The Duntisbournes: the epitome of Cotswold beauty

If you had to imagine the ultimate Cotswold villages – gentle, rolling countryside, picturesque honey-coloured cottages and the kind of magazine spread worthy barn conversions and manor houses sought by the smart set – then the Duntisbournes are your day dreams come to life.

The Duntisbourne valley – incorporating Duntisbourne Abbots, Duntisbourne Leer, Middle Duntisbourne and Duntisbourne Rouse – lies between Cheltenham and Cirencester making it a highly desirable location for those searching for houses for sale in Cotswolds villages or looking to relocate to the Cotswolds but still maintain links with nearby towns and amenities.

The name Duntisbourne refers to the Dunt stream that meanders through the valley and village lanes. It was once diverted to run alongside the roads to wash the wheels of wagons and horses’ feet.

Duntisbourne Abbots is the largest of the four villages, although it is still relatively small in size. It has a mix of period Cotswold stone houses (some dating back to the 17th century) that slope and wind their way down the picturesque valley. The village was originally owned by St Peter’s Abbey (now Gloucester Cathedral) and its ancient church is dedicated to St Peter, reflecting the village’s historical links to the abbey. Events are held in the village hall, which provides a community facility for residents of the Duntisbournes.

The Saxon church of St Michael’s in Duntisbourne Rouse has been designated a Grade 1 listed building. It sits on a gentle hillside with far reaching views across fields and woods and is popular with visitors from all over the world for its simplicity and serenity.

Rural Cotsworld stone homes, Duntisbourne Leer

It’s no surprise that farmers have been working the land in this area for many years. Manor Farm in Middle Duntisbourne is a traditional family-run farm producing home grown beef, lamb and pork in a sustainable and natural environment. Their beef and lamb are fed on a grass-based diet and the cattle and sheep are out in the fields for a minimum of ten months before being brought in to the barns for calving and lambing. The pigs have free roam of an enclosed wood. Click here for more information.

Duntisbourne Abbots and Duntisbourne Leer lie within a designated conservation area and there are beautiful walks in and around all four Duntisbourne villages taking in fields and woodland making it a popular route for walkers all through the seasons. For those wishing to explore further afield, nearby Crickley Hill is great for woodland walks and wildlife spotting and Painswick Beacon offers far reaching views across the Severn Vale.

The Duntisbournes is in a catchment area for top rated state and private schools with nearby primary schools in North Cerney, Cirencester and Miserden, and is within easy reach of the M4 and M5 motorways. There are great rail links from stations at Cheltenham, Stroud, Gloucester and Kemble to various parts of the country, including London and Birmingham.

Traditional pubs in the area include the Carpenters Arms at Miserden, the Highwayman Inn at Elkstone and the Bathurst Arms at North Cerney (where you can even experience a Bohemian tepee!) – all offer great food and drink in a cosy setting with log fires and a warm welcome.

The Duntisbournes lie within an area of outstanding natural beauty, and as Gloucestershire estate agents, we feel extremely privileged to be selling houses in this charming and unspoilt area.

This truly is a little piece of Cotswold heaven!