Imagine, if you can, a tip-top Scandinavian chalet resort transported to the Cotswolds, with gorgeous lakefront houses conceived by Philippe Starck, eye-popping interiors designed by Kelly Hoppen or Jade Jagger, zip-lining and forest activities created by the likes of Ben Fogle. Add some watersports, outstanding private chefs, an enriching holiday kids club, and a spa with a 17-metre heated pool and blissful Bamford treatments - and you begin to get the picture.
This elite hideaway is hidden - inasmuch as an 850-acre estate can be - behind gated walls outside Lechlade, just 90 minutes from London. Alongside 100 or so privately owned holiday homes, it offers a handful of rental chalets for families or groups of 4-10 friends, plus a smattering of cosy rooms for discerning couples. This is Swallows and Amazons living made easy, and ultra-comfy: lake-facing decks with day beds and BBQs, kingsize bedrooms with climb-into bunks and duck-down duvets, open-plan living spaces with sleek kitchen islands and oversized sofas, mountain bikes and locally stocked breakfast hampers delivered to your door. It's perfect for a cobweb-banishing weekend away, or an easy-does-it summer holiday in the heart of the UK, yet a world away from home.
Highs
- It's a great option for a special celebration, with superb private caterers and mixologists on tap
- Spa treatments are top of their game and the perfect way to end a day in nature
- We loved the houses' lovely, light sitting rooms and their lazy lakefront decks with loungers
- If you're feeling active, there are 15km of trails to explore on foot or by bike, as well as fishing, kayaking, tennis and adrenaline sports
- The indoor pool, gym and spa treatments provide insurance against rainy days
Lows
- Unsurprisingly, this is an expensive place to stay - but it's a real bubble of bliss
- It's a large resort: over 100 houses, but spread over 850 acres and 11 lakes, and screened by woodland, so you wouldn't know it
- Not all houses have direct access to the water, so wild swimmers may have to walk or cycle off for their morning dip
- If booking a room or 1-bed apt, bear in mind that you will not be getting hotel-style service
- Extras can add up - things like bike hire, midweek cleans, and a spa induction charge
Best time to go
Most families come during school holidays - May or Oct half-term, summer hols, Easter - and that's when the Kids Club operates. Groups of friends tend to come at weekends, year round. Book midweek, outside summer, and you could well feel as if you have the place to yourself - the houses are widely spaced and screened - but bear in mind that some facilities might be closed.
Our top tips
It's only 1-2 hours' drive from London, Bristol, Birmingham or Southampton, so come for a weekend (or, better still, a sneaky midweeker): even 2 nights away will feel like another world, one of sun-dappled birch woods, hovering damsel flies and leaping trout.
Don't assume it's beyond your budget: if you come with a group and fill all the beds, it usually works out under £100 pppn
Don't assume it's beyond your budget: if you come with a group and fill all the beds, it usually works out under £100 pppn
Location
The Lakes by YOO are set in a private 850-acre estate just outside the small Cotswolds town of Lechlade, Gloucestershire.
By Car:
It's 1.5-2.5 hours' drive from London, 1.5 hours from Birmingham, 1 hour+ from Bristol. Each house has 2 or more parking spots. Some houses have electric car chargers - check when booking.
By Train:
The nearest mainline station is Swindon, 30 minutes by taxi.
By Air:
From abroad, London Heathrow (1.5 hours' drive) is your best bet; domestically you can try Bristol or Birmingham. If you're hiring a car, see our rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- London Heathrow 115.0 km LHR
- Bristol 105.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 120.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests