Boasting a deep historical significance and vibrant agricultural heritage, England’s Three Counties region is a traditional grouping of the agrarian counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The three counties were brought together formally by the Three Counties Agricultural Society. Formed in 1797, the society was first established to cover Herefordshire, before bringing in Worcestershire in 1884 and Gloucestershire in 1921.

Fast forward to today, and agriculture still plays a crucial role in the region’s economy, supported by the Three Counties Society from its home at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. Every year, the showground plays host to the Royal Three Counties Show, an important annual celebration of the region’s rural past, present and future.

Rural economy

The Three Counties region is varied but perhaps best known for its apple orchards, hop fields, and dairy farms. Herefordshire is famous for its livestock and cider production, while Worcestershire is renowned for its asparagus and plums. Gloucestershire is known for its cheese production, particularly its Single and Double Gloucester cheeses.

Such is the reputation of the region’s produce that both Vale of Evesham Asparagus and Single Gloucester cheese hold protected geographical status.

The Three Counties is also home to a growing agri-tech sector, predominantly in Worcestershire, while agri-tourism, including holiday lets and farm stays, has become a significant part of the economy, particularly in Herefordshire.

Farmland market

Thanks to its strong rural identity and productive farming land, the Three Counties is widely regarded as one of the most diverse and resilient rural land markets in the UK.

The market for farmland across the Three Counties is traditionally strong, particularly for well-located arable and mixed farms, pastureland and estate holdings.

Farmers are still the largest buyer group, with most looking to expand or relocate their business; however, in recent years we have seen more interest from lifestyle-driven and conservation-focused buyers.

We have seen less supply in the market this year so far. Land values have been and continue to be influenced by the balance of supply and demand, with arable land typically commanding between £10,000 and £12,000 an acre, with premiums of up to £14,000 in certain areas.

Culture and lifestyle

From the rolling Malvern Hills in Worcestershire to the fertile plains of Herefordshire and the scenic Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, the wonderfully unspoilt rural landscapes of the Three Counties region provide a diverse backdrop to a cultural scene that has much to offer.

Rural tranquillity and a strong sense of community are defining features of the lifestyle on offer across the Three Counties, and those who move into the area are typically attracted by the opportunity for space, both in terms of property and the surrounding countryside.

The Cotswolds is a well-established prime residential market, with Painswick, Winchcombe and Stroud being sought-after hotspots. The Malvern Hills area of Worcestershire has become increasingly popular, with the picturesque market town of Pershore and elegant spa town of Malvern seeing positive demand. The likes of Hereford, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire offer excellent comparative value for those looking for farms and larger residential properties with amenity land and an excellent rural lifestyle.

Here is a selection of property for sale from across the Three Counties: