Located in the picturesque Somerset countryside, Bruton is fast becoming a rural hotspot for celebrities, with British Vogue even branding it “the new Notting Hill” due to its enchanting allure and sophistication.
Despite its modest population of around 3,000, Bruton is a tight-knit community that’s attracting stars like Sam Taylor-Johnson, the acclaimed director of Nowhere Boy, and her husband, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who have found solace in this tranquil town.
Theatre legend Sir Cameron Mackintosh, famed for his work on musicals such as Cats, Les Miserables, and The Phantom of the Opera, has also made Bruton his home, residing in a beautifully converted 13th-century Augustine priory.
Bruton isn’t just a sanctuary for thespians; it’s also a draw for fashion royalty. Designers Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and Alice Temperley have all succumbed to its rustic charm, bringing a dash of high fashion to the small town.
Music aficionados will be delighted to know that Caroline Corr of The Corrs fame and Dominic Greensmith, drummer for rock band Reef, are part of the town’s diverse populace, as reported by Devon Live and the Mirror.
Even former Tory Chancellor George Osborne couldn’t resist joining the Bruton set, reportedly forking out an eye-watering £1.6million for a luxurious five-bedroom house.
Bruton, a town steeped in history dating back to 1086, is not only famed for its wealth of listed buildings but has also carved out a reputation as a hub for fine dining and educational prowess.
At the forefront of its gastronomic offerings stands Osip, the Michelin-starred jewel described as “a tiny, farm-to-table restaurant” born from the culinary brilliance of Merlin Labron-Johnson.
Labron-Johnson, who clinched a Michelin star in 2015 at just 24 years old, becoming one of the youngest chefs to be so honoured, offers an experience that comes with a hefty price tag.
Diners can expect to pay upwards of £120 for lunch or dinner, with a shorter menu available at £69.
For those seeking a more intimate dining affair, there’s Matt’s Kitchen, where self-taught chef Matt Watson dishes up dinner in his former living room.
Then, there’s the elegantly appointed At the Chapel, which serves meals all day and boasts an artisan bakery, wine shop, and eight beautifully furnished bedrooms.
The Guardian highlighted Bruton’s soaring property market in 2020, revealing a staggering one-third increase in house prices over five years.
This surge has sparked concerns among residents about being priced out of their own community.