The Cotswolds, known for its honey-hued cottages, winding lanes, and celebrity residents, may soon welcome a new royal couple—this time from the world of pop.
Reports suggest that Beyoncé and Jay-Z are finalizing a deal to buy 58 acres of land on the outskirts of Wigginton.
Their arrival would only add to the glamour of a region already home to big names like the Beckhams, Kate Moss, and even King Charles III.
And with such star power moving in, property experts are already predicting yet another surge in local house prices—because where Beyoncé goes, prestige tends to follow.
The Cotswolds’ Everlasting Celebrity Magnetism
For years, the Cotswolds has been the ultimate countryside retreat for London’s rich and famous.
With its blend of rural tranquility and chic sophistication, it offers a rare mix of privacy and picture-perfect charm.
But as property prices have soared into the millions, even wealthy buyers are starting to look elsewhere.
According to estate agents, while the Cotswolds remains unmatched in allure, the rise in demand is pushing families and professionals toward more affordable alternatives that still offer the same idyllic lifestyle.
Introducing the “Notswolds” – A Hidden Gem with Cotswold Charm
That’s where the so-called “Notswolds” come in — a picturesque stretch of the Midlands that includes parts of Rutland, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire.
Joy Brankin-Frisby, an associate partner at estate agency Fisher German, describes it as “a hidden gem that gives you everything the Cotswolds offers without the steep price tag.”
From pretty market towns and lush countryside to excellent schools and easy access to London, the area ticks all the same boxes — just without the A-list price point.
A Tale of Two Countrysides
The price gap between the two regions is staggering. The average home in the Cotswolds costs around £440,000, with detached homes averaging £661,000 — and that’s before you look at luxury estates reaching into eight figures.
Harford Manor, just 28 miles from London, was recently on the market for a jaw-dropping £28 million.
Meanwhile, in the “Notswolds,” prices remain far more accessible.
Rutland, England’s smallest county, averages £338,000, while neighboring counties hover around £239,000 — a fraction of the Cotswolds’ cost, yet offering nearly identical beauty and charm.
Why Families Are Falling in Love with the Midlands Countryside
According to James Abbott of Savills Stamford, the appeal of the “Notswolds” lies in its balance of countryside living and connectivity.
“You’ve got beautiful Georgian towns like Stamford, excellent grammar and independent schools, and train lines that get you to London or Cambridge in about an hour,” he said.
From Rutland Water’s sailing and cycling trails to historic architecture and a warm village feel, the region offers that same storybook lifestyle the Cotswolds is famous for — but without the premium.
A Closer Look at Some Dreamy “Notswolds” Homes
So where are people buying? The options are as diverse as they are charming.
A Storybook Stone Cottage in Ketton
This three-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage features an open fire, a two-storey barn, and access to scenic woodland walks.
The village has a cozy pub, sports facilities, and a well-rated primary school — perfect for young families.
A Countryside Haven in Barnwell
Set amid sprawling gardens, this four-bedroom home is ideal for alfresco living.
It’s also within the catchment of excellent grammar and prep schools, including Bourne Grammar and Witham Hall.
Modern Family Living in Hartwell
For those who prefer a more contemporary look, this five-bedroom, three-storey home combines village charm with modern comfort.
Hartwell’s local shop, recreation ground, and pub make it a real community hub.
A Historic Barn Conversion in Market Harborough
Dating back to the 1800s, this Grade-II listed ironstone barn blends rustic charm with modern interiors.
With an annex and four spacious bedrooms, it’s ideal for multigenerational living.
Elegant Comfort in Oakham
This four-bedroom family home comes with a large conservatory, private garden, and easy access to shops, cafes, and Oakham Station — blending comfort with convenience.
Old Churches, Converted Chapels, and Hidden Treasures
For those after something truly unique, there’s even a thoughtfully restored chapel in Barrowden.
With five bedrooms, south-facing gardens, and a kitchen made for entertaining, it’s the kind of home that feels straight out of a lifestyle magazine.
Barrowden’s village green pub, nearby Uppingham’s markets, and the area’s picturesque countryside make it the ideal blend of tranquility and charm.
Modern Comfort Meets Village Warmth
Other stunning properties include a three-bedroom family home just outside Empingham with views over Rutland Water, a detached four-bedroom in Hartwell with one of the UK’s top-rated primary schools nearby, and a five-bedroom family house in Burton-on-the-Wolds offering easy access to schools and commuter routes.
Even in sought-after Great Houghton, long-time family homes are coming onto the market — proof that you can still find gems with gardens, workshops, and plenty of history.
The Verdict: The Good Life Without the Glamour Tax
The arrival of Beyoncé and Jay-Z might once again make the Cotswolds the ultimate celebrity hotspot, but for everyday families and dreamers, the “Notswolds” is quietly emerging as the more attainable version of rural perfection.
With scenic landscapes, friendly communities, and homes that don’t require superstar bank balances, it seems Britain’s best-kept countryside secret is finally having its moment.