A Home for All Seasons

It’s autumn and the Cotswolds looks inviting. We watch nature change leaves into new shades, as we wind down with days full of outdoor pursuits in the crisp air followed by cosy evenings shared with friends and family. That’s the beauty of the Cotswolds – it suits all the seasons, from the freshness of spring to Christmas in a winter wonderland scene.

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This is one of the reasons we chose this as a destination for our homes in our Signature and Premium collections - they’re year-round escapes. The other reasons are plentiful, from the Cotswolds being an official Area of Outstanding National Beauty to its reputation as being a go-to for food, country pubs, spas and even exclusive members’ clubs.  Entertainment wise, you’re spoiled for world-famous international festivals like the Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cheltenham Gold Cup Week. As a homeowner, you might connect with your fellow resident, former Blur bassist Alex James, who hosts the Big Feastival on his Cotswold farm every summer– it’s a save the date for the whole family. From an abundance of nature to names to drop, this destination really delivers.

Listen to our countryside playlist to get in the mood to discover our homes and design direction.

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Adding the ‘wow’ into Wyck Rissington

If you’re looking for an English countryside scene out of a Hollywood movie, maybe we have found the  home for you in Wyck Rissington. This hamlet is in the Windrush Valley, between Bourton-On-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Could it be more quintessentially country? Its common green has its own Victorian drinking fountain and a number of period houses and cottages. This area is so picturesque it’s made it into the movies – check out Castle Combe in the lower area of this region as a backdrop in Spielberg’s War Horse.

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To see our latest Cotswolds homes, join our webinar on Wednesday where we will give you a life first look.

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A year in the Cotswolds: Homes for all seasons

“The joy of the Cotswolds lies in the gently undulating and endlessly inspiring landscape,” says Max, Head of Design at August. “Spring and summer offer a riot of wildflowers and lush green fields as far as the eye can see.

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“The autumn brings its own fireworks in the turning of the leaves, particularly magical in the area’s arboretums at Batsford and Westonbirt. Hedgerows laden with blackberries offer a welcome opportunity for foraging, mushrooms are there for the eagle-eyed too.

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“As the sun lowers in approach to the winter solstice, spectacular hoar frosts and low sun make for memorable moments of cold, crisp, contemplative calm. Wandering through sleepy, honey-coloured villages with the scent of woodsmoke wisping out of chimneys en route to a cosy pub, a plate of hearty grub and a deep, amber ale feels like the quintessential British countryside moment. Dogs, wellington boots  and a weather-beaten Barbour are essential accessories!

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“The landscape is fascinating all year round. There are endless walking routes, genuine community - centred around our fantastic food and pub scene - and the pace is slow. But it also has a cosmopolitan edge with people continually reinventing and reinvesting in the region. I think it's classically English, yet in a contemporary way.”

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Design Detail: Creating That Country Feel

‍We injected the character back into the cottage. Botanical and horticultural references were obvious, but that's no bad thing. The wallpaper Birds and Cherries (sourced from GP&J Baker) drew all the paint colours together and referenced the cherry trees in the allotments opposite the cottage.

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Our interiors are created with colours that connect naturally with the landscape and the architecture. Farrow & Ball’s Treron shade and Oxford stone work together seamlessly. The Victorians were comfortable using pattern and colour so we dialled up the colours in bedrooms. But neutral walls keep things calm and rich, deep colours (Farrow & Ball’s Duck Green and Inchrya Blue) were used on the woodwork to give each room an identity and a playful ‘pop’ of colour.

We use vintage books as functional styling items - they bring natural warmth, a sense of history, and tell a story of the home including its setting, owners, interests and ambitions.

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Ready to start your Collection journey? August Homeowners around the world have already experienced the ease of ownership across Europe. We're excited to extend a warm welcome to you and help you embark on your dream lifestyle. Step into the world ofAugust living and book a 1:1 call with one of our dedicated Advisors today.

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