When it comes to looking for houses for sale in the Cotswolds there are some real hidden gems. Picturesque rural settings that combine the peace and beauty of the countryside with vibrant communities. One of the many pleasures of our job as Cotswold Estate Agents is helping you to find your dream home in such wonderful surroundings.
The Gloucestershire village of Oakridge is a perfect example. Situated on the outskirts of Stroud, Oakridge is made up of five hamlets: Oakridge Lynch, Far Oakridge, Waterlane, Bournes Green and Tunley.
Oakridge Lynch , the heart of the village, was once a flourishing focal point of the Arts and Crafts movement playing host to influential poets and artists. Nowadays it is where you will find the parish church of St Bartholomew, Oakridge Parochial School, the village shop, Post Office, The Butchers Arms pub and the village hall. There is also a children’s playground, allotments, recreation grounds, tennis courts and a traditional blacksmith.
Photograph is Copyright Beth Hughes – Instagram @bettyrocks2020
One of the biggest draws for families moving to Oakridge is Oakridge Parochial School. This Church of England primary school has a family feel and high teacher-to-pupil ratio. The school playground is something special: two open greens in the heart of the village overlooking the Strawberry Banks nature reserve.
Ollie’s Shop , open 7 days a week in Oakridge Lynch, is where you’ll find the Post Office along with a shop selling newspapers and locally sourced food and drink including meats, artisan cheeses, farm fresh vegetables, freshly baked bread, cakes and pies and locally made ice cream. There are cards made by local artists, handmade candles and gifts and seasonal surprises such as homemade lemonade.
Photograph is Copyright Beth Hughes – Instagram @bettyrocks2020
For a small collection of hamlets, this is a community that has a lot going on. Here is just a taste:
May Revels
Held as a fundraiser for Oakridge Parochial School, the annual May Revels attract people from far and wide. Held on the village green there is live music, maypole dancing, stalls, games, a BBQ and a bar.
Annual Oakridge Village Show
Held on the first Saturday of September every year, this is a traditional show with vegetables and flowers featuring produce from homes and allotments, bakes and jams, a dog show, stalls, live music and fun for all the family.
Folkridge
This is Oakridge’s very own music festival, a friendly folk and acoustic music event held every 2-4 years with tea and cake, a bar, food and children’s activities. It showcases an eclectic mix of traditional folk and contemporary acoustic music and visitors are invited to share a song at the open mic and dance in the ceilidh.
Oakridge Lunch Club meets every third Wednesday of the month.
Oakridge History Group has monthly meetings, speakers and an opportunity to build on local knowledge.
Oakridge Garden Club offers garden visits, talks and group buying of bulbs and plants.
Oakridge Women’s Institute began in 1923 and still meets on the second Thursday of each month.
Oakridge Players are an amateur dramatics group who stage annual plays.
Oakridge Cricket Club welcomes new members … and if that all wasn’t enough, there’s also an allotment project, artist studio open days and not surprisingly considering how much is happening, a What’s On Parish magazine published every 2 months (during lockdown it was wittily renamed What’s Off).
The Oakridge community website is a great resource. Click here for more details of the area’s history, amenities and current events.
