Cotswolds craze: Beyoncé and Jay-Z join celebrities buying homes in rural hotspot

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are reportedly close to purchasing a home in the Cotswolds, underscoring the region's status as one of Britain's hottest property markets, according to a Daily Mail report.

The surge in interest among stars is part of a broader shift in celebrity living patterns, with many moving away from traditional city haunts and international hubs to a countryside setting known for its muddy fields, antique shops and tea rooms. The Cotswolds have become a magnet for high-profile buyers, and the population of celebrity homes in the area has grown as a result. Notable names who have already bought properties there include the Beckhams, David and Victoria; the Camerons; Jeremy Clarkson; Kate Moss; Hugh Grant; Ellen DeGeneres; Patrick Stewart; and Lily Allen. The region has also hosted public figures such as Vice President JD Vance for a holiday and Taylor Swift used it as a base during her Eras Tour last year.

Even as celebrities snap up properties, the market still offers more affordable options. Listings on the market span a wide range, from around 50,000 pounds to several hundred thousand pounds, illustrating that buyers do not need a Hollywood-style budget to access the area. Examples include Five Trees Close in Tetbury, listed at £179,950, a short distance from Highgrove, the residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla, and Anne, Princess Royal, who lives nearby at Gatcombe Park. In nearby Dursley, Victoria Close is available for £49,900 in a 40 percent shared-ownership arrangement. Other listings in the wider region include High Street in Banbury for £205,000, Tom Price Close in Cheltenham for £75,000, and Greenaways in Ebley, Stroud, for £225,000. Additional options include Dunkirk Mills in Inchbrook, £179,950, Pittville Circus Road in Cheltenham for £115,000 and The Castle in Stroud for £179,000, among others.

The properties illustrate the breadth of the market, from compact flats and studio spaces to larger two-bedroom apartments and period-converted mills. Several listings emphasize access to town centers, transport links and local amenities, reinforcing the appeal of the Cotswolds not just as a scenic retreat but as a practical place to live year-round. Rail connections, such as Kemble Station about seven miles north of Tetbury, and proximity to major routes like the M4 and M5, help explain why the area remains attractive to buyers who want countryside life within reach of urban centers.

Beyond the price ranges, the listings reflect a mix of ownership models. Some properties are offered with shared ownership options, while others are marketed as traditional full ownership, indicating a market that accommodates varied budgets and ownership plans. The mix also highlights the ongoing appeal of the Cotswolds for second-home buyers and long-term residents alike, from young professionals to retirees seeking a village-centric lifestyle with cultural and culinary offerings close at hand.

The chorus of celebrity interest in the Cotswolds aligns with broader cultural trends that value privacy, space and a high quality of life. The region’s historic towns, independent shops, local markets, pubs and cafes, along with access to countryside trails and scenic landscapes, contribute to its enduring allure. While BeyoncÉ and Jay-Z’s reported purchase signals a peak in visibility, the market continues to offer opportunities for a range of buyers, with inventory that accommodates different budgets and aspirations.

Overall, the Cotswolds appear to be maintaining their status as a premier cultural and lifestyle destination, drawing celebrities while remaining accessible to non-celebrity buyers who seek a blend of rural charm and practical living.