A New Summer Base for the Vice President
American presidents and vice presidents typically return to their respective "compounds" during the summer months, such as Kennedy’s Cape Cod or Biden’s Delaware. However, this year, Mr. JD Vance, the 50th Vice President of the United States and a potential heir apparent to the presidency, has chosen an unusual location for his summer base: the Cotswolds in the UK, specifically the Chipping Norton area. This choice is far from typical, as it diverges from the more conventional locations like Ohio, Kentucky, or the Ozarks.
The Cotswolds, known as one of the UK's most exclusive areas, is particularly vibrant in August when many of the establishment figures, including Boris Johnson and Matthew Freud, return from their holidays. As someone who lives just 15 minutes away from Dean, where Mr. Vance is staying, I can confirm that this month marks the return of the elite to the region.
It's unlikely that Mr. Vance is here for relaxation. The Cotswolds, often compared to the Hamptons, is not a place for listening to birdsong. It's a hub of privilege, wealth, and power, with a five-mile stretch along the A361 serving as the epicenter. There are reasons behind this choice, possibly linked to a potential alignment with the Conservatives and Reform. Mr. Vance seems destined to fit in with the local elite.
Influence and Wealth in the Cotswolds
Mr. Vance's rented home, Dean Manor House, costs $8,000 a week and is located next to David Cameron. This residence is not just for leisure; it's a strategic move to connect with influential American donors, politicians, and media players. The presence of tech moguls and hedge funders in the area is significant, with examples like Sir Jonathan Paul Ive, who is building a compound in the next village. These individuals bring with them a new wave of international tech elite, some of whom have already visited the White House.
Rich Americans are choosing the Cotswolds for two main reasons: to escape Donald Trump and to benefit from the British legal system, which they perceive as stable in uncertain times. The area is not merely countryside; it's more akin to a suburb of Notting Hill, Chelsea, Mayfair, and New York, where the same people who run banks and media empires on weekdays enjoy weekends in the fields.
Comparisons to the Hamptons
The Cotswolds shares similarities with the Hamptons, where I used to spend summers. Once humble potato fields, the Hamptons have transformed into a luxury destination, marked by motorways, developers, and Wall Street influence. The area has become a shopping desert, with high-end stores often empty except for occasional tourists. The same trend is emerging in the Cotswolds, where infrastructure struggles to keep up with the demands of the super-rich.
Properties in the Cotswolds are now part of international investment portfolios, with prices expected to double as Southern Europe becomes less habitable. While Somerset boasts a strong reputation, it lacks the luxury housing and proximity to London that the Cotswolds offers.
Challenges of a Rising Elite
Despite its charm, the Cotswolds faces challenges. The infrastructure is not designed for a celebrity area, with services taking weeks to arrive and no food delivery service available. The roads, while picturesque, are not suited for the influx of weekenders and tourists. Local amenities struggle to meet the demands of the new residents, leading to frequent staff shortages and rising prices.
However, the Cotswolds still retains a rural spirit, thanks to strict zoning laws. Neighbors know each other, and there is a sense of community. Despite the challenges, the area remains a unique blend of tradition and modernity, offering a glimpse into a world where wealth and influence converge.
Let’s hope that Mr. Vance appreciates the kindness and community spirit that defines the Cotswolds, even as he navigates the complexities of his new surroundings.