The arrival of Jeremy Clarkson’s Oxfordshire pub The Farmer’s Dog has triggered a surprise spike in searches for homes in the area, says Rightmove.
Over the weekend the property portal clocked a 63 per cent increase in searches for nearby Burford compared with this time last year.
Punters queued for an inaugural pint with the former Top Gear presenter from Friday morning, with the pub previously known as The Windmill officially opening its doors at midday. The following day saw the biggest spike in searches.
The pub itself is located in the small village of Asthall, three miles from Burford.
Known as the gateway to the Cotswolds, pretty Burford is awash with honey-hued stone cottages that draw in DFLs. Claims to fame include the St John the Baptist, a Grade I-listed church built from the 12th-century, and a cluster of 15th-century houses on the high street.
It’s also home to Matthew Freud’s Bull Burford, an 18-bedroom coaching inn with an ex-Nobu head chef.
The average asking price for a home in the wider OX18 postcode area, where both Kate Winslet and Kate Moss own homes, is £537,827.
Clarkson has proved an unlikely influence on Rightmove habits. Spikes in searches for Chadlington, where his Amazon hit Clarkson’s Farm is set, coincided with the launches of series one and two.
Rightmove’s property expert Tim Bannister said: “The Cotswolds will always inspire people to search and explore what living in one of its many areas of beauties could be like, and Jeremy Clarkson’s ventures have added further intrigue.
“Whether it’s to see what living next to his farm would be like, or planning the best route to the pub, people have headed straight to Rightmove to see homes for sale nearby.”
The opening comes amid fears that Clarkson’s new venture may generate a further increase in traffic following the success of his Diddly Squat farm shop. Residents have expressed concerns due to the proximity of the pub to the busy A40.
The best homes for sale in Burford
Budget bolthole
£270,000
Bridge Street
A compact but characterful cottage in the village of Shilton, just down the road from Burford. There’s a separate dining room and a bonus roof terrace off the upstairs bedroom.
Penny & Sinclair, 01993 225859
17th-century cottage
Main Street
£550,000
On the market without a chain, this Grade-II listed stone cottage is located in the centre of Asthall – a stone’s throw from The Farmer’s Dog. It’s a picture-perfect Cotswolds home, with two bedrooms, beamed ceilings and an inglenook fireplace.
Tayler & Fletcher, 01993 225821
Barn conversion
£850,000
Oxford Road
Converted two years ago, this stone barn is now a three-bedroom family home with a sensational vaulted living space. Hidden perks include an air source heat pump and underfloor heating.
Savills, 01865 638868
Family gem
Westhall Hill
£1.5 million
Just north of Burford, this sensitively-designed 1960s home has three bedrooms, plus a utility room, conservatory and a huge two-storey garage that could be converted into an annexe.
Fine & Country, 01926 895386
Heart of town
Lower High Street
£1.6 million
This double-fronted gem on the high street is deceptively spacious, with almost 2,400 square feet of living space as well as a self-contained one-bedroom annexe above the garage. There’s also a private terrace at the back.
