Sep 21, 20253 min read
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Image: King Charles at Highgrove House, Tetbury
COTSWOLDS CELEBRITIES, FAMOUS RESIDENTS, FILM & LIFESTYLE
The Cotswolds has long been a retreat for the rich and famous. From actors and musicians to political leaders, discover the celebrities who call this countryside home.
THE BECKHAMS
David and Victoria Beckham bought their Cotswolds retreat in 2016. In recent years, David has become closely associated with Cotswolds country life through his hands-on kitchen garden and greenhouse projects, often sharing updates from the grounds.
BEYONCÉ & JAY-Z
Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been reported to be buying a 58-acre estate near Wigginton in the Cotswolds, with plans linked to an approved rural “exceptional quality” build. The purchase has not been publicly confirmed by the couple.
Entertainment & Media
David & Victoria Beckham
Football legend David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham own a stunning country estate near Great Tew in the Cotswolds. The family - including children Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper - often escape here from London for a quieter pace of life. With a private barn conversion, landscaped gardens, and plenty of countryside walks, the Beckhams have helped cement the Cotswolds’ reputation as one of the UK’s most glamorous celebrity enclaves.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have been widely reported as relocating within the Cotswolds area, moving from an early estate near Asthall to a more contemporary home close to Chipping Norton.
Drawn by privacy, countryside living, and excellent food destinations like Soho Farmhouse. They frequently linked with the Cotswolds “in” set and destination venues like Soho Farmhouse, alongside the wider circle around Jeremy Clarkson, David Beckham and Victoria Beckham
Jeremy Clarkson
Broadcaster and writer Jeremy Clarkson lives near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds, where he runs the now-famous Diddly Squat Farm. The hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm showcases his often-hilarious attempt to manage the farm and has put both his land and the local area firmly on the global map.
Simon Cowell
Music mogul and television personality Simon Cowell owns a country property in the Cotswolds, drawn by the area’s privacy, charm, and exclusivity. Known for his role on shows like The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, Cowell enjoys the Cotswolds as a retreat away from the spotlight with his family.
Kate Moss
Supermodel Kate Moss owns a cottage in west Oxfordshire, where she has fully embraced country living and wellness rituals. Known for her iconic fashion career, Moss enjoys the privacy and tranquillity of the Cotswolds while still being close to London’s creative scene.
Damien Hirst
World-renowned artist Damien Hirst owns Toddington Manor in Gloucestershire, a grand 300-room Gothic revival mansion. Purchased in 2005, the estate is being transformed into a vast gallery space for his personal art collection. Hirst’s presence in the Cotswolds adds a contemporary creative edge to the region’s historic and cultural appeal.
Alex James
Musician and Blur bassist Alex James owns a working farm and estate in the Cotswolds, where he has built a new life as a cheesemaker and rural entrepreneur. He also hosts the annual Big Feastival, a family-friendly food and music festival that combines top chefs, artisan producers, and live performances - drawing thousands of visitors to the region each summer.
Hugh Grant
Actor Hugh Grant, star of Notting Hill, Love Actually, and countless other classics, owns a country home in the Cotswolds. Drawn by the region’s tranquillity and charm, Grant enjoys the privacy of his rural retreat while remaining close to London. His presence adds another layer of Hollywood glamour to the Cotswolds’ long list of celebrity residents.
Royalty & Public figures
King Charles III
King Charles III owns Highgrove House near Tetbury, his private rural retreat in the Cotswolds. Purchased in 1980, the estate is best known for its stunning Highgrove Gardens, which the King has carefully designed and cultivated over decades. Today, the gardens are open to the public on selected dates, making Highgrove one of the Cotswolds’ most celebrated royal landmarks.
David Cameron
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Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron resides near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. His family home places him at the heart of the so-called “Chipping Norton set”, a circle of politicians, media figures, and celebrities who have made the area their base. Cameron’s presence highlights the Cotswolds’ reputation as both an exclusive retreat and a centre of influence.
Boris Johnson
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has long been associated with the Cotswolds, where he and his family own a country home. Known for his love of rural life away from Westminster, Johnson has been spotted at local pubs, village events, and enjoying the slower pace of the countryside. His presence adds to the area’s reputation as a haven for political figures seeking privacy and retreat.
