This village is on the edge of the famous Great Tew estate and close to the epicenter of what for want of a better phrase I’ll call the new Cotswolds, that part of this amazing Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that has been taken over by wealthy londoners searching for their idea of rural heaven. so far however Sanford doesn’t seem to have felt the effects of this gruesome 21st century invasion

I’ve not yet been drawn into the controversial argument about the pros and cons of the Suburban sanitization this part of the region has suffered, instead I will enjoy the fact that this little village appears completely unspoiled. There are two Splendid houses in Sanford only one of which however is visible from the road and that one is called Sanford Park. This lovely house built in the early 18th century is right opposite the church and is visible through the beautiful wrought iron gates.

For me it’s the perfect example of Cotswold grace and beauty; it’s surrounded by a classic English Park and garden which isn’t generally open to the public, but there are as is so often the case in this area opportunities on certain occasions or local events to see them. Two substantial artificial lakes created from a tributary to the nearby river are spanned by a seven arched mid-18th Century Stone Bridge, in the 1930s a rock garden was constructed with watery cascades and summer houses. The stable block, a lodge with Dutch Gables and a dovecot now converted into a cottage give this estate a wonderfully complete and busy feel. Most importantly it gives the sense that it’s well maintained by someone who appreciates the beauty that comes with age.