We currently live in a different part of the country but are considering a move to Cheltenham or Cotswolds area.
My spouse is particularly keen on Cheltenham for the social opportunities it offers. I agree it is an attractive area but do worry it might be too big and busy.
We thought the upmarket, outer edges of Cheltenham might be good to give easy access to interesting, varied dog walks (v important) and some quiet. Schools are not a consideration. Nor do we need to be near to a specific workplace.
As there is little on the market it is hard to judge what is achievable or realistic & Cheltenham is definitely expensive. We would like a nice, attractive, ideally contemporary, detached house (2200-2700ish sq ft), with a genuinely large garden (enough to properly throw ball for the dog). Tree-lined road a bonus. Budget up to £1m, maybe with a tiny bit of flex.
Other areas we're thinking about are Cirencester but the big & busy roads surrounding it seem to make living on outskirts tough, and Stroud area, as we loved the walks on Rodborough / Minchinhampton common and it was friendly. Stroud town center lacked 'polish' though and we would like that affluent feel (we compromised on that last time and regretted it). Nailsworth seemed more upmarket but choked by traffic.
Any thoughts on whether what we are looking for is achievable on our budget in those areas? Other areas to consider?
I do appreciate we are fortunate to have that budget. Anyhow, all local knowledge gratefully received. Thank you.