Literature, Media & Lifestyle Figures
Jilly Cooper
Best-selling novelist Jilly Cooper lived for decades in Bisley, a charming Cotswolds village. Famous for her racy, witty novels such as Riders and Rivals, Cooper has often drawn inspiration from Cotswolds society and scenery. Her long-time residence in the area has made her one of the region’s most beloved literary figures, blending glamour with quintessential English countryside life.
Elizabeth Hurley
Actress and model Elizabeth Hurley has strong ties to the Cotswolds, where she lived near Cirencester. Known for her glamorous screen career in films such as Bedazzled and Austin Powers, Hurley embraced the charm of Cotswolds country life while balancing her global work commitments. Her presence added Hollywood sparkle to the region’s mix of celebrity residents.
Kate Winslet
Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet owns a cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque market towns. Known worldwide for her roles in films such as Titanic and The Reader, Winslet values the peace and privacy of her countryside retreat, far from the spotlight of Hollywood.
Jemima Khan
Journalist, producer, and philanthropist Jemima Khan has a country home in the Cotswolds, where she enjoys the area’s privacy and natural beauty. Known for her high-profile career in media and her international humanitarian work, Khan divides her time between London and her Cotswolds retreat, adding to the region’s reputation as a haven for influential figures seeking tranquillity in the English countryside.
Dom Joly
Comedian and writer Dom Joly, best known for the hidden-camera series Trigger Happy TV, lives in the Cotswolds. A long-time resident, Joly often shares his love of local life, walks, and village traditions, balancing his trademark humour with an appreciation for the tranquillity of the countryside.
Judith Hann
Science journalist and broadcaster Judith Hann, best known as a longtime presenter of the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World, lives near Lechlade in the Cotswolds. Away from television, she has pursued her passion for food and horticulture, running cookery and gardening courses from her home and showcasing the region’s strong farm-to-table traditions.
Lady Carole Bamford & Lord Anthony Bamford
Lady Carole Bamford, founder of Daylesford Organic, and her husband, Lord Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB, are among the most influential residents of the Cotswolds. From their estate near Chipping Norton, Lady Bamford has championed sustainable living, organic farming, and artisan food through Daylesford, now a world-renowned lifestyle brand. Together, the Bamfords embody the mix of tradition, innovation, and luxury that has made the Cotswolds a magnet for notable figures.
Famous visitors to the Cotswolds
JD Vance
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has also been spotted in the Cotswolds. He visited Daylesford Organic Farm, the famous deli and lifestyle destination founded by Lady Bamford, highlighting the area’s international appeal. Vance’s presence reflects how the Cotswolds continues to draw not only British royalty and celebrities but also high-profile global figures.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift traded stadium lights for starlit hills during her recent retreat to a luxury manor near Chipping Norton. Seeking a quiet escape during the European leg of her tour, the global superstar immersed herself in the "Folklore" aesthetic of the Cotswolds, frequenting local gems like The Teapot in Milton-under-Wychwood. Her stay further solidified the area’s reputation as the ultimate sanctuary for icons looking to swap the stage for the serene privacy of England’s most glamorous rural enclave.
Calvin Harris
Scottish DJ and music producer Calvin Harris is building a major country estate in the Cotswolds. Plans for the property reportedly include a private recording studio, vineyard, and luxury retreat - blending his global music career with the tranquillity of the English countryside. His investment adds to the Cotswolds’ reputation as a magnet for international stars seeking both privacy and prestige.
Beyoncé & Jay-Z
Music power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been linked to the Cotswolds, reportedly exploring the area for a countryside retreat. Drawn by its privacy, exclusivity, and natural beauty, the Cotswolds’ celebrity community offers the perfect escape from the spotlight. While not permanent residents, their interest underscores the region’s status as a global magnet for A-list stars.
Ellen DeGeneres, James Blunt, The Corrs, Natalie Imbruglia
The Cotswolds continues to attract global talent, with stars including Ellen DeGeneres, singer-songwriter James Blunt, Irish group The Corrs, and pop icon Natalie Imbruglia spotted at The Farmer’s Dog pub for a special performance and meet-up. Events like these highlight the region’s growing reputation as both a celebrity hideaway and a hub for world-class entertainment.
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