Lakeside Leisure

Set across a 500-acre nature reserve, overlooking Howells Mere Lake, this luxurious villa welcomes you to unwind and experience the Cotswolds countryside in style. Follow the footbridge to your exclusive island plot and gorgeously appointed home, spread over three floors with multiple alfresco areas to soak up the calming atmosphere of your plush pad.

On the ground floor, you'll find a thoughtfully designed open-plan living space decorated in a sleek British style with a wood-burning stove and enough comfortable seating for the entire group to gather around on a chillier evening. Natural light streams in throughout the day, thanks to a wall of glass that blends indoor-outdoor space to make for seamless modern living.

A lavish dining area and fully-equipped kitchen mean you can prepare home-cooked meals while socialising with your guests in the communal area, although the real star of the show is the large outdoor terrace complete with a wood-burner, dining table, seating and blissful views over the lake.

When you're not enjoying a long, lazy brunch on the sky deck, admiring the surrounding waterfowl and birds, take advantage of Lower Mill Estate's excellent spa facilities – from the indoor swimming pool to the gym and tennis courts, there are plenty of things to keep you active here. End the day with a celebratory dinner at one of the delectable restaurants right on your doorstep, or head into the charming village of Bibury for a spot of hearty pub grub, just twenty-four minutes away by car.

Home truths:
*The maximum capacity is eight adults and an extra child
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request – you'll need to provide your own bedding
*All terraces are childproof with waist height glass all the around
*There's allocated car parking space on the premises, plus secure overflow parking free of charge
*One of the bedrooms is made up of a triple bunk-bed, best suited to younger children
*There are several shared facilities available such as an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, spa and tennis courts – swimming pool sessions will need to be booked 14 days prior to your arrival
*You'll be able to self-check-in with a lockbox