property is a rectory or a converted farmhouse in a picturesque village surrounded by unspoilt countryside, the Cotswolds is not the only option. The ‘Notswolds’ county of Northamptonshire has the same honey-coloured stone as the Cotswolds, along with historic market towns and villages that are just as attractive. The difference is you won’t have to live alongside crowds of tourists or pay anywhere near the property prices of Chipping Norton or Burford.
More space for less
With good commuting links to London, you’ll find Cotswolds charm here without the price tag. For example, the traditional market town of Brackley in Northamptonshire (NN13) has a pretty market square, two very good prep schools (Winchester House and Beachborough), a local butchers, artisan coffee houses and a Waitrose. The average sold price in 2024 was £381,200. The average property price in the Cotswolds just 30 minutes drive away is £640,422. You undoubtedly get more house for your money here, with properties offering 40% to 50% more space for the same price.
This Grade II listed four storey town house in Brackley has 6 bedrooms and 5 reception rooms with a garden, off street parking, and a double garage with a self-contained two-bedroom flat above, in a conservation area in Brackley town centre.
31 High Street, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7DW
£900,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/buc250157/
Schooling options
Senior schools are another key draw, with Uppingham, Oundle, Stamford, Oakham, Rugby, Leicester Grammar, and Stowe all reachable.
Connectivity
The relatively central location of this county also appeals to those with family members spread far and wide. Whether it’s your children or your parents, living here means that no one is too far away. A lot of people who grow up here also end up coming back after working in London during their 20s and 30s, because it’s such a great place to raise a family.
Country estates
Northamptonshire has long been known as the county of country houses and is home to numerous historic country estates, including Althorp House, Boughton House, Deene Park and Kirkby Hall, many of which are open to visitors.
So, whether you’re looking for a calm country hideaway or a bustling town with outstanding amenities, this is the county that presents the ideal balance of countryside, history, and contemporary comfort.
The following ten properties are all currently for sale in Northamptonshire:
The Workman’s Cottage, Barton Seagrave, NN15
A period thatched, semi detached cottage with driveway parking and landscaped gardens overlooking open countryside.
Asking Price | £700,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/nor250225/
The Old Bakehouse, Abthorpe, Northamptonshire, NN12
A Grade II listed late 17th-century stone under thatch five-bedroom cottage with two garages, outbuildings, and enclosed mature gardens.
Offers over | £900,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/tow170063/
Manor Farmhouse, Yardley Gobion, NN12
This Grade II listed 18th century five-bedroom former farmhouse offers a wonderful doer-upper opportunity and sits on the edge of the village overlooking open countryside.
Guide Price | £900,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/tow240099/
Keepers Lodge Farm, Gretton, NN17
A stone-built farmhouse dating back to 1643 with four bedrooms, a two-storey self-contained annexe, and gated driveways to a 7 acre plot with formal gardens, pastureland, and a barn with planning permission.
Guide Price | £900,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/TOW240281/
For buyers who are wary of living in Northamptonshire, the village of Chacombe in the county of Northamptonshire has an Oxfordshire postcode (OX17)
Chinner House, Chacombe, Northamptonshire, OX17 2JR
A Grade II listed detached property dating from the 16th century with linked ancillary accommodation and outbuildings, a gated gravelled driveway, and front and rear gardens.
Offers over | £1.1 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/tow240281/
Old Rectory, Courteenhall NN7
This Grade II listed classic Georgian rectory comes with outbuildings and equestrian facilities and is set in around five acres overlooking estate parkland. The original limestone, two-storey coach house could also be converted to an independent annexe.
Guide Price | £1.95 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/tow250190/
Groom House, Litchborough NN12
This Grade II listed country house has electric gates to driveway parking and sits in landscaped gardens with views over open countryside. Living space extends to approximately 2,800 sq. ft. arranged over three floors, including four bedrooms and four reception rooms.
Guide price | £1.25 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/tow160123/
Glebe House, Paulerspury, Northamptonshire, NN12
A Grade II listed late 17th-century thatched limestone cottage has been extended and updated and comes with extensive garaging, a swimming pool, and annexe potential.
Guide Price | £1.2 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/tow250204/
Lavender Barn, Orton, NN14
A five-bedroom detached barn conversion in approximately 0.3 acres of landscaped gardens with far reaching views over open countryside
Offers over | £1.1 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/nor250170/
11 High Street, Kislingbury, NN7 4AQ
A Grade II listed thatched cottage packed with character features throughout including exposed beams, timbers, and latch and brace doors.
Offers over | £800,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/nor240007/
Finally, and for those buyers who are wary of living in Northamptonshire, the village of Chacombe sits in the county but has an Oxfordshire postcode:
Chinner House, Chacombe, Northamptonshire, OX17 2JR
A Grade II listed detached property dating from the 16th century with linked ancillary accommodation and outbuildings, a gated gravelled driveway, and front and rear gardens.
Offers over | £1.1 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/tow240234/
Please do contact your Michael Graham office if you’re considering moving to the county and our team will be delighted to advise you on the villages, towns and properties that match your moving checklist.
