Bespoke kitchen design in Chipping Norton allows the Guild Anderson team time to visit deep in the heart of the Cotswolds.  Perched on the highest point in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Chipping Norton, affectionately known as ‘Chippy’ by locals, was once a centre for the Cotswold wool trade and was given a Royal charter by King John in 1205.

The medieval Guildhall and St Mary’s Church reflect the prosperity brought by the wool trade. Later, sheep farming was largely replaced by arable, but agriculture remained important in this part of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Many of the original houses around the market place were rebuilt in the 18th century with fashionable Georgian frontages.

Situated on the western slopes of a hillside that was once the site of a Norman castle this lively little town has a vibrancy about it. Renowned for its antique shops and diverse shopping offer, including a regular market – Chipping Norton retains a robust living, working market town atmosphere. There is good choice of places to eat and top quality entertainment.  The town hosts annual arts festivals: Chipping Norton Literary Festival (‘ChipLitFest’), Chipping Norton Music Festival, and a jazz festival.  The Theatre Chipping Norton opened in 1975 as a theatre, cinema, gallery and music venue for original productions and touring companies.

Bliss Tweed Mill in the west of town was built as a tweed mill by William Bliss in 1872. In 1913 to 1914 the millworkers struck for eight months. The mill closed in 1980 and was turned into flats.

From 1972 to 1999 the former British Schools building in New Street was Chipping Norton Recording Studios. Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty, In The Army Now by Status Quo, Too Shy by Kajagoogoo, I Should Have Known Better by Jim Diamond, Perfect by Fairground Attraction, I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew and Bye Bye Baby by the Bay City Rollers were recorded there. Jeff Beck, Barbara Dickson, Duran Duran, Marianne Faithfull, Alison Moyet, Nektar, Radiohead, The Supernaturals, Wet Wet Wet, XTC, Mark Owen and Chris Rea also used them.

Several media, political and show-business acquaintances living near the town, including former prime minister David Cameron, have been called the “Chipping Norton set”.  Again drawn by Gloucestershire’s picturesque countryside and honey coloured buildings, the county is home to many celebrities and those wishing to relocate from London.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Kingham, just a stone’s throw from Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh; The Kingham Plough is a beautifully appointed country pub in the heart of the Cotswolds offering contemporary British dining and pared-back luxurious accommodation.