Guide to Buying Antiques in the Cotswolds: A Treasure Hunter’s Paradise
If you love the thrill of finding a hidden gem with a story to tell, the Cotswolds is your playground. This place is brimming with antique shops, markets, and quirky little stores just waiting to be explored. I’ve spent countless weekends (and maybe a few too many paychecks) unearthing treasures here, so let me share my insider tips.
Why the Cotswolds?
History: These charming towns and villages have been around for centuries, so there’s a wealth of antiques from different eras waiting to be discovered.
Variety: You’ll find everything from elegant Georgian silver to quirky vintage finds, furniture, paintings, you name it!
The Experience: It’s not just about the items, it’s the joy of browsing in cozy shops and chatting with passionate dealers.
Here are my favorite hunting grounds
Towns & Villages: Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury, Chipping Campden, and Burford are antiques hotspots. Each has its own character, so take time to wander and explore.
Antique Centers: These are perfect for all-weather browsing and offer a massive selection under one roof. I like the Gloucester Antiques Centre and Winchcombe Antiques Centre.
Fairs & Markets: Check local listings for regular antique fairs and pop-up markets. These are great places to snag a bargain.
Shop Recommendations
Hart Gold and Silversmiths (Chipping Campden): High-end silver and jewelry, perfect if you’re looking for something special.
The Malthouse Collective (Painswick): A mix of dealers with an eclectic range of antiques and vintage finds.
Manfred Schotten Antiques (Burford): Fine quality furniture from different periods.
Christopher Clarke Antiques (Stow-on-the-Wold): Specializes in campaign furniture, ideal for unique pieces with military history.
Tips for Success
Do your research: Get a sense of what you like and typical prices before you go.
Don’t be afraid to haggle: A little friendly negotiation is expected.
Ask questions: Dealers love to talk about their pieces. Learn about the history and provenance.
Wear comfy shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of exploring!
Take your time: The best finds often take a keen eye and patience.
The Takeaway
Antique hunting in the Cotswolds is about more than just buying things. It’s about the joy of discovery, connecting with the past, and adding a piece of history to your own story. So get out there, lose yourself in the shops, and see what treasures you can unearth!
Do you have any favorite Cotswolds antique shops or amazing finds? Share them with us.
