Castle Combe

The Village

If your idea of heaven is a fairy-tale setting in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, instruct your property buying agent to look out for homes in Castle Combe, often called the “prettiest village in England”. As many a real estate buyers agent will attest, it’s picture postcard perfect.

Our Recoco property finders can help property buyers explore the village’s cottages and other buildings made from the mellow, honey coloured local stone, which gives the location a warm ambience. Recoco buying agents can explain about the two parts of the village: part lies in the By Brook valley; Upper Castle Combe is higher up to the east. Buyers agents can help you identify your perfect match. Castle Combe is around 20 miles from both Bristol and Bath.

Transport 

Should you decide to embark on a Castle Combe property search, the village is close to both junction 17 and 18 of the M4 motorway. For any property buyer requiring easy access to Chippenham or Chipping Sodbury, your property buying agent may suggest Upper Castle Combe on the B4039 road. Chippenham has the nearest railway station, 5 miles away as the crow flies.

History

 No new houses have been built in Castle Combe for centuries, as Recoco buying agents can confirm. Strict rules help the village retain its unique, heritage character – your Recoco property finders can help expand on the rules if you require.

There is evidence the settlement was originally a British hill fort. Close to the Fosse Way, Castle Combe also made an ideal base for the Romans. Buyers agents can confirm that later evidence shows the Normans built the fort into a castle, which once stood nearby and gives the village its name.

The location was granted a market licence in the 13th century, becoming extremely prosperous by the 15th century. Recoco buying agents will relish showing you the town’s historic buildings. The late 17th century Dower House is Grade II* listed and St Andrew’s Church is Grade I listed: it was carefully reconstructed to the original plans after 1850-1. Part of the chancel dates from the 13th century, and the tower from the 15th century.

The charming Manor House Hotel dates from the 17th century - ask buyers agents about the extensive rebuild two centuries later. In 1947, it began a new lease of life as a country club. Discreet and luxurious, it would make an ideal base for your property search.

Education

Your real estate buyers agent can also assist with information about local schools. Children will need to travel out of Castle Combe: nearby private schools include the very specialised Calder House in Colerne, King Edward’s School in Bath, and Clifton High School in Bristol.

Leisure and Events

As well as the Manor House, which has its own golf course, there are charming pubs in the village. Ask your property search company about the walks by the bridge, exceptionally pretty even for the Cotswolds. Depending on the season, property buyers may even come across stalls outside local homes, with homemade cakes, sweets, or flowers on sale (payment often via honesty box).

Speed demons can ask their property buying agent about Castle Combe Circuit, which hosts a range of events all year round. Whether you prefer two wheels or four, there’s the option to drive different motorised vehicles or take your own through the Rally course.

Celebrity Connections

The village itself is something of a celebrity, especially when it comes to film and movie. Several films and TV episodes were shot here, including the original Dr Doolittle, Stardust and War Horse and scenes from Downton Abbey. The Manor House is very popular with a wide range of celebrity guests.

Foodies’ Corner

In the mood for a picturesque traditional tea room? Your real estate buyers agent will happily suggest suitable options, like the Old Rectory Tearoom. For even heartier fare, head over to The Old Stables.

The Market Place is where you’ll find The Castle Inn, gloriously steeped in tradition. Head here for hale and hearty home-made victuals. 

Are you a property buyer who enjoys preparing a brief for a property search company over a delicious meal made with fresh produce from the on-site kitchen garden? The Michelin-starred Bybrook at The Manor House will suit you perfectly. Spirit lovers, meanwhile, will relish the extensive gin selection and other options at the Full Glass Bar. 

Fun Fact

 Ask your Recoco property finders about the faceless clock, thought to be one of the oldest clock mechanisms in England that still functions.