Cotswolds Property July 2016 | Page 14

TOWN GUIDE TOWN GUIDE Collaboratively, the cultural movement in Broadway has resulted in an annual arts festival that attracts visitors from far and wide. The festival prides itself on “creating a sustainable environment within which to inspire, educate, encourage and support Broadway as an internationally recognised centre for the arts.” Working closely with local schools to promote the town’s heritage, the project offers workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions to inspire the town’s younger generations. Emphasising the traditional community feel to Broadway, The Broadway Arts Festival Trust allots surplus funds to aspiring artists in the village. With the image of Broadway remaining as it was in the 17th century, the essential amenities for day to day life have thankfully moved with the times. All housed within time-honoured Cotswold stone, a small supermarket Budgens, multiple hairdressers including the highly recommended Muse, a doctors, dentists, veterinary practice, chemist, post office and multiple banks support Broadway’s self sufficient nature. As a local resident, the town provides both the practical amenities, food and drink choices and activities ideal for conventional living. As expected, the charm and sophistication that captures Broadway make it a sought-after place to live. Hannah, a local resident of 22, says “Broadway is brilliant, everything you need is on your doorstep, having bars and restaurants in a walkable distance makes socialising easy and in the “It is a very good place to buy for numerous reasons, not least the quality of life & transport links.” festivals; attracting celebrity chefs and singers. A village highlight is the Broadway Food Festival where local artisan producers, chefs and restaurants unite to provide a gastronomic experience for locals and visitors. With free admission and plenty of tasters for all, this festival is always an exciting event on the Broadway calendar. If relaxing on the green and listening to local bands is more your bag, the Broadway Music Festival named Broadfest is again a popular event in the summer months. With plenty on the barbecue, the warm July evening encapsulates the true community spirit of Broadway. Throughout the seasons it is the village pubs offering live music which attract loyal visitors from nearby villages. A popular pub The Swan say, “our relaxing terrace is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the summer concerts and festivals held on the village green”. With its summer the alfresco dining is unbeatable. For families, Broadway is ideal. The village boasts a £300,000 Lotteryfunded activity park which is free to use with its own space net and zipwire. Additionally, Broadway Football Club offers a variety of sports teams for all ages and a clubhouse with its own darts team that’s a local treasure. Local team member and cofounder of Dog Friendly Cotswolds, Mark says, “with two pitches, changing facilities and eleven youth teams ranging from under seven to 16, we offer something for everyone”. Alternatively, for cricket fans, the summer club promotes competitive and friendly games for all ages and abilities. For indoor activities, within six miles there are more than seven leisure facilities , ranging from Evesham Leisure Centre with it’s own climbing wall, to the exclusive Dormy House Hotel. Freestyle360, a nearby indoor and outdoor gym sports a unique obstacle and mud runner course across 28 acres of the Cotswold countryside, a real challenge for any running enthusiast. Additionally for children, local dance teacher Arianna Adlkish offers popular classes for all ages and abilities, and provides clubs in both school time and summer holidays. With top hotels, a well established golf course and a central position along The Cotswold Way; the hub of tourists and residents have positioned the village as a popular microcosm in the Cotswolds. Annually, the town has become famous for its farmers markets and newly refurbished restaurant, and revamped menu, if you are looking for a cosmopolitan vibe in Broadway The Swan is always busy, particularly on the weekend. Alternatively, The Crown and Trumpet Inn is the perfect pit-stop just off The Cotswold Way and hosts weekly jazz nights throughout the year. A further advantage of Broadway, as in all of the Cotswolds, is the excellent level of schooling the town has to offer. Within a four-mile radius of the town there are eight local primary schools, providing ample choice for any family. Broadway itself boasts the Ofsted-rated outstanding St Mary’s Catholic Primary school where Headteacher Jacqui Le Maitre says “our teachers and support staff are devoted to developing every child and giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential”. For older children, nearby Chipping Campden excels in Languages and Technology. Again, an outstanding sixth form centre attached to the school encourages and supports students to progress into all disciplines. With these benefits in mind, Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn says, “the Cotswolds is a very good place to buy for numerous reasons, not least the quality of life, transport links, education and employment.” It is not therefore surprising the average house price in Broadway according to the 2016 Land Registry is £406,990; a 24% increase on 2015. Broadway Estate Agents Hayman Joyce 01386 858510 www.haymanjoyce.co.uk Hamptons International Sales Broadway 01386 389598 www.hamptons.co.uk RA Bennett & Partners 01386 389599 www.rabennett.co.uk