Wigeon

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

Wigeon is a first-floor apartment with 3-bedrooms that comfortably sleeps 6 plus a baby in a cot (provided). The open plan living area is spacious, bright and airy, with two double doors onto a large private balcony overlooking the lake. There is a dining table for six on the balcony and another inside (with a high chair provided) as well as a huge L-shaped sofa for snuggling down to watch TV. The kitchen is gleaming and modern, with high gloss white units, a built-in fridge freezer, oven, hob and microwave, plus a washer/dryer, ironing board and iron are stashed away in a utility cupboard. The master double bedroom has an ensuite, with a large walk-in rain shower and WC. The apartment has a second double bedroom and a third with funky bunk beds. There is also a family bathroom with a bath and hand-held shower.