If you fancy a stylish waterfront staycation, but don't fancy the crowds of Cornwall or the drive to Scotland, then here's an idea. Head instead to the serene and sylvan lakes of the Cotswolds - and specifically to this exclusive estate near Lechlade. It's here that the London cognoscenti have summer homes, hidden among the interlocking lakes and bird-rich woodlands of the upper Thames valley. Half an hour off the M4, and all you hear is the quack of a duck, the flap of a sail, perhaps the thwack of a tennis ball. After a lazy BBQ lounging on the lakeside deck, you could almost imagine yourself in Sweden or Maine.
If that appeals, so will the house: gorgeous open-plan living spaces, four generous bedrooms, and its toes practically in the water. Views pour in through big windows on both floors. The owner runs a successful design company, so expect beautiful fabrics and artful prints, Eames chairs and Miele appliances, plus bunk beds for the kids and outdoor sofas for the grown-ups. You can kayak or paddleboard across the lake, book tennis or zipwires or archery via the estate, even a massage and swim in the spa. The kitchen here is a joy to cook in, but if you need a break, the estate restaurant can provide snacks and suppers. And should it come on to rain (which, let's be honest, is not out of the question), the big sofas, satellite TV, glass-fronted fire, piano and a stash of books make this a great spot to hole up with family or friends, at any time of year.
Highs
- The direct lake frontage and deck - complete with dining table, BBQ, loungers and sofas - are the house's trump card, and its focus
- With 4 bedrooms, including a quadruple-bunker for kids, the house can easily fit two families, or a larger/extended family
- Kids will love the activities around the estate, from an onsite playground to zip wires and treetop climbing
- The house has 2 double kayaks and 2 paddleboards, plus steps down from the terrace so you can slip straight into the water
- This is one of the few houses you can book directly with the owner, meaning more flexibility (stays of 3+ nights, arriving any day)
Lows
- You're not completely alone: there are 40 houses tucked along the shores of the lake, and more nearby - but well screened
- With everything on site, you might just forget to explore the Cotswolds (but nobody's checking)
- The house is a bit bigger than a family of 4-5 needs, but you won't rattle around
- It's also quite pricey (for a family of 4-5), but considerably better value than other houses on the estate
- You need to book estate activities well in advance
Best time to go
The most popular times are school holidays i.e. summer (July-August), plus the late May and late October half terms. You'll need to book early for these. Easter is also a good option, though a bit chilly for watersports.
If you're not coming with school-age kids, then take your pick! June and September are often gorgeous, while winter stays are surprisingly cosy (and much more affordable, too).
If you're not coming with school-age kids, then take your pick! June and September are often gorgeous, while winter stays are surprisingly cosy (and much more affordable, too).
Our top tips
Bring your bikes, if you have them (or hire them if not). It's so much faster and easier to get around the estate - to the tennis courts, the restaurants, the spa - and the 5mph limit within the grounds means it's safe for kids too. A week without getting into a car is a true holiday.
- House Rental
- 4 bedrooms
- Self-catering; café nearby; chef available
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Indoor Pool
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Tennis Court
- Pool Table
- Bicycles Available
- Weekly cleaning
- Paddle boards
- Double kayaks
Rooms
The contemporary two-storey house is cleverly designed so that almost all rooms look out to the the lake; and beautifully fitted with designer furniture and lighting, stylish objets d'art and top-notch kitchen appliances. Even being indoors is a joy here.
Its ground-floor, open-plan living area comes with big U-shaped sofas to seat 6, a woodburner set into the stone-faced hearth, a moveable Bang and Olfsen TV, a Sonos sound system and an indoor dining table for 10. There's also a workspace, shelves with arty books and novels for all ages, and a piano.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows open onto the gorgeous private lakeside deck which, weather permitting, will become your alfresco living space. It has its own shaded dining table, a Webber gas BBQ, and occasional seating including a double hammock and two reclining sunloungers (no squabbling, now).
