A fast-growing holiday home rentals business has moved to bigger premises, as it embarks on the next phase of its expansion.

StayCotswold has relocated from an office in Burford, Oxfordshire, to a double-fronted shop in the centre of Stow-on-the-Wold.

The former greetings card shop on Digbeth Street has been fitted out to accommodate StayCotswold's growing team.

StayCotswold was founded in 2009 by Fergus Mitchell. In April 2021, a team of professionals with vast experience in the holiday cottage sector acquired the business. Fergus has remained as a director and shareholder.

The team comprises Mat Faraday, Tom Burdett and Tracy Archer. Mat co-founded Character Cottages, which was sold to Pure Cottages Group in 2018. Tom is a former managing director of Character Cottages and Tracy was previously sales and marketing director at Pure Cottages Group.

StayCotswold had just three staff when the trio acquired the business. Following a period of rapid growth, its team has increased to 13.

The number of properties in its portfolio has more than doubled from 60 to 140 since the business changed hands. Bookings per property have significantly increased to an average of 50 a year. Booking levels this summer were 13 per cent ahead of the same period in 2021.

StayCotswold's portfolio includes Cotswold cottages, luxurious converted barns, manor houses and farmhouses, as well as a growing collection of shepherd's huts and cabins, which are proving increasingly popular for being closer to the outdoors.

Tracy Archer said: "The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding beauty and is also home to a whole range of major attractions and events.

"Our guests know that their holiday experience will be authentic, and our owners know that their property is in the best local hands."

The company is now looking to add more properties to its portfolio, as it believes the market for holiday rentals in the Cotswolds will continue to grow.

Tracy continued: "We know from our previous experience that a high street location is the optimum place to be for the business.

"Relocating to fantastic new headquarters in the centre of Stow and being so accessible to owners and potential guests makes it a truly exciting time for the business and demonstrates our confidence in our offering and the potential for the brand."