Bibury
Conducting a Cotswolds property search? If your property buying agents should show you a somehow strangely familiar row of stone weavers’ cottages, clustered around a pretty little church amidst an emerald setting and a pretty little stream, it may just be the Gloucestershire village of Bibury. Property buyers will find it around eight miles northeast of Cirencester. Recoco property finders can confirm that the honey-coloured stone buildings were once weavers’ cottages, with the street names reflecting the village’s heritage.
The River Coln flows through the village, in between the main street and Rack Isle, which got its name as it was once the site of drying yarn. Recoco buying agents will explain Bibury is really two tiny villages. Buyers agents can point out where Bibury lies to the east, Arlington to the west.
This tucked-away corner of England will suit property searchers looking for a beautiful setting. It is a major destination for tourists visiting the traditional rural villages, tea houses and many historic buildings of the Cotswold District. Our property search company will happily help you locate Bibury on the map: it’s around 8 miles from Cirencester, and 9 miles from Burford.
Transport
Property searchers who need to check what road access to Bibury is like will be reassured to learn that the B4425 runs through the village. Several other major Cotswold routes are also near, so Recoco property finders can easily help you plan your property search for maximum efficiency. Routes include the A40, A429, A419, and the A417. The nearest railway station to Bibury is in Kemble, around 12 miles away. Alternatively, Kingham station with a direct line to Oxford and London Paddington, is some 19 miles away.
History
There have been settlements near Bibury for thousands of years. Our real estate buyers agent can point you towards evidence of the Iron Age in nearby woodland. Property buying agents can also point out the remains of nearby Chedworth Roman Villa, where continued excavations reveal a large and important homestead. Arlington and Bibury are both Saxon names, and the Grade I Church of St. Mary dates from very late Saxon times.
In the Domesday Book, Bibury is recorded as Becheberie. Its lands and the church belonged to St Mary’s Priory, Worcester, before passing to the Abbey of Osney, close to Oxford.
Property buyers will confirm that the iconic houses of Arlington Row were originally built as a wool store for local monks in the 14th century, becoming weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. They are owned by the National Trust and are private homes, except for No. 9 which is now in use as a holiday cottage.
Education
The village has one primary school, Bibury C of E. Check with your property search company on local independent schools, which include Hatherop Castle and Rendcomb College in Cirencester, and Cricklade Manor Prep School in Swindon.
Celebrity Connections
Property buying agents may well mention William Morris, craftsman and artist, who gave Bibury a seal of approval as the “most beautiful village” in England. Property buyers might also occasionally spot Johnny Depp or Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen soaking up the atmosphere in the area. The wider Cotswolds area appeals to several Royal residents. Princess Anne’s home is Gatcombe Park, while Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall have a home at Highgrove.
Leisure and Events
Anyone for tennis? You can indulge in a match or two on the village court, while those who enjoy a spot of trout fishing can ask buyers agents for details of Bibury Trout Farm. Nestled in 15 acres of some of the prettiest Cotswolds countryside, it’s very family friendly. Up to six million trout ova spawn each year, and it’s very family friendly; as well as smoked trout and other delicatessen delights, the onsite shop sells wine and other products.
Recoco property finders can signpost local wildlife reserves, which provide habitats and wetland refuges for birds and plants.
Foodies’ Corner
If you’d like to sample local produce, our real estate buyers agent can confirm a warm welcome at the Catherine Wheel or The Swan. Feel like treating yourself to afternoon tea instead (or in addition)? Your real estate buyers agent may well suggest you enjoy a bite at the William Morris Tea Room.
Fun Fact
Ask our Recoco buying agents for details about why parts of Bibury might look so familiar even if it’s your first visit. Arlington Row is on the inside cover of every British passport.