The Lake Escape

The Lake Escape: Gloucestershire

Heard about that exclusive lakeside estate over in the Cotswolds conceived by Philippe Starck? Yep, that's this place.

This luxurious retreat may be nestled away in the countryside, but there's nothing twee about its interiors. Each of the one hundred homes discreetly spaced apart around the six clear water lakes and 650 acres of woodlands and meadows boasts eye-popping finishes designed by Kelly Hoppen, Jade Jagger, and Kate Moss, to name a few.

Over in the vast made-for-action kitchen, cooking is a joy with every gadget going. But if you fancy a night off, why not hire a private chef for an evening of fine dining. Upstairs, you'll find the most ginormous main bedroom suite with a super king-sized bed, a private lounge area, and an ensuite sauna - yes, really. While out on the deck, there are memorable 180-degree views of the surrounding lake to soak up from the stylish seating and dining area – best enjoyed with a glass of something crisp in hand and the barbecue fired up.

When it's time to embrace the great outdoors, how does paddle-boarding, kayaking, rowing, fishing, and sailing off your own private jetty sound? And there's tennis and cricket courts, a golf net, man-made beach, and a five-star spa on the estate to keep you busy, too. And if you fancy a change of scene, the pretty market town of Lechlade-on-Thames is just a five-minute drive away for a hefty dose of Cotswold charm. However, you'll need some serious powers of persuasion to convince anyone to leave this place.

Home truths:
*There are two allocated parking spaces and additional parking in the overflow carpark just a short walking distance
*This home sleeps 6 adults and a child up to five years (sleeping in large cot/bed) plus infants in a cot
*Child-friendly amenities include a cot (you'll need to bring your own bedding) and highchair – just request with your host in advance
*You will need to log in with your own streaming accounts.
*Watersports on the lake are seasonal – April-October
*There’s are two kayaks and a paddleboard available for guests at the property
*The swimming pool, tennis courts, spa and gym are shared with other guests – the tennis courts need to be booked in advance.
*There is also an on-site restaurant