Welcome to Rutshire – Jilly Cooper’s Cotswoldesque Raunchy Rivals
Step into the captivating world of Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, where scandal and drama simmer beneath the seemingly idyllic lives of the country living upper-class. With the rush of equestrian pursuits, breath taking countryside views, and grand mansions, it’s a dream setting. Until the characters show up to stir the pot! This infamous 11-book series has now made its way to the screen with Rivals, the much-anticipated adaptation of Cooper’s second book.
Under the tagline, “Whoever said country life was boring was clearly in bed with the wrong people,” Rivals is an eight-part ‘bonkbuster’, inviting viewers into the ruthless world of the 1980s TV industry. Making rural life anything but tranquil, it adds a splash of colour against the seemingly sleepy countryside backdrop. With stars like David Tennant, Emily Atak, and Aidan Turner in their 80s glamour, it is, as Cooper calls it, “a story of low morals and high fences.”
The notorious county of Rutshire serves as the fictional stage for these wild affairs. Its colourful characters leave a trail of lust and devastation, requiring filming locations that match their oversized personalities. Set in the Cotswolds, where better than Tetbury? With its historical architecture and winding streets, it was transformed into the fictional Cotchester. During filming, shopfronts were reimagined, vintage cars dotted the streets, and banners nodded to Margaret Thatcher’s era. Viewers are transported back to a Britain of bold style and sharp tongues. The historic town even boasts a royal connection, with Highgrove just a stone’s throw away. In Rivals, Tetbury’s Berkeley House on Hamilton Terrace and St Mary’s Church play pivotal roles, while just outside, the grand Chavenage House makes a return to the screen.
Known from Poldark, Chavenage offers the perfect backdrop for Aidan Turner’s role as Declan O’Hara, a dashing journalist and talk-show host drawn from London to Rutshire for a prestigious new role at Corinium TV. Dating back to 1383, this Elizabethan manor perfectly embodies the allure and cutthroat luxury that permeate Cooper’s world, where ambition and secrets go hand in hand.
Immerse yourself in the world of the Rutshire Chronicles and Rivals by staying in one of our Tetbury cottages.
Christmas Cottage
Set on Tetbury’s Gumstool Hill, Christmas Cottage sits in a row of historic properties. Just a stone’s throw from the main high street you can immerse yourselves in the beauty of this market town. Designer styled interiors make this two bedroom cottage a wonderful place to stay and live out your Cotswold fantasies.
New Church Cottage
A typical Tetbury townhouse, New Church Cottage has an air of Georgian elegance. In the heart of Tetbury the cottage dates back to the 18th century. Inside you find an abundance of gorgeous original features. Sleeping four in two bedrooms New Church Cottage invites you to relax in this elegant setting.
Hillside Cottage
Retaining its 19th century character, Hillside Cottage is a contemporary townhouse. Stroll to the centre of town to visit the well-renowned antique shops, pubs and restaurants. Later, return to relax beside the charming woodburner at Hillside Cottage. The cottage sleeps five in three bedrooms and also accepts one dog.
Charlton Down Cottage
Just outside Tetbury with views across to Westonbirt Arboretum, Charlton Down Cottage is a beautiful country cottage. Within walking distance of Tetbury you can enjoy the sights and sounds before returning to this peaceful retreat for a taste of countryside living.
