Living in Northumberland, with Jason Roberts
From the people who move you: Jason Roberts picks his hotspots in Northumberland
The Cheltenham Festival has always marked highly in every horseracing fan’s calendar. With its longstanding history, the event sees some of the best race horses across the UK compete in the beautiful setting of the Cotswolds. This year’s meeting will see thousands of spectators flocking to the area from the 15th to the 18th of March. The town of Cheltenham, just a few miles from the course, provides an elegant backdrop of architectural beauty for the event. Often labelled the cultural capital of the Cotswolds, you can find plenty of fine regency townhouses and a historic shopping promenade at its centre. The racing weekend is where the town is at its busiest and the eclectic atmosphere it brings is something you must experience first-hand.
It’s not just Cheltenham, the UK plays host to racecourses in all corners of the country, with each course coming with its own magic. If you want the ultimate horse racing experience, there is only one track that bears the name Royal Ascot set in one of the most luxurious towns Berkshire has to offer. With a rich history, founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and since receiving the patronage of a further eleven monarchs, Royal Ascot is possibly the best-known racecourse in the world and its royal procession is a must see.
However, if a city racecourse is more your calling, Chester hosts one of the oldest racecourses in the world. Celebrating its 103rd renewal in 2022, the May Festival is one of its biggest events and attracts the very best trainers, jockeys and horses to the track. Chester provides the perfect setting with all the history, heritage and vibrancy you’d expect from a cathedral city so you won’t be short of things to see and explore around the weekend.
With Cheltenham underway this week, we’ve picked five homes for you to choose from with one of the world famous tracks on the doorstep:
St Charles House, Sunningdale, Berkshire
St Charles House is a most impressive modern family house set within mature landscaped gardens and situated in one of Sunningdale’s premier roads. The area is close to horse racing at both Ascot and Windsor.
Chapel Place, Longborough, Gloucestershire
Set in an enviable location in the village, Chapel Place is an attractive Grade II Listed cottage coming to the market for the first time in over 50 years. The property is located in Longborough, just 30 minutes from Prestbury Park.
Completely refurbished from a derelict state some 22 years ago, 19 The Groves is an elegant, white-rendered family home offering almost 3,200 sq. ft. of flexible living accommodation. With the River Dee to the front and the leafy expanse of Grosvenor Park to the rear, the property occupies an enviable position within easy reach of all that Chester has to offer, only a short walk from the city centre and minutes from Chester Racecourse.
The Old Place Cottage, Windsor, Berkshire
Believed to date back to the early 1900s, The Old Place Cottage was formerly a gardener’s cottage for The Old Place and enjoys a tucked-away location, with far-reaching views across farmland to Dorney Common. The property is conveniently located 16 minutes from Windsor Racecourse.
The Chase is a beautifully presented family home offering light and airy accommodation, close to Ascot Racecourse.