Chestnut Lodge
Find the ultimate family getaway at the Lower Mill Estate on the Cotswold Lakes. Surrounded by beautiful lakeside scenery you have watersports, cycle routes, play areas, swimming pools and the added bonus of spa access included in your stay. It’s impossible not to be entertained here and you’ll find that you don’t even need to leave the estate. Launch your paddle boards on the lake right outside and dine at the on-site restaurant at Ballihoo, you can even shop for your essentials here. Chestnut Lodge has four bedrooms and a great open plan living space so you can spend time together and relax however you choose.
Overview
First time visitors to the Lower Mill Estate will be amazed by what's on offer. The activity hub has everything you need for watersports, spa access is included for lazing beside the pool and relaxing massages and you’re just a 15-minute stroll from the village pub, The Baker's Arms. All of this and more means you can split your time between serenity and excitement.
Chestnut Lodge is a three-storey lake house where the line between indoor and out is blurred. A fantastic open plan living area opens to a rear terrace where you can dine waterside and enjoy the views with an evening glass or morning coffee. Not only perfect for a summer holiday, the sitting area hugs around a woodburning stove so even on cooler days you are comfortable. A fully-equipped kitchen and dining table are ready for you to host family meals if you choose to stay in. Over the first and second floor are four bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. The master bedroom has a Juliet balcony so you can start your day with a breath of fresh air.
With a rear terrace, Juliet balcony, and a first-floor balcony, you will find ourselves outside more often than in when you stay at Chestnut Lodge. As you walk the estate you'll pass play areas, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and of course, a myriad of lakes which are hard to resist. Hire bikes to explore further afield or take a walk to spot the local birdlife.
Ground floor
Open plan living/kitchen/dining room
Stretching the full length of the house, this open plan living space is split into three zones and opens out to the terrace beyond. The kitchen is very well-equipped with all the crockery and glasses you could need and there is an oven and hob, dishwasher, washer/dryer and even a filter coffee machine. Gather at the dining table that seats eight for meals and lounge in the sitting area when the day comes to an end. A smart TV can keep the entertainment going long into the evening while the woodburner provides warmth and a cosy ambience.
Cloakroom
This handy addition with a WC and basin is perfect if you're spending the day on site and just need to pop back.
First Floor
Bedroom Three
This double bedroom is a haven with its own balcony where you can sit once everybody has retired to bed and watch as the light changes over the water. Storage is provided with a built-in wardrobe and there are two bedside tables and lamps.
En-Suite
A shower, WC and basin can be found in the en-suite giving guests staying bedroom three even more of their own space.
Bedroom Four
Ideal for younger guests, bedroom four has two single beds. Perhaps this would suit children of adults staying bedroom three. One bed is set against the wall but each has a bedside table and there is built-in storage.
Bathroom
As the other bedrooms each have their own en-suite, the bathroom can be solely used by those staying in bedroom four. There is a bath with a shower over, WC and basin.
Second Floor
Bedroom One
The master bedroom is wonderfully roomy with a king-size bed set beside the Juliet balcony. Opening this in the morning you will be greeting by wonderful waterside views and a fresh breeze. This tranquil space has a wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside tables and a reading chair.
En-Suite
In the en-suite is a bath with a shower over, WC and basin.
Bedroom Two
The double bed has a bedside table to each side and a built-in wardrobe for storage. Looking over the front of the house your view is filled with greenery from the surrounding trees.
En-Suite
Matching the style of the other en-suite, there is a bath with a shower over, WC and basin.
Outdoor
The main outdoor space is the enclosed decking at the rear of the lodge which sits waterside just alongside Howells Mere lake. With a corner sofa where you can dine and a fabulous BBQ you don't need to go too far to enjoy the outdoors. You can even launch crafts just around the corner so there's nothing stopping you from enjoying an early morning paddle. Finishing Chestnut Lodge is the balcony, a secret retreat for anybody staying in the first floor double bedroom.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - King-size
Bedroom Two - Double
Bedroom Three - Double
Bedroom Four - Twin
4 Bathrooms - 2 X En-suite With Bath And Shower Over, 1 X En-suite With Shower, 1 X Bathroom With Bath And Shower Over
Hairdryer
Fire - Logs Provided For An Initial Fire 01 Oct To 31 March
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Coffee Machine - Prestige Filter
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 8
Washing Machine
Tumble Dryer
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed
TV - Smart
DVD Player
Board Games
Travel Cot (cot Linen Not Provided)
Highchair
Stair Gates
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - 2 Well-behaved Dogs Welcome
Garden - Enclosed Terrace And Balcony
Outdoor Dining Area
BBQ - Charcoal
Swimming Pool - Shared Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool (open February To December)
Complimentary On-site Spa Access *pre-booking Required - Outdoor And Indoor Swimming Pool, Gym, Steam Room, Sauna, And Treatments Available (2 Passes Included)
Sauna - Shared
Tennis Court - Shared
Parking - Designated Parking For 1 Car And Additional Overflow Parking For Up To 3 Cars On Site.
EV Charger - Shared, On-site
On your Doorstep
- Outdoor heated swimming pool with changing rooms and sauna – open year round
- Tennis courts – booking required, equipment hire available
- Adventure play – use of outdoor play areas, booking required and additional fees apply for use of indoor play area
- Equipment hire – hire equipment for the day or week for watersports and cycling
- Fishing – available year round with a valid rod license
- Yoga – studio classes and private sessions available, booking required, additional fees apply
Nearby Cirencester (6 miles) is a fantastic shopping destination with a diverse range of independent and boutique shops. There are also a selection of well-known high street brands including Joules and Waterstones. Regular farmers’ markets are held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month and a charter market on Mondays and Fridays. You will find a deli in the Corn Hall Arcade.
If you are looking for designer brands, Swindon McArthurGlen outlet (15 miles) is worth a visit for a bargain.
Eating Out:
- Ballihoo Club – the restaurant and clubhouse serve locally sourced food and drink for the whole family (booking recommended, on-site)
- The Baker's Arms, Somerford Keynes - quiz nights, live music, delicious food and a beautiful setting this pub is perfect for a quick pint after a walk or a Sunday lunch (16-min walk)
- The Old Boat House, South Cerney – picturesque lakeside dining (4 miles)
- The Red Lion, Cricklade – award-winning restaurant just off the Thames path (8.5 miles)
Walks:
Cotswold Water Park is a fantastic location for walking. Leisure maps are available both online and from the main visitor centre. A selection of circular walks vary from 2km to 18km and are a great way to see this stunning area and the wildlife that lives here. Visit waterpark.org/things-to-do/walking for more details.
Places to Visit:
- Cotswold Country Park and Beach, Cirencester – fire a BBQ, relax on the beach, bounce into the inflatable obstacle course or a hire a boat (1 mile)
- Cirencester – ancient Roman market town regarded as the capital of the Cotswolds (6 miles)
- Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens – fantastic array of species and walkthroughs so you can see the animals up close (20 miles)
Travel:
Train – Kemble railway station (3 miles) has a frequent and direct service to London.
Taxis - Hill South Cerney Cabs, First Taxi
There is so much to discover in the Cotswolds, why not have a look at some of our favourite Bolthole Retreats Experiences.
Points of Note
This property has a check-in time of 16:00 and a check-out time of 10:00
The Property:- Book with us to get exclusive discounts for top attractions and experiences.
- 2 well-behaved dogs are permitted at the cottage for an additional fee.
- Guests at Chestnut Lodge receive 2 passes for complimentary use of the on-site spa (8 mins walk). Each pass provides access for all guests. Pool use and treatments must be booked in advance here.
- It is the policy of this property not to take bookings for groups where the majority of guests are under the age of 25, including stag/hen parties.
- Please note that additional guests above the maximum capacity are not permitted.
The Estate:
- The spa outdoor pool is currently unavailable due to damage until the end of May. The spa also has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool is available at Mill Village within the estate.
