Cotswolds: JD Vance Rents £8k Manor

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US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in the UK for a summer holiday, renting a secluded manor in the Cotswolds just a mile from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm.

The 18th-century Oxfordshire property, protected by high stone walls and six acres of gardens, is under tight security, with US Secret Service agents posted at all corners. Blacked-out vehicles, a helicopter landing area, and on-site surveillance have drawn attention from locals, who confirmed Vance’s arrival earlier this week.

This visit comes only months after a public dispute between Vance and Clarkson. The former Top Gear presenter criticised Vance in The Sunday Times after the American politician referred to Britain as “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years” while discussing NATO and the Ukraine conflict. Clarkson responded by defending the UK’s military role in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying Vance had shown a poor understanding of history.

Despite the tension, Vance’s schedule includes an overnight stay with Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House in Kent. The two men, who have reportedly bonded over their shared religious backgrounds, are expected to hold private discussions covering topics such as Ukraine, trade, and technology before Vance continues his trip.

Sources suggest the Vice President’s family, his wife Usha and children Ewan, Viviek and Mirabe, will join him after the meeting. Their visit also includes a tour of Hampton Court Palace before heading to the Cotswolds.

Locals in the area have reacted with mixed views. Some have welcomed the attention the visit brings, while others expressed concern over increased security and disruption.

Protest groups, including anti-Trump coalitions, have announced plans to hold demonstrations during Vance’s stay. The groups include pro-Palestinian activists, environmental campaigners, and trade union members. Police have not confirmed any expected disruptions but say appropriate measures are in place.

The Cotswolds have become a popular destination for high-profile American visitors, with celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Taylor Swift previously spotted in the area. Vance’s visit adds to a growing list of US figures spending time in this rural corner of Britain.

The Foreign Office stated that any ministerial engagements involving Vance would be announced through official channels.