BOURTON-on-the-Water Model Village has received a giant accolade from English Heritage as the only model village to receive a heritage listing.

The Grade II listing celebrates the village’s unique craftsmanship, rarity and historical value.

Heritage minister Ed Vaizey said: “This may be a highly unusual listing but it is no less worthy of its Grade II listed status.

“The craftsmanship involved in creating what is a hugely loved family attraction is second to none and I’m delighted that in listing we have preserved the work of the local people who built the model village and protected its history for future generations.”

The model village is a one-ninth scale replica of the Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, containing all the buildings from the Old Water Mill (now the Car Museum) down to the Old New Inn and the ford.

Many of the original buildings in Bourton-on-the-Water are listed themselves, with the oldest dating back to the 17th century and this is reflected in the model villageCreated by the Morris family and opened in 1937, the village took eight local craftsmen five years to build using authentic materials including locally-quarried limestone and miniature Cotswold stone slates.

Current owners of the Old New Inn Vicky and Julian Atherton took over the model village in 1999. Mrs Atherton said: “We are delighted. It is the only model village to have this listing and this will help to put it in better perspective for people who will appreciate it for its architectural value.”

• The Model Village is behind The Old New Inn, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire GL54 2AF. Telephone 01451 820467 for opening times of go to www.theoldnewinn.co.uk

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