UK's 'favourite' tiny village where footballers, movie stars and royals choose to live
Kingham, a charming village nestled in the heart of Chipping Norton within the Cotswold Hills, has been hailed as the nation's 'favourite' by locals. This idyllic corner of the Great British countryside is a magnet for both A-listers and tourists, drawn to its picturesque cottages and lush greenery.
According to popular lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos, "This is a Cotswolds village that ticks all the boxes – pubs, shop, good schools, and that rarest of things – a train station on the line to London. Oh, and the odd resident A-lister".
Catering to fewer than 1000 people, the local amenities include a shop and church, but it's the nearby Daylesford Organic farm shop that truly draws the crowds. This iconic establishment, often referred to as the country's poshest farm shop, is said to be a favourite of Princess Eugenie - and Eddie Redmayne has also been spotted shopping.
But it's not just royals who are enticed by the delectable offerings at the farm shop. Kingham has transformed into a foodie paradise in recent years, boasting a range of eateries such as Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit, both renowned for their tantalising dishes.
Blur bassist Alex James calls the town home, having moved to his 200-acre farm in 2003. His produce has received widespread praise, with many of his artisan cheeses now stocked in supermarkets nationwide, reports the Express.
The former musician also throws a festival every year called Big Feastival, which "brings together music from the UK's biggest artists, Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning street food and an exciting array of family activities". This August revellers will be able to see Nelly Furtado, The Rizzle Kicks and the Wombats hit the stage.
Daylesford is also thought to have sparked former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson's venture into farming, with the Diddly Squat Farm, and even catered for ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Neighbours to the village, Victoria and David Beckham, pitched up in December 2016. A reputed £.5.5m transformed the grounds into an enchanted garden complete with a pool, an at-home spa, a luxury treehouse and—of course—a football pitch.
Ellie Goulding and ex husband Casper Jopling previously lived in the area, having moved to the lush countryside back in 2021. The pair refurbished a lavish £1.3million manor house and restored its historic barn to its original condition before their recent split.
The village is steeped in history, with many homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These historic dwellings have been lovingly preserved while also incorporating modern comforts, according to The Sun.
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