Once Upon a Lake

Once Upon a Lake: Gloucestershire

Swap the big smoke for the great outdoors at this luxurious Cotswolds lakeside estate, located just a five-minute drive from the pretty market town of Lechlade-on-Thames.

Surrounded by rolling meadows, woodland, and pristine waters and offering a five-star concierge service (think private dining with a bartender and spa treatments), this is lakeside living, but not as you know it.

Conceived by Philippe Starck, with eye-popping interiors designed by Kelly Hoppen and Jade Jagger (to name a few), and zip-lining and forest activities created by the likes of Ben Fogle – this place has been given the star treatment.

Inside the lodge, a chef-worthy kitchen is ready to put to use for a big dinner party. But if you fancy a night off cooking, let a private chef take the reins for fine dining while you soak up the lakeside magic outside – there's room for you all around the outside dining table for alfresco meals beneath the stars. Then take things inside and spill into the open-plan living space (the wood-effect fireplace keeps things extra toasty in winter months) or sneak away to the cosy snug with a good book for some time out.

When it's time to get active, you can enjoy wild swimming or paddle about in the home's kayak. Or take it easy with a relaxing afternoon in the spa – an indoor swimming pool and sauna are at the ready.

Home truths:
*There are two allocated parking spaces and additional parking in the overflow carpark just a short walk away
*This home sleeps a maximum of 10 adults and 4 children
*Bedrooms 2 and 4 can be arranged as twins or super king bedrooms on request
*Bedroom 5 has a large double sofa bed in the snug area separated with sliding doors but there is only limited hanging storage
*You will need to log in with your own account to use the streaming services
*Water sports on the lake are seasonal – April-October
*One kayak and one paddleboard is 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