Firecrest Lodge
Perched lakeside on the Lower Mill Estate at Cotswold Water Park, Firecrest is the perfect choice for gathering your family and friends. A magnificent open plan living space with a roaring wood burner has balcony views across the lake. Connect with nature and enjoy the adventures that this activity hub has to offer with swimming pools, tennis courts and children's play areas. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding or cycling, there are year-round activities for everybody. Complimentary spa access is included, and you are a short distance from the Cotswold towns of Cirencester, Stroud and Burford.
Overview
Spending time at Firecrest you can make the most of everything that the Lower Mill Estate has to offer. Nestled amongst picturesque lakes with a restaurant, spa, and activity centre on site you don’t need to go much further than your doorstep for a fantastic time. No matter how you choose to spend your time, the whole family will find themselves wanting to come back time and again.
Set over three floors, the magnificent open plan living area is the hub of the home. Making the most of the views the sliding doors open to a balcony overlooking the lake, inspiring you to relax or head out onto the water. Gathering the family here there is space to sit beside the fire watching TV, serve meals together and keep the chef company in the well-equipped kitchen. From the kitchen you will spot Millstone Park opposite, with tennis courts and a children’s play area. You will also find the on-site restaurant, Ballihoo, perfect for any evenings when you don’t fancy cooking. The bedrooms are set across the second-floor mezzanine and ground floor where you can start your day by stepping out onto the terrace with your morning coffee.
Enjoy a lakeside BBQ, heading off for a walk spotting the local wildlife when you’ve had your fill. In the morning watch the sunrise over the lake and start your day with a visit to the spa, two complementary passes are included letting you laze poolside or workout at the state-of-the gym.
Ground Floor
Bedroom One:
Featuring a luxurious king-size bed, en-suite and access to a private outside area, bedroom one is a sanctuary to itself. As the sun rises over the lake, open the sliding doors to enjoy the gentle sound of birdsong on waking.
En-suite:
After a day of activities, bedroom one’s en-suite provides a welcome oasis for TLC. It’s complete with a WC, hand basin and shower over the bath.
Bedroom Two:
Bedroom two has the same sense of serenity as the lakes outside. With its plump double bed and access onto wooden decking via sliding doors, it makes both waking up and bedding down a relaxing affair.
Bedroom Three:
Whether they’ve been out cycling, swimming, or splashing about, bedroom three is a haven for tired little ones. Equipped with twin beds and a built-in wardrobe, there’s enough room for two kids and their belongings.
Bathroom:
Light and airy, the ground floor bathroom is equipped with a shower, wash basin and WC for freshening up after outdoor activities.
First Floor
Open Plan Kitchen/Living/Dining Room:
Firecrest’s light-drenched living area makes togetherness a priority. Gather around the charming wood burner, flick on the TV or pull out a board game to really make the most of this expansive space.
A place for eating, drinking and connecting, Firecrest’s kitchen is equally as communal and fully equipped with an oven, fridge-freezer, and that all-important Nespresso coffee machine.
Wander over to the dining area with nibbles and a drink in hand and take a seat at one of the dining table’s benches, perfectly placed for chatting with loved ones busy in the kitchen or kids hanging out on the sofas.
Cloakroom:
Firecrest’s first floor cloakroom is equipped with a handy WC and sink.
Utility Room:
The utility room comes complete with a washing machine, tumble dryer, drinks fridge, and ironing equipment.
Second Floor
Bedroom Four:
Perched above the living space, this mezzanine bedroom features a capacious double bed and two single beds making the options for sleeping endless