Reflections

I OFTEN reflect on how lucky we are to live in this unique part of the Cotswolds which is colloquially described as Stroud, its Valleys and the Vale.

It has been my good fortune to have done so now for over 30 years, having moved south from my native Scotland and never had reason to regret the decision.

It was not a location I knew well at the time.

Like so many others, Cirencester, Chipping Campden and Burford were what I associated as being the 'Cotswolds' and I still find this is the case for many prospective purchasers today who are invariably pleasantly surprised when they look further west.

For a start we have more choice of places to live, including an infinite variety of period properties from cottages to country mansions and everything in between, a legacy of the region's history and association with the cloth trade.

We have different scenery, spectacular valleys in contrast to the rolling hills and the infinite level expanse of the Vale, which has its own timeless quality.

Communications - being in the apex of the M4 and M5 motorways gives us a significant advantage together with excellent rail links to all other parts of the country but especially London, with the prospect of reduced journey times come the autumn, with new trains.

Education - our outstanding schools both state and private are also often quoted by our clients as a prime reason for settling around here.

Then there are our market towns and villages.

Each with their own identity, real living communities where people know each other, unlike other parts of the Cotswolds, where in the summer months the tourists can outnumber the locals.

Finally what I always point out to anyone thinking of moving here, is the incredible skills base that exists locally.

Almost anything you can think of is manufactured somewhere in the Stroud Valleys and there is something very special in being able to source what you want for your home and know it can be produced and installed by local craftsmen.

For all these reasons therefore whatever may happen nationally in the property market in 2018, we at Murrays a family owned and managed company whose roots are in Stroud, the Valleys and the Vale, remain optimistic especially now spring is here and we have many new properties coming to the market, through each of out three offices.