Make a move to the Notswolds
Avoid the crowds and get more for your money
When people think of the Cotswolds, the image is of picture-perfect English villages, cosy pubs, and log fires. But as the popularity of the area has increased, residents have been complaining about a change to their much-loved relaxed lifestyle. Visitor numbers to Cotswold villages exceeded 38 million last year, fuelled by the interest in celebrity residents like Jeremy Clarkson and the Beckhams, and now rumoured recent arrivals Harry and Meghan.
Homebuyers looking beyond the Cotswolds are now discovering the charm of the Midlands, particularly Northamptonshire, one of the key counties now fondly referred to as the “Notswolds.” This region offers stunning countryside, picture perfect villages, excellent schools, and historic market towns like Brackley and Towcester, each with its own unique appeal. The county is also renowned for its historic houses and exquisite estates, including iconic stately homes like Althorp House, the Grade I-listed home of Earl Spencer, where Diana, Princess of Wales grew up, Boughton House and Kelmarsh Hall.
Compared to the Cotswolds, the Notswolds provide more value for money, with properties offering 40% to 50% more space for the same price. Northamptonshire’s easy access to London and other cities, plus the area’s thriving local food and drink scene, independent businesses and community events are drawing in families seeking country living with modern amenities.
Whether you’re exploring the county’s market towns, enjoying the canals and countryside, or discovering its pubs and restaurants, Northamptonshire has something to offer everyone.
RH England could be described as the Soho Farmhouse of Northamptonshire, and is a magnet for locals, visitors, and celebrities alike. Aynho Park is an historic Grade I-listed country house set in a 73-acre estate and the offers a variety of distinct dining venues, each with a unique culinary experience. From The Conservatory’s serene skylit dining to The Loggia’s alfresco pizzas, visitors can enjoy immersive culinary experiences, explore cultural exhibitions, and wander Capability Brown landscaped gardens.
Dating from 1438, this magnificent Grade I listed hotel, spa and wedding venue is a haven of relaxation and sits in a perfect location to explore the historic surroundings. Restaurant 67 offers seasonal tasting menus in the panelled dining room overlooking the hotel’s gardens. The kitchen holds a Michelin star and takes pride in using Northamptonshire ingredients.
3. The Cedar Restaurant, Fawsley Hall Hotel, Daventry
This grand country house hotel which once counted Queen Elizabeth I as a guest also features a 3AA Rosette restaurant with a tasting menu. The intimate setting of the dining room contrasts with the magnificent Tudor Great Hall where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink. The chef here places provenance at the heart of the kitchen, sourcing produce from trusted local suppliers, and adapting the menu to suit the seasons.
4. Arts Collective, Guildhall Road, Northampton
This contemporary art organisation is committed to supporting artists at every stage of their careers and to providing free public access to contemporary art.
5. The Cultured Crumb Bakehouse
An independent artisan sourdough bakery in Northamptonshire offering everything from slow-fermented sourdough bread and savoury speciality loaves to indulgent brownies, blondies and cookies, small-batch granola, and other cultured provisions. All handcrafted and with free local delivery.
The Cotswolds has Daylesford; Northamptonshire has Spratton Organic Farm, a new market garden committed to growing fresh, organic produce for local communities in a natural and environmentally responsible way. The farm plans to grow salad leaves, vegetables, fruit, and flowers. Freshly harvested produce will be sold directly to local chefs, restaurants and the public through farmers’ markets and a local vegetable-box scheme.
This stylish gastropub with rooms focuses on modern British food. Expect dishes like pan-seared seabass with chorizo risotto or slow-braised beef shin with horseradish mash. Pair your meal with a locally brewed ale or a glass of wine.
8. Nuovo, Abington Street, Northampton
This chic Italian restaurant specialises in small plates designed for sharing, along with a curated list of Italian wines and inventive cocktails. The stylish interiors and attentive service create a refined dining experience.
9. Saffron, Castilian Street, Northampton
This multi-award-winning restaurant elevates Indian cuisine with dishes like venison samosas, monkfish tikka, and lobster curry. Attentive service and stylish décor make it perfect for special occasions.
10. The Folly Inn, London Road, Towcester
With its oak beams and flagstone floors, The Folly Inn serves creative dishes using local produce – think slow-roasted lamb shoulder or pan-fried cod with crushed peas. Enjoy a cocktail on the riverside terrace before your meal.
One of Northamptonshire’s oldest and most romantic stately homes. Beautifully set in parkland, explore the gardens and medieval church, then relax at The Old Brewhouse tearoom.
12. Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens
Cottesbrooke is a glorious Queen Anne house dating from 1702.Gardens here feature a royal 300-year-old cedar and picturesque lily-ponds. A short stroll across the parks and statue walks will lead you to The Wild Garden, an undulating Acer glade encompassing meandering streams.
13. Holdenby House
Once the largest house in Elizabethan England, Holdenby House has beautiful gardens and a myriad of attractions from falconry shows and train rides to a 17th-century farmstead.
Kelmarsh Hall is an early 18th century Palladian style house, set in romantic gardens and rolling parkland, roamed by the resident herd of British White cattle. The house includes an intricately detailed, hand-painted Chinese room, and has a variety of interesting gardens and wonderful woodland walks.
15. Sulgrave Manor
Situated in the beautiful rural village of Sulgrave stands Sulgrave Manor. This magnificent country house is the English ancestral home of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Civil War, financial ruin, and a shipwreck all led to Washington’s great grandfather seeking a fresh start in the New World.
Get in touch
If you’re thinking of a move to this county, our Michael Graham Northampton or Towcester offices would be delighted to help you with next steps. Contact us today and find your perfect new home.