Upstairs are three of the bedrooms. The vast master bedroom comes with a super-kingsize bed, a lipstick-red sofa and full width windows to pull in those amazing lake views. Its huge ensuite has both tub and shower. The second double bedroom is smaller but still lovely, with a kingsize bed, an ensuite shower room and more lake views. The quadruple bunk room is perfect for 2-4 kids who are happy to cosy up a bit; it has its own bathroom with separate tub, too.
Older teens might prefer the downstairs twin-bedded room; which comes with a sofa and direct access to the lakeside deck. Or it can be set up as a double - perhaps a good opportunity to bring the grandparents (think of it as free baby-sitting)?
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Microwave
- WiFi
Eating
The smart kitchen is integrated within the main living area, making it easier to keep an eye on kids, enjoy lake views or chat while cooking. Appliances (mostly Miele) are top-notch: oven with electric hob, large fridge, separate freezer, plus Nespresso machine (BYO pods), food blender, mixer, and in the separate utility room a microwave, drinks fridge and a washer-dryer. If you want to cook up a storm, there's nothing to stop you!
If on the other hand you've come to relax, then head over to the estate's casual café/deli (5 mins' walk) for easy snacking at picnic tables, or to pick up ready meals and fridge fillers (we love the delish offerings from Lynwood & Co, who are bringing "a taste of Sydney to the Cotswolds"). The owner can also arrange a private chef, with sufficient notice.
Features include:
- Microwave
Activities
- Watersports galore: kayaking, SUP, wild swimming (free), or sailing and fishing (pre-bookable at extra cost)
- Nature trails and cycling routes within the estate; mountain bikes and bird guides can be hired
- Tennis courts, football pitch, cricket and golf nets at the other end of the estate, plus a small beach for easy swimming access
- Ziplines, tree-top walks and climbing can be pre-booked during holiday times
- Massage treatments and a 17m indoor pool at the estate spa (prebooking required), plus a gym, steam room and pool table
- Beyond the estate's walls, the pretty stone villages, wooded valleys and chalky hills of the Cotswolds and Berkshire Downs await
- It's 15 mins' drive to idyllic Bibury, the same to William Morris' Kelmscott Manor, and 25 mins to the White Horse of Uffington
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Yoga
Kids
This is a fantastic house for a family (or two) with older children who will relish the lakeside setting and activities, from watersports to more adventurous options (see below). There's even a heated pool on the estate, a short walk or bike ride away (note: pre-booking required, entry may be restricted to certain times of day). The gated and almost traffic-free grounds make it ideal for older kids to roam safely.
We think the house is not so great for toddlers, due to the constant proximity of water; but it is well secured, with a fully-fenced terrace and one stairgate inside (more details below).
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The house has a kids' bedroom with two pairs of bunk beds (i.e. four beds in total), as well as a twin-bedded room downstairs and two doubles upstairs. So it can accommodate up to 4 adults and 6 children.
Cots Available
Baby equipment:
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities on site:
On the estate:
- Playground
- Ziplines
- Climbing
- Tennis
- Cricket & golf nets
- Bike hire
- Horse rides
- Indoor heated pool
- 2 double kayaks and 2 paddleboards
- Books and board games for ages 6+
- Piano
Kids Activities nearby:
Families Should Know:
The house fronts a lake and has a waterside deck with steps into the lake. This deck has a secure fence (with steel wiring) around it, but you should always be vigilant with your little ones, ensuring that the gates to the steps and to the side are closed. Inside the house is a wood-burning fire, and outside there is a firepit. The house has a few life jackets in child and adult sizes.
Distances:
- Shop: 4km (Lechlade)
- Medical centre: 4km (Lechlade)
- Hospital: 25km (Swindon / Cirencester)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The house is set in a private 850-acre lake-filled estate just outside the small Cotswolds town of Lechlade, Gloucestershire.
By Car:
It's 1.5-2.5 hours' drive from London, 1.5 hours from Birmingham, 1 hour+ from Bristol. The house has private parking.
By Train:
The nearest mainline station is Swindon, 30 minutes by taxi.
By Air:
If you're flying in, London Heathrow (1.5 hours' drive) is your best bet. If you're hiring a car, see our rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- London Heathrow 115.0 km LHR
- Bristol 105.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 120.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km