Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Somerset, the quaint town of Bruton has captured the attention of celebrities, politicians, and the wealthy elite alike. British Vogue has even hailed it as “the new Notting Hill,” a testament to its growing allure and magnetic charm.
With a population of just around 3,000 as of 2024, Bruton boasts an impressive roster of notable residents. Among them are filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson and her actor husband Aaron, who have made the town their tranquil retreat. Theatre legend Sir Cameron Mackintosh, famed for hit musicals like Cats, Les Miserables, and The Phantom of the Opera, calls Bruton’s 13th-century Augustine priory home.
The town’s appeal extends beyond the arts. Fashion luminaries such as Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, and Alice Temperley have contributed to Bruton’s stylish reputation, while musicians like Caroline Corr from The Corrs and Dominic Greensmith of Reef add a vibrant musical edge.
READ MORE: Bath Rugby’s Golden Era and a Quest for Modern Glory
READ MORE: Overwhelmed by Glastonbury FOMO: Missing Out on This Year’s Festival
However, the very exclusivity that makes Bruton so desirable is finite. As more people flock to this historic haven, questions arise: can it remain exclusive if it becomes overcrowded? The influx is not limited to celebrities; many Londoners, known locally as ‘DFLs’ (Down From London), have chosen to settle here. Some are retirees seeking peace away from the city hustle, others are professionals commuting to London, bringing a complex mix of viewpoints to the community.
Karen, an estate agent with Hunter and French, highlights Bruton’s historical charm as a key selling point. She recently sold a 1745 property once known as an “Inn of Ill Repute,” a quirk that only adds to the town’s character. Having moved to Bruton herself six years ago, Karen views the blend of longtime residents and newcomers positively: “We have people with lots of stuff and we have people with nothing. They all rub shoulders.”
Devi, a 62-year-old local entrepreneur who grew up in Bruton but was born in London, offers a more nuanced perspective. After living in Bruton for 45 years, he relocated in 2018, feeling the town had “lost its charm” amid the influx of outsiders.
Concerns about housing affordability have intensified, with a 2020 Guardian report highlighting a one-third rise in property prices over five years, worrying residents about potential displacement. Builders like Elliot, who commute to Bruton for work but struggle to afford housing within the town, recognize the economic shift but appreciate the job opportunities created by new wealth.
Bruton’s sophistication extends to its culinary scene and hospitality. Michelin-starred restaurants like The Osip and the luxurious Newt hotel nearby attract visitors and boost the local economy, yet even locals like Karen, manager of The Sun Inn, find such indulgences out of reach.
This juxtaposition defines Bruton today: a serene rural town alive with cosmopolitan flair, where longstanding traditions collide with rapid change. For some, it is an idyllic refuge; for others, an evolving community grappling with its identity.
As new residents arrive and the town transforms, Bruton embodies the vibrant tensions and aspirations of modern rural England—a place where history and contemporary dreams coexist, shaping its future with every passing day.