Shilton Village, Nr Burford, Oxfordshire

Shilton is one of the quintessential, but relatively unknown gems of The Cotswolds. Close to historic Burford, it sits in the valley of the Shil river, from which it takes its name. The Chestnuts cottage is in the heart of the historic conservation area and overlooks the Shil ford and pond. It is built of traditional Cotswold stone and dates from the early 1800s.

Shilton was first referenced in a document from 1205 – it was a small village then and has remained so. In medieval times it was a thriving farming community and had a baker, blacksmith and two shops. Today only the Rose and Crown pub survives. Dating from the 1600s, it’s full of charm and is just a few steps from The Chestnuts, serving great locally sourced food.

Shilton may appear to be a sleepy village but lots of events occur throughout the year, many on the meadow that The Chestnuts overlooks. Highlights include Easter egg rolling and duck race, the village summer fete, the garden open days in June and carol singing round the ford at Christmas time.

From Shilton you can walk over the fields to Burford, or take a short walk around the village taking in the church of the Holyrood. Or just sit by the ford (featured in an episode of the TV drama series Downton Abbey).