Asthall, a village in Oxfordshire around 90 minutes from Wales, has become a discreet retreat for celebrities such as Meghan Markle and Ellen DeGeneres, with locals firmly respecting their privacy.
Meghan quietly visited The Three Horseshoes pub for lunch with Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi, and if anyone apart from the photographer spotted them, they kept quiet about it. The village, situated in the Windrush Valley near Burford, is home to approximately 250 residents and a pub. On a weekday afternoon, its golden Cotswold stone cottages and meandering rural lanes were virtually empty.
Village life and celebrity residents
Asthall is surrounded by rolling countryside and historic houses, with a strong appeal for those interested in village life, walking, architecture and literary history. The Sussexes are not the only celebrities in the Cotswolds, as Liam Gallagher, Kate Moss and David and Victoria Beckham also reside in the area.
An unwritten rule prevents long-standing locals from staring, pointing or requesting photographs of famous residents. Karl Faller-Kerr, 53, who lives near The Three Horseshoes, said the region has been "blown up by big celebrity players" recently, attracted by its "peaceful, nice and pretty" atmosphere, especially during weekdays.
Discretion in the village
Staff at The Three Horseshoes remained discreet, with no one, including the manager, revealing what Meghan ordered or her demeanour. Wendy Rainbow, 68, explained: "We do attract a lot of well-known people here. This is the kind of village where we respect their privacy. They can walk about freely knowing they won't be bothered."
Joe Beales, 32, confirmed that Ellen and Portia visit regularly. "Famous faces are pretty common here," he said. "People aren't that fussed. They're just living their lives." Geoff Mines, 79, suggested that prominent individuals "can still come and go pretty quietly", adding: "You can see the appeal for Meghan and Harry."
History and walks
Asthall's history stretches back well beyond its current appearance. St Nicholas Church dates from before 1160 and has been altered over the centuries. Evidence of Bronze Age and Saxon occupation, including ancient burial mounds, is present, and the Roman road Akeman Street passes close by. Asthall Manor, largely from the early 17th century, became well known when Lord and Lady Redesdale purchased it in 1919, with the Mitford sisters spending their childhood years there.
One of the best ways to discover Asthall is on foot. The Cotswolds National Landscape has a seven-mile circular route starting in Asthall and taking in Worsham, Widford and Swinbrook, with opportunities to enjoy the countryside and discover places associated with the Mitford family. It offers a chance to see a quieter side of the Cotswolds, away from the better-known tourist hotspots, while taking in the area's literary and cultural heritage.
