Lake Lodge

It’s amazing what an old quarry can be transformed into! Lower Mill Estate, in the Cotswolds, is now a beautiful nature reserve comprising eight lakes, two rivers, miles of walking trails and wonderful wildlife to spot, including otters and beavers! Families can completely immerse themselves in this natural haven, staying right on the lake shore, in architecturally award-winning holiday homes which have uber cool, minimalist interiors.

There’s no better way to relax and recharge batteries than simply gazing out across the lake from the balcony or patio deck, but there’s also plenty to do on the nature reserve to keep boredom at bay. The on-site Spa has two heated pools, a lily-filtered eco-pool, sauna, steam room and gym plus mums can be properly pampered with hot stone massages, facials, manicures and more. At the ‘Activity Hub’, kids and big kids can have a go at kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding or pick up bikes to follow the trails around the reserve. Little ones will especially love the Miss Mouse Adventure Trail, finding a host of cute characters all around the nature reserve from a specially created story – Miss Mouse Builds A House. The General Store has all the essentials for self-catering and a selection of local artisan products but when no one can be bothered to cook, there’s the Ballihoo Clubhouse and Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and take-aways. Throughout the Summer, all kinds of special events and activities take place at the Activity Hub and Ballihoo Clubhouse, from raft building and dusk wildlife walks, to pizza making and a Jamaican Jerk BBQ.

Accommodation overview

Lake Lodge is a 4-bedroom house, set over three floors that comfortably sleeps 8, plus a baby in a cot (provided). Lake Lodge has recently been completely redecorated and refurbished to have a fresh and contemporary feel throughout. On the ground floor, a large patio deck extends over the waters, featuring outdoor sofas, armchairs and a private hot tub for relaxation under the stars. A double bedroom also opens onto the ground floor deck and has an ensuite shower room. On the first floor, another double ensuite bedroom and one twin bedroom have balconies overlooking the lake, plus there is a second twin bedroom and a family bathroom. The second floor is the spacious open plan living area and kitchen, with double sliding doors onto another large balcony with a dining table and BBQ. There is another dining table indoors and comfy sofas to snuggle down by a log fire and find something to watch on the Wi Fi enabled Smart TV. The gleaming kitchen has a designer finish in high gloss wood and white, with a built-in double oven, ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washer-dryer.