TV presenter and author Mary Portas has revealed her affection for the Slad Valley, a quietly charming Cotswolds neighbourhood that has so far escaped the spotlight of celebrity property buyers.
Though Mary is primarily London-based, her family home is nestled near Stroud, nestled in an area steeped in natural beauty and literary history. Unlike the more glamorous Cotswolds hotspots favored by high-profile figures, Mary’s choice offers a more authentic and grounded lifestyle.
In a recent interview with The Times, Mary detailed her connection to the Jacobean house she calls home on weekends and during family occasions. Located in the Slad Valley, where Laurie Lee famously penned Cider with Rosie, the area is richly textured with both culture and nature.
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Mary explained her initial reluctance to move to the Cotswolds, joking that she wanted to avoid the “pink trouser brigade” famously associated with the likes of former Prime Minister David Cameron. Instead, she proudly embraces a less posh part of Gloucestershire, where her neighbours include Extinction Rebellion activists and renowned theatre artist Simon McBurney.
This part of the Cotswolds contrasts notably with the neighbouring Oxfordshire region — sometimes dubbed “the English Hollywood” — known for its famous residents like Jeremy Clarkson and the Beckhams. Mary’s Slad Valley retreat offers quieter surroundings while still benefiting from the stunning countryside and charming local highlights such as The Woolpack pub, a celebrated spot well-loved by residents and visitors alike.
Though Mary’s London home in Primrose Hill remains her main residence, where she lives post-divorce, the countryside retreat in the Cotswolds plays a vital role in her life. The Slad Valley boasts some of the country’s best walking routes, and its reputation blossomed thanks to Laurie Lee’s poetic depictions.
Real estate data from Rightmove highlights that the average property price in Slad is around £780,000. Nevertheless, buyers can still find more affordable options, including three-bedroom terraces listed at around £396,000.
Mary Portas’ embrace of the Slad Valley illustrates an alternative side of Cotswolds living — one that balances natural beauty, community, and culture without the pressure of high society expectations.