We’ve been here in our little apartment for a couple of weeks now and are well and truly settled into the village way of life. Not really sure if it’s correct to call the county Northants or its proper name Northamptonshire. Either way the countryside is beautiful and the way of life quiet and relaxing.
Where are we exactly?
We have been to Northamptonshire, or Northants, or even the County of Northampton a few times for weekends away and housesitting and it seems to be a county with a slightly dodgy reputation. Admittedly the big towns like Northampton and Wellingborough aren’t all that (understatement) but the county is full of quaint little villages bursting with charm and character. It is apparently known as the ‘Rose of the Shires‘ and is the southernmost county of the East Midlands.
Our village is called Middleton Cheney, we love the name by the way as it’s a little weird but absolutely unique and very English. It’s tucked away in the far west of the county just three miles from Banbury in Oxfordshire. Dating from the 12th century the village name means ‘Middle Farm‘, not hugely descriptive so I’ll stick to Middleton Cheney.
It really is our type of place as it has couple of shops in the centre, including a small supermarket, a chemist, and a couple of pubs. One of which, the New Inn, is only a hundred metres away and does great food. Seems to be the heart of the community too which is exactly what we like about a country pub.
Oh and an historic church, All Saints, that sits in the village centre and has a spire that can be seen over the treetops from miles away.
Our Airbnb Lodge
Our apartment is a newly constructed one bedroom place in an old farmhouse that has been extended and converted into around 11 properties. Beautifully finished and very comfortable it really is a home from home, although we don’t actually have a home but that’s another story.
Out and About
Being only three miles from Banbury makes shopping unbelievably easy. All the major supermarkets and out-of-town stores are within 10 minutes drive with the smaller town of Brackley being about 10 miles in the other direction. All very easy to get to and then after a busy hectic shop we get to return to our quiet sleepy village, perfect.
So we’ve managed to get out and about a bit as you may well imagine and have explored as much of the area as we can with several canal walks and a lot of muddy footpath expeditions from the village. It’s been cold but apart from today I don’t think we have had any daytime rain for nearly three weeks! So wrapping up in hats and gloves is all we need.
What we’re getting up to
Well it’s all walking, hiking, tramping, rambling, meandering and messing around isn’t it? Mostly messing around to be honest ………
Apart from walking several miles a day we are still househunting online and spend a lot of time reading, doing crafts, and playing games. Favourite game is still Bananagrams but we are both now well into the new phenomenon Wordle. A word puzzle a day that only takes a few minutes but is always a bit of a challenge.
There is another one, even harder, called Nerdle which I love but Jo isn’t so keen on. It involves numbers and sums rather than words so if that’s your thing check it out now. It’s a serious challenge.
Shaun and Katie
The most important benefit of living in Middleton Cheney though is that it is only 25 minutes from Shaun and Katie and we have absolutely loved being to spend so much time with them. From fish’n chips at their place, to helping in their garden, to quick drinks in the Towcester Tap Room, to a countryside walk around our village followed by lovely dinner in the New Inn, it’s been fabulous. We’re looking forward to as much time as possible in their company over the next few weeks and to more exploring of the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside.
01/02 – 13/02/2021
JWalking 
You two have a habit of finding yourselves somewhere snug and cosy. It looks a lovely village. All a bit flat and muddy round there for me, but with the huge bonus of canal and family. I could settle for that.
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Been very lucky in finding this lovely apartment in such a nice location. I know what you mean about being flat but it’s more rolling countryside I think. So many places to discover and having our son so close is great.
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Looks like a lovely place to mess around as you’ve said. What a beautiful village and once again that gorgeous countryside! Enjoy!
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Such a lovely part of the country, often overlooked I think. We’re just enjoying exploring and walking and getting out and about.
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You’ve found another idyllic place to spend some time in. It all looks beautiful.
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It really is a quaint little English village full of character and charm. Really enjoying our time here so far.
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It all looks very attractive and you seem to have found yourself an idyllic little bolthole. So nice too that you are close to family.
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It’s a lovely little village and we’re seriously enjoying our daily walks and the country life. Great being near to our son for a while too.
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Middleton Cheney sounds rather Midsomer Murders to me, Jonno…
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Now you’ve got me thinking Mick. I’ll be looking suspiciously at everyone we meet today!
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Just watch to see if they start disappearing one by one.
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The village looks just gorgeous, a typical quaint English one!
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It really is a lovely little place, so full of traditional English charm.
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You find the loveliest places, Airbnb should be sponsoring you! Country walks, cosy pubs and family nearby sounds like a great combination. I’m always intrigued as to what you’ll do next!
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We have been so lucky. Middleton Cheney is a beautiful little English village and even in this dodgy weather it’s lovely. Couldn’t be better.
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Looks very pretty, glad you are settling in.
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Its a glorious little place and we’ve relaxed into the village way of life completely.
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Despite my attempts to resist, I also jumped on the Wordle and Nerdle bandwagon a couple of weeks ago. I love Codeword, so it’s right up my street. Middleton Cheney looks very quaint!
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Love those daily quizzes, not too much to be a chore and a little challenge every morning. Not heard of Codeword.
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Codeword’s not an online thing (though there probably is an online version), it’s just in newspapers next to the crossword.
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Quintessential English village Jon. How was it when Eunice passed through? Brilliant that you’re getting to spend so much time with Shaun and Katie
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Its a lovely little village Mayo. Bit scary when Eunice passed but no damage.
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Nice that you have settled in a place near your dear ones. Looks idylic, a lot like the villages we’ve been visiting. I think you spoke too soon about the rain! We have just braved Eunice down in Devon. How did you fare?
Also playing Wordle and love it!
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It’s been one storm after another hasn’t it? No damage here but been a bit stuck inside for days and desperate for a long walk.
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We are just leaving Bath and nice and sunny but very blustery
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Gorgeous little village, perfect place for you two! Playing WORDLE down under too. Like the look of that Banagrams too, and noticed it’s available in big letter format suitable for sight impaired. We have a vision impaired friend moving into our village – I think I shall order that as a house warming gift,
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Bananagrams is a great game, bit of a more exciting and sociable version of Scrabble. We play it a lot.
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