Bruton, a picturesque town in rural Somerset, has rapidly gained a reputation as a celebrity haven, earning the nickname “the new Notting Hill” from British Vogue. Its blend of historic charm and countryside beauty has attracted a wave of influential figures from politics, the arts, fashion, and music.
With a modest population of around 3,000 as of 2024, Bruton boasts high-profile residents like director Sam Taylor-Johnson and her actor husband Aaron Johnson. Theatre legend Sir Cameron Mackintosh, celebrated for producing iconic musicals such as Cats, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera, calls a beautifully restored 13th-century priory home. Fashion icons Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, and Alice Temperley contribute to the town’s stylish reputation, alongside music talents like Caroline Corr of The Corrs and Reef’s drummer Dominic Greensmith.
While the town’s exclusivity draws elite visitors and inhabitants, its growing popularity raises an important question: if everyone moves in, can Bruton remain truly exclusive? This influx is not limited to celebrities; many London professionals are relocating here, either retiring or commuting to the capital. This “Down From London” (DFL) trend carries mixed feelings within the community.
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Karen, a long-time local and estate agent at Hunter and French, sees the town’s rich history as a strong selling point. She recently sold a 1745 home that once operated as an “Inn of Ill Repute,” adding to its unique allure. Having moved to Bruton herself six years ago, Karen remains optimistic about the town’s blend of residents: “We have people with lots of stuff and people with nothing. They all rub shoulders.”
Devi, 62, who runs a local business, offers insight from someone who grew up in Bruton but moved back after time in London. “I can’t moan about all the ‘Down from London’ types because I’m one, technically!” he laughs. Still, Devi admits that Bruton lost some of its charm following the influx of newcomers.
Concerns about the impact of rising house prices hit headlines in 2020 when The Guardian highlighted a 33% increase in local property costs over five years. This surge threatens to price out many long-term residents, creating economic tensions.
Elliot, a builder commuting to Bruton for work, wishes he could settle in the town but is priced out. Despite this, he appreciates the economic benefits brought by wealthy newcomers: “I’m glad all these Londoners move down here because they can pay my wages!”
Luxury touches abound around Bruton, with Michelin-starred dining at Osip and the highly regarded but controversial Newt hotel nearby. While these venues attract tourists and affluent visitors, some locals, like Karen—the manager of The Sun Inn—find them out of reach. “I can’t afford to go to the Osip,” she admits.
Bruton remains a town of contrasts: a tranquil rural retreat pulsating with cosmopolitan energy, an intimate community navigating change, and a place where traditions meet transformation. Its limestone walls and rolling hills now echo with the hopes, tensions, and aspirations of a modern England balancing heritage and evolution.
As new faces arrive and old ones adjust or depart, Bruton’s identity continues to shift. What was once a quiet Somerset town is now a reflection of contemporary social dynamics—a symbol of both opportunity and challenge in the countryside.