News from a Cotswold rural estate

The Old Post Office - What would you like to see here?

2011-10-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

We want to hear from you! What would you like to see here? Perhaps a wi-fi cafe or artist's gallery? This is a rare opportunity to rent this unique Grade II Listed former Post Office in the heart of Overbury Village.

The building is surprisingly spacious and has a flexible layout which would be ideal for a growing company, or a smaller business using the space upstairs for residential/ancillary purposes.

It has 1589 sq ft over two floors, off street parking for up to 12 cars and could be used for commercial/residential use. We are looking to support a commercial, artistic or cultural project to enhance the character of the building and for it to serve/work alongside exisiting households and businesses.

The Old Post Office was originally a house, which was converted in 1879 by Norman Shaw and extended to its current layout in 1905 by Ernest Newton. It was then operated as a village store and Post Office until 1998 when it was transformed into an office and was used this way until earlier this year, when the previous occupiers moved to another Overbury property.

Please do get in touch with Alex at the Estate Office on 01386 725 118 or alex@overburyestate.co.uk.

Building Plot for Sale - Auction Date 29th September

2011-09-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

Always wanted to build your own house? Or just fancy a project? Now could be the right time!

We are pleased to be offering this building plot at Teddington Fields, just off the A46 between the Teddington Cross Roads and Teddington Hands Roundabout.

The plot has has full planning permission for a two bedroom dwelling with spacious garden, agricultural barn and a fantastic rural outlook back across the vale to Bredon Hill.

The property is being sold at auction on 29th September 2011 at 6pm at The Beckford Inn.

For further details, please contact Fisher German LLP, worcester@fishergerman.co.uk, 01905 453 275 or Alex at the Estate Office on 01386 725111.

The Trapp family lived at Teddington Fields for several generations dating back to the late 1800's and the green tin shed is all that now remains of the former bungalow that was located on the site.

We also discovered an old railway carriage in the garden, which has been donated to the North Gloucestershire Railway Co. who have been investigating it's history. They believe that it is the only remaining one out of an original eighteen carriages built in 1924 to convey passengers at The British Empire Exhibition at Wembley and suspect that it was purchased at a sale after the exhibition was closed.

To the left is a photo of a similar carriage, showing what it would have looked like originally.

If you have any further information about these carriages or are interested in their restoration, Stephen Mourton at North Glos Railway Co. would love to hear from you and can be contacted on 01242 234646. http://www.toddington-narrow-gauge.co.uk/

Summer Photo Competition Winner

2011-08-24T03:06:00.000-07:00

Our photo competition is now closed. We have had an amazing selection of over 40 photos, so a big thank you to everyone who took part. The theme was Work, Rest and Play and we are pleased to announce that the winning entry was 15 year old Lottie Cooper of Teddington (showing her 'at rest' with her dog in Overbury Park).

The runners up were Tom Horton, with 'At rest - Sophie'

and Andrew John with 'At play - Mulled Wine at Parsons Folly' and 'At work - Simon and Alan'. Book vouchers for Alisons Bookshop in Tewkesbury are on their way to the two runners up.

Photo Competition - revised deadline Friday 19th August

2011-07-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

We have received a number of excellent entries into our photo competition this summer. July is a busy month and we recognise that a number of people have been away on holiday. We are therefore extending the deadline date by which photographs need to be submitted to the Estate Office to Friday 19th August. We look forward to receiving your entries!

Summer Photo Competiton

2011-06-30T01:58:00.000-07:00

We are running our very own photo competition this summer!

We are looking for photos that showcase Overbury, Conderton or Bredon Hill, demonstrating the benefits of living and working in this area.

The theme is: Work, Rest and Play - so if you are out and about over the next 4 weeks and enjoying the summer sunshine and light evenings, take your camera with you and send us your pictures.

1st Prize is a fully catered private picnic for 4 on Bredon Hill - a delicious hamper and icebox will be taken to and collected from a private spot of the winners' choice on a date and time to be agreed with them.

The competition is open to anyone and you can enter a maximum of 4 photos per person. These should be emailed via clemmie@overburyestate.co.uk or provided on disc/memory stick to the Estate Office (Opening hours 9am - 5.30pm.)

We may use submitted photos, including the winning shot, for publicity purposes. This could be on the website, in leaflets or possibly via other media, although the copyright of the photo would remain with the photographer. Therefore, please remember to have the permission from anyone in the photograph that it can be taken and displayed on our website.

Photos must be high resolution. The closing date is Friday 29th July.

GOOD LUCK!

Attractive 2 bed cottage in Overbury - available end of August - £600 pcm (unfurnished)

2011-06-20T03:53:00.000-07:00

We have a pretty 2 bed cottage becoming available towards the end of August. It is in the heart of Overbury Village, close to both the Church and First School.

8 Church Row is an end of terrace, Cotswold stone cottage which was originally re-modeled by the celebrated Victorian architect Norman Shaw.

With 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, an open plan kitchen/reception room and small landscaped garden to the rear, this Grade II Listed cottage would suit a young professional or couple.

If you would like to find out more or arrange a viewing, please contact Clemmie at the Estate Office on 01386 725 111

Pretty 3 bed house to rent in Conderton - Available July

2011-05-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

Available from July, this attractive 3 bedroom Cotswold stone house in the heart of Conderton, has a pretty mature garden and wonderful entertaining space.

It has a pretty reception room with open fire, dining room with open fire, kitchen, separate larder, utility/boot room with off road parking, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Rent: £925 per calendar month (unfurnished)

The house was designed by the renowned architect Norman Shaw and has many unusual original features such as the round window on the first floor landing and pretty archway into the garden. Set back from the road at the front it overlooks mature apple and pear orchards at the rear; with easy access onto a wide network of footpaths on Bredon Hill nearby.

The house is a short walk from The Yew Tree, a traditional village pub and nearby to Toff Milway's Pottery at The Forge.

The house currently has night storage heaters, but is due to be upgraded to an electric heating system before being re-let.

We apologise that this property is not currently showing on our website, as this is being altered at present but we should be able to update it again soon. In the meantime, please keep a close eye on our blog as all available properties will be shown here.

If you would like any further information on this property, please do not hesitate to contact Clemmie at the Estate Office on 01386 725111 or email: lettings@overburyestate.co.uk and we will email you full particulars.

Vale Arts Trail - 21st to 30th May 2011

2011-05-10T03:19:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that three of our local artists and crafts people are opening their doors for The Vale Arts Trail on 21st - 30th May 2011. Please do come and have a look at their wonderful work and help support our local businesses!

Please continue reading for more information or check out http://www.valeartstrail.org/.

Leigh Charman, Conderton

http://www.lilacgallery.co.uk/ilacgallery.co.uk/

07783 429 640

Open All Days, 10 - 5

Leigh uses a progressive technique blending spray and acrylic, his latest work is a reflection on the countryside and wildlife that surrounds him.

Toff Milway, Conderton
www.toffmilway.co.uk

01386 725 387

Open All Days 9 - 5 (Closed Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th)

Handmade pots created especially for lovers of food and gardening, made in the beautiful Cotswold stone village of Conderton.

Alexandra Churchill

http://www.alexandrachurchill.co.uk/

01386 725 385

Open from Sunday 22nd May onwards 12-5

Paintings and prints to suit a country house from this international artist. Equestrian a speciality with animals, flowers and landscapes.

Little Grass Snake

2011-05-06T06:28:00.001-07:00

My jack russell, Poppy, spotted this little grass snake whilst we were out for a lunchtime walk today. Grass snakes look very like adders in colour and form, but have a white collar just behind their head, which sets them apart. The snake stood right up to look at the dog and they both did a quick dance, but unfortunately I couldn't get the camera out fast enough to catch it on film!

Overbury Estate Joinery - launching our supply and fit service

2011-04-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

The Overbury Estate Joinery Department make beautiful bespoke woodwork for all our buildings including houses, cottages, offices and farm buildings.

We are delighted to announce that our father and son team; Alan and Simon Whitaker are now branching out with a supply and fit joinery service for third parties.

Just take a look around the village of Overbury to see many fine examples of their work, including:-

Architectural joinery, Staircases, Windows and doors, Cabinets, Panelling, Garden gates and many other bespoke items.

To discuss your requirements further or obtain a quotation, please contact the Estate Office on 01386 725111.

Magnificent Magnolia

2011-03-31T03:07:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here and the Magnolia tree in St Faith's Church Yard is in full bloom. Amazingly it wasn't caught by the late frosts and has been at its most magnificent for several years.

We thought you might like to see some pictures...

Mill Cottage - Open House - Tues 5th April

2011-03-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Join us any time between 2pm and 7pm next Tuesday afternoon for refreshments and to look around our latest refurbishment project; Mill Cottage. Which has already been let (from Wednesday next week). Before.... Come and see for yourself the work that our building maintenance team do and the style and quality of our cottage renovations and what the cottage looks like now... All are welcome.

Small Business Rate Relief Extended

2011-03-25T03:21:00.000-07:00

Good news in Wednesday's budget; the current temporary increase in Small Business Rate Relief, which was due to end on 30 September 2011 will now continue for a further year (from 1st October 2011 to 30th September 2012).

Therefore ratepayers with rateable values below £6,000 pay no rates at all for the period and those with rateable values between £6,000 and £12,000 receive tapered relief from 0-100%.

More information is available on line at http://www.communities.gov.uk/ or you can contact your local authority Business Rates department.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has also welcomed a number of announcements in the budget; see their website for more information http://www.fsb.org.uk/

Croome and West Warwickshire Foxhounds Meet at Overbury Court

2011-02-16T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Joint Masters of the Croome and West Warwickshire Foxhounds met at Overbury Court on Tuesday 15th February for their annual day's hunting at Overbury, starting in the vale and moving out onto Bredon Hill later in the day.

Many thanks to Billy and Michaela for a fantastic spread of food and drinks, which set both riders and followers up for the day!

Wychall School from Birmingham came along to meet the hounds and also the hunt's golden eagle, followed by a trip to the lambing sheds to see what the Overbury Farms team were up to there.

Fabulous Farmhouse - Available April 2011

2011-02-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Cotswold stone farmhouse, with plenty of room for the growing family. This stunning house will be available to rent from early April and is set in a beautiful rural location, just outside the popular village of Beckford.

Rent: £2,750 per calendar month

The house backs onto a wide network of footpaths and bridleways on Bredon Hill; an ideal family home or weekend getaway for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle.

Accommodation comprises: 4 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 shower room, farmhouse style kitchen with range cooker, 2 sitting rooms and 2 further reception rooms.

Please see the Overbury Estate website at http://www.overburyestate.co.uk/ for more details, or give Clemmie a call in the office on 01386 725111 for a chat if you are interested in finding out more.

Introducing The Overbury Stallions 2011

2011-01-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

This is the first in a series of blogs introducing Overbury Estate based businesses and what they do:-

Following a long standing tradition of a stud farm here at Overbury, Simon Sweeting and his family (who also own and operate Conduit Stud) have leased the Overbury Stud since the year 2000, launching the very successful Overbury Stallions Ltd and initially standing Kayf Tara.

The stud now stands a very impressive line up of five stallions: Bertolini, Kayf Tara, Proclamation, Sagamix and Schiaparelli.

As well as standing champion national hunt stallions, they also provide full time boarding services for mares and their offspring, advise on sales and consigns at all major stock sales and undertake foaling; this is done at Conduit Stud (75 foals are born there every year)

Simon employs a team of 7 dedicated, experienced staff, who offer a top quality service at keen prices.

Please visit their website at http://www.ovstud.co.uk/ and check out Simon's blog for more information on what the team and horses are up to. Their offspring have already had a number of wins this year.

Christmas lights

2011-01-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

You may recognise these fantastic Christmas lights which are displayed each year by one of our neighbours on the back road to Tewkesbury between Kemerton and Bredon every year, I think they are still there this week, but take the opportunity to drive past if you can; they light up the sky and look amazing....

Overbury's Winter Wonderland

2010-12-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

As temperatures have dropped this week the whole of the Vale of Evesham has been shrouded in a cloak of freezing fog. The sun did creep out this evening on the top of Bredon Hill and the following pictures were sent to us by Ben Holland Martin - many thanks.

Alexandra Churchill's Christmas Show and Sale

2010-12-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Alexandra Churchill invites you to her Christmas Show and Sale at home in Overbury.

The new studio will be open on Sat 4th & Sun 5th Dec and also on Sat 11th & Sun 12th Dec between the hours of 11am and 4pm.

Guest artists: Danek Piechowiak (custom engraved glass), Fiona Cameron (hand made silver jewellery) and Toff Milway (renowned ceramic artist) will also be exhibiting and selling their wares.

For further information and contact details please visit http://www.alexandrachurchill.co.uk/

Planking our own timber

2010-11-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

It was all hands on deck yesterday, as Mark, Alun, Simon and Martyn loaded more than a dozen oak trees onto the huge Hudson saw that Charles and William Vernon-Miller supplied and operated for us.

Martyn had already stripped the bark off the trunks and the timber was cut into planks and will be stored and dried for 3 or 4 years or more before it can be used in some of our houses and cottages.

We also had to use the fork lift and Martyn's crane to manhandle the timber; which was pretty weighty!

The timber will be stored under cover and raised off the ground with small chocs separating each layer - at some stage it will be turned to prevent the wood warping in one direction or the other to keep it as straight as possible.

Overbury Fireworks and Bonfire Night

2010-11-08T09:49:00.001-08:00

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the Overbury Fireworks and Bonfire Night on Sunday evening such a success.

Our special thanks to Bruce for the fireworks, Martyn and the Overbury Farms team for building the bonfire, Tod, Harry and James Philips for assisting with the lighting and setting up all the tables for the food, David, Toff and John for collecting over £500 for the Village Hall in their bucket collection and the Friends of Overbury School for providing refreshments (they sold out after the 250th hot dog).

The fireworks were outstanding (the photos from Ant Sanger-Davies - tiny image files so only give a little of their impact) and the hotdogs and mulled wine really hit the spot on such a chilly night, although the fire also gave off quite a bit of heat!

Thank you also to the children from Overbury First School who carved a row of beautiful pumpkins to help light the way down School Lane.

And of course, our congratulations to Frazer Loveday, who won the competition for the best guy and whose prize was to light the bonfire !

The Race to Infinity has begun...

2010-10-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Please help keep our villages connected to fast internet services:

Over the next 5 years BT is rolling out superfast fibre optic broadband across the UK. The Overbury/Kemerton exchange is not currently included in the rollout plan, however, BT have pledged that if 75% of the users on the exchange register their interest on BT's 'Race to Infinity' website http://www.racetoinfinity.bt.com/ they will engage with our community to see what they can do in our area.

We are urging everyone in the Overbury, Kemerton and Conderton areas to vote; you don't need a telephone number to do this; the votes are counted for each relevant property/postcode address. Please let us know when you have voted (and your vote number) so we can keep track.

If you do not have an internet connection or need any help in order to vote, please do contact the Estate Office on 01386 725111 and speak to Clemmie or Suzie who will be pleased to assist or you can email us on infinity@bredonhillbroadband.co.uk

Overbury Cricket Club - Awards Night & President's Match

2010-09-24T04:06:00.000-07:00

Overbury Cricket Club annual Awards Night was held on Friday 17th September, followed by The Presidents Match on Saturday afternoon. After a closely fought game with plenty of entertaining moments, the President's XI (Captained by Ben Holland-Martin)were bowled out still some 20 runs short of their target. Congratulations to the Overbury XI (captained by Adam Brookes) - victorious again!

The cricket club is a great way to get to know people in the village and the pavilion bar is open throughout the cricket season - May to September; annual social membership for a couple costs £20 per annum, but this is now free to new Overbury Estate tenants for the first year of membership and the atmosphere is friendly and informal; do come and join us for a drink or visit the club website at http://overbury.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp

Beckford Barn Dance

2010-09-22T02:57:00.000-07:00

Our congratulations to the Evesham Round Table who hosted the Beckford Barn Dance last weekend. The evening was organised in memory of Rupert Ellis and they raised over £1500 towards a disabled hide for the Beckford Nature Reserve nearby.

If you would like to find out more about the local Round Table and what they get up to, do take a look at their website for further info: http://www.evesham295.com/

Sue Corbin and Nicky Griffiths from Overbury

David Broadie and his team spent quite a bit of time polishing up the old barn at Beckford Court Farm, with a sit-down hog roast before the dancing commenced.

Richard Ellis (Rupert's son) and his wife Tabitha

Richard Smith from Evesham Round Table handing out raffle
prizes

Iain McWilliams, Jonathan Peterson Jones (known as JP-J!) John Ward, Ali (from Overbury), Stewart Beach, and Glenn Lyons

Clipping our Yew hedges

2010-09-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

George and Ted got stuck into our Yew hedges last week; it takes us about a month each year to trim the whole lot, culminating in us hiring a raised platform to do the tops at the end of September each year!

We used to sell the clippings for incorporation into medicines for chemotherapy, however, these drugs can now be made synthetically and the market for the yew seems to have largely disappeared - if anyone knows of companies who are still aquiring yew hedge clippings we would be pleased to hear from them.

Overbury Heritage Open Day - 11th & 12th September

2010-09-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to invite you to visit Overbury on the weekend of Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th September any time between 12noon and 5pm - there will be a rare opportunity to climb the tower of St. Faith's Church and see the far reaching views from the top. (Please be aware that the steps to the top of the tower are very steep and narrow, so please wear suitable footwear).

There will also be an exhibition of old photographs of the village on show in the Village Hall, with tea, coffee and cakes being served from 2pm - 5pm. All proceeds will be going to the Village Hall and St Faiths Church.

In addition, we are also opening the doors of Sunnybank House. This fabulous 5 bedroom family home is currently available to rent through Overbury Estate. It has many period features, a walled garden and ample off road parking. The house was formerly the home of Didy Holland-Martin; Penelope's aunt and there will be some interesting visitors books dating back over 100 years as well as other photographs and family memorabilia on display.

We look forward to seeing you all.

Bank holiday bottleneck!

2010-09-02T07:01:00.001-07:00

How do you get a ship into a bottle?...More importantly, how can we get the combine harvester and other farm machinery up through the village on a Bank Holiday weekend?

The same applies to parking across field gateways... and what if an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or fire engine needed to get through?

We are delighted that so many walkers, cyclists and riders derive enjoyment from visiting Bredon Hill, but please, do bear in mind that if you are leaving your vehicle parked in one of the villages for any period of time, we need to be able to get the farm machinery past you.

The Farms team have been very busy over the past week (and weekend) working well into the evenings harvesting against the clock before the weather breaks, so bottlenecks like this can be a real nuisance to them.

Welcome back to Alexandra Churchill

2010-08-23T05:43:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to welcome the renowned artist, Alexandra Churchill, who has recently re-located her studio back from Chipping Campden to Overbury, although she has lived in the village for many years.

Alexandra has a passion for painting horses, dogs and hare and gets much inspiration from the village and surrounding fields and countryside.

Many of her past originals of flowers and animals have been reproduced and sold worldwide from country shops to Harrods and Fortnums in London; her images are also available for licensing.

Alexandra would be happy to discuss commissions. Please see her website for more details: http://www.alexandrachurchill.co.uk/

or contact Alexandra at The Bothy, Stocktons Courtyard, Overbury. Tel. 01386 725 385 or on email via alex@alexandrachurchill.co.uk

Oak tree split

2010-07-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Sadly, one of the amazing old oak trees in the park split right down the middle last week and has lost a limb. We are hoping that the remaining upright section will be viable and can safely be left in situ once we have tidied away the fallen branches.

Using Barley Straw to control weed and pond algae

2010-06-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Martyn and George spent a hot day this week making barley straw 'sausages' to sink into The Break Pool and Robins Mill Pond. This is a traditional method of managing pond weed and algae; the theory being that as soon as the straw is placed into the water it starts to rot and produces mild hydrogen peroxide (all quite natural we assure you) and this reduces the algal and weed growth. In the next couple of weeks, the sausages will become saturated with water and will sink beneath the surface of the pond, so that they do not present an eyesore.

Unfortunately, the process is very much a 'trial and error' method and we may need to top up the straw in a few months time - in the meantime, it should improve the oxygen levels in the pond for any fish and invertebrates and we have scooped out the worst of an algal bloom in a specially designed net.

Our thanks to Kingcombe Aquacare for their expertise, nets and the use of their special sausage making machine. Martyn is looking forward to having a go at making his own 'replica' model!

www.kingcombe.com

Maypole Dancing

2010-06-04T10:04:00.001-07:00

There was a full turnout of pupils and parents when the children of Overbury C of E First School crowned their May Queen on the last day of term last Friday, 28th May. They led a procession from the School for their annual Maypole Dancing in the courtyard at Overbury Court. Grasshoppers Nursery School came along to watch.

Farm and Estate Tour by the Royal Agricultural Society of England

2010-05-27T04:45:00.000-07:00

We were very honoured last week to receive a visit from 45 members of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (also known as RASE); who came to look at both the Farm and Estate and see some of the work we do here.

In the morning we took the group for a tractor and trailer ride on the hill and around the Farm to look at the cropping and Jake and his team's conservation work for wild birds. We also called in at the Stud to see Simon Sweeting.

After lunch we visited the Joinery Workshop to see Alun and Simon, looked at some of our recent barn conversions and the businesses operating there as well as one of our current refurbishment projects and the wonderful Conderton Chase, with it's listed dovecote.

Since it was set up in 1840 RASE has supported farming and the rural industries by spreading information about the best in research, development and practice. As well as attending many of the big shows, they also organise conferences, events and projects such as 'Operation Bumble Bee' and The Edible Garden Show - do check out their website for more information http://www.rase.org.uk/

Our Apprentice of Distinction

2010-05-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

Well done to our Apprentice Joiner, Simon Whitaker, who recently achieved a Distinction in his end of year theory exams at Gloucestershire College. Simon is currently in the 2nd year of a Carpentry and Joinery NVQ having commenced an Apprenticeship Programme with the college in 2008.

Simon works alongside his father, Alun Whitaker, in our Joinery workshop making windows, doors, staircases and other bespoke items of joinery for the Estate's houses and cottages.

Hunting on the hill

2010-03-15T02:46:00.000-07:00

The morning of February 10th and the Croome and West Warwickshire Foxhounds annual meeting at Overbury Court dawned with blue skies. The pack set off onto the hill shortly after 11am and riders were able to take in the fantastic views and scenery on such a clear day.

The afternoon ended with a sprinkling of snow and a short trip back to the Court for a quick photo opportunity before heading home.

The hounds met again at nearby Kemerton on Tues 9th March.

Congratulations to Andrew John re the Wychavon Bursary Award nomination

2010-02-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

Big congratulations are due to villager Andrew John (as written up by Andy Dyke in his blog) who was nominated by the Overbury & Conderton Parish Council for the Wychavon Bursary award for his contribuition to our community. http://andydyke.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/wychavon-bursary-awards/

There are numerous ways in which Andrew contributes to Overbury & Conderton village life. Visiting elderly and infirm villagers in their own homes offering support and helping with errands, driving people to appointments, shopping etc. Chairman of Overbury Street Market Committee, Chairman of Overbury Village hall committee, member of the churchyard mowing/maintenance team, member of the regular parish litter collection team & organiser of the village bonfire and firework display. Well done and thank you Andrew.

Happy New Year and Welcome to our first blog of 2010

2010-01-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

The year got off to a spectacular start with 6-8 inches of snow falling during the first week of January and with the village school closed for much of the week, families made the most of the weather and beautiful surroundings to go tobogganing or take long walks in the snowy scenery.

And we have had some fantastic sunsets too:-

Well done to all those who entered our Snowman Competition... the results are set out below:-

Winner – Overbury Grasshoppers

(we love the basket and hat)

Runners up - Jake Daley

(sweeping brush in hand)

and Mollie and Casper Chambers

(we love the ivy buttons)

And a special mention for Connie
and Grace Malpass with their

snowman's tea party for four

and to Hugh and Georgie Milway for their potter's teapot

Rain doesn't stop our streetmarket

2009-07-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Lorraine on the toy stall

Jake & Andrea Freestone selling lamb
Alex outside with the bacon butties!
Though the streetmarket was relocated to the village hall it was still a huge success and made over £3,000 for village causes. The estate team were out in force (see above).

Launch of our blog

2009-07-09T23:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you for discovering our blog - some news, updates and thoughts from a rural estate in the Cotswolds. This entry is written by Penelope Bossom (from the family who have lived on and looked after the estate for over 250 years).

It is a very busy time in the village of Overbury. This weekend we are preparing for the annual Streetmarket, last weekend we had a Fun Pet and Pony Show which raised over £2,000 for our village school and the County Air Ambulance. The school term has not long to run and hopefully the farm team will soon be bringing in another harvest.

On the estate, a family has just moved out of the beautiful nine bedroomed Silver Rill House overlooking the park. We are looking for another family who will enjoy the unique opportunity of looking after this historic house and enjoying the benefits of walking out of the garden straight onto Bredon Hill and a network of many miles of footpaths without a road to cross and 360 degree views.

Would we have designed our housing market to become the volatile family investment it has become? The biggest choice a family faces is choosing where to live and work. It is fraught with worry and risk. The timing around the sale or purchase hardly lends itself to making the best long term decision. If anything good has come out of these strange times it is the re- evaluation of what is important. We certainly have noticed a surge of interest in growing vegetables and moving out of cities.

If finding a family home in fantastic countryside is of interest, why not look at renting from one of England's rural estates? Most have a long term agenda (unlike buy to let landlords) and the surrounding countryside is usually well loved and looked after. Although estates are different, Overbury prides itself on having a strong community, a very popular primary school, a high proportion of self employed (certainly not a dormitory village) and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside, mostly within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.