Voted third in Time Out’s Top 10 mini-break destinations for Londoners, the Cotswolds hospitality market remains resilient in the face of economic and political uncertainty.

With no fewer than 11 hotel or pubs sold or in the pipeline, hospitality specialists from global real estate advisor Colliers International have dealt or are dealing with more than £13 million worth of properties in the area in the last few months alone. 

Peter Brunt, a director in the hotels agency team at Colliers International, said the Cotswolds remained a jewel in the crown of the UK tourist industry.  

“The popularity of the Cotswolds has never wavered. Very few of the pubs, hotels or Bed & Breakfasts in the whole area which are put up for sale are on the market for long.  

“The region enjoys a high profile in London because of its reputation as a chic and trendy celebrity hot-spot and because of its gorgeous towns and villages and truly fabulous countryside.” 

With five top properties sold or under offer and with others available, Peter Brunt spends many hours on the road visiting owners and potential buyers - and clients are always impressed by his knowledge of the area. 

“Honeypot locations such as the Cotswolds do seem immune to any negativity in the market. It’s a copper-bottomed location in which to trade leading to significant market activity.

“Although we have always enjoyed our deliberately high profile in the area we also operate on a slightly less obvious level, putting buyers and owners in touch for off-market introductions.”  

Four of the 11 properties currently being marketed by Colliers in the area are confidential sales.

Peter Brunt added: “Quality freeholds in the region are rarely available and when they are placed on the market they represent a wonderful opportunity for buyers to acquire a quality business with the benefit of year-round trade.”  

During his 14 years in the business locally, Peter has sold more properties in the £500,000-plus market than all other agents in the region combined.    

“It is a micro market that has perennial high demand from operators because the trading opportunities are so strong. It is also attractive to first-time entrants and newcomers to the sector, particularly those from London and the South East who often know the region and find it accessible.   

“The Cotswolds benefits from extraordinary national and international factors – but the backdrop to our success this Spring remains our heritage and location. It’s a favourite destination for celebrities which gives further gloss to an area with outstanding natural advantages in terms of its history and geography.  

“Classic England as far as visitors are concerned, the Cotswolds are studded with pretty villages the majority of which are easy accessibility from the capital.  

“Increased numbers of people taking staycations this summer will be further boosted by large numbers of foreign visitors and the popularity of the Bicester retail outlet.”