- Unfortunately properties on the Lower Mill Estate cannot be booked/used for business or corporate purposes.
- For the consideration of guests on the estate, there is an 11pm noise curfew. Please keep noise to a minimum after this time.
- Children and pets must be supervised at all times at the property and throughout the estate due to direct lake access.
- By booking, you agree to adhere to the Lower Mill Estate Code of Conduct which you will find in your guest portal.
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Handpicked by us
Why we love this
- Lakeside luxury with open-plan living, four bedrooms, and plenty of space for family or friends to relax together.
- Paddle straight from your doorstep, cycle the nature trails, or unwind at the pool and spa.
- Surrounded by the Cotswold Water Park, with wildlife to spot, family-friendly beaches, and Ballihoo restaurant and shop just steps away.
Discover more
The Location
The Lower Mill Estate at Cotswold Water Park is a luxurious setting for friends and families to gather and make the most of this unique location. This is nature’s playground where you can take to the water on a kayak, canoe, paddle board or katakanu, or stay on land either on foot or two wheels. There are fantastic opportunities to view the resident wildlife from birds to beavers, and fishing is available (license required). Tennis courts, an outdoor heated swimming pool and sauna are also available to all guests at the Lower Mill Estate. Visit Cotswold Country Park and Beach for a traditional family day out by the water. Spa access is available with some properties (check individual listings for details) where you can relax at the indoor pool or treat yourself to a luxurious massage (additional fee applies). During your stay, Ballihoo is the perfect choice for a meal without having to leave. There is also a range of fresh groceries and everyday essentials available in the shop.
and relax
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Read our reviews
We had a great stay at Lower Mill Estate.
Jackie
Chestnut cottage provided us with a wonderful family holiday - especially considering the heatwave. There were also fans in all of the rooms which helped somewhat. The house had all the amenities you could wish for.
Shula
Cotswolds Water Park
Chestnut Lodge was excellent for our party of 7 adults. The accomodation was excellent and everyone was very helpful. Lots of birds and animals visiting during the day. Convenient for onsite activities and local attractions. We are going back next year with our famly.
Colin
We had a lovely weekend away at Chestnut lodge. The house was spotless and the location was great.
Amy
Kitchen was well equipped and they had a great selection of games / activities for indoor and outdoor.
Sarah
Lovely, clean and modern
Leanne
Whole approach of hosts and the team around them was excellent. The property, furniture and furnishings were to a high standard. The site facilities were enjoyed by the whole party. The weather was kind to us, so good use was made of the terrace overlooking the lake.
Alan
We have a wonderful wholesome family weekend. Having visited the area a few times it never disappoints
Ryan
Great house for the family.
Great location. Very well equipped. Very good customer service. Bathrooms and kitchen equipment all very good.
Steven
A fantastic short holiday at Chestnut Lodge
Fab location, with great amenities, ideal for children- safe for cycling , play areas, swimming, a very welcoming restaurant which welcomed dogs
Chestnut Lodge was ideal for 2 families. With an open plan downstairs , provided stair gates & a high chair. 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms- all very clean. Kitchen was very well equipped with a lovely welcome pack.
Lots of sports equipment- tennis racquets, footballs etc.
Loved it! We had no need to leave the estate.
Anne
Lovely property, clean, extremely well equipped & furnished to a high standard. Great for a family Christmas. Great communication with Bolthole & property manager. Would highly recommend & visit again.
Caron
A lovely property which easily accommodated 8 people. We had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Annette
Great accommodation . Kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed for our stay . We’ll definitely be back.
Sally
Create Memories
Experiences designed to make your stay unforgettable
We have curated not only a portfolio of properties, but also a portfolio of experiences we recommend everyone try the next time they visit the Cotswolds and surrounding counties. This selection of ours is constantly growing as we discover more hidden gems and local stars. Many of the experiences are incredibly popular, and we encourage booking in advance because these little extras can turn your everyday holiday into a fantastic, fond memory, one you aren’t soon to forget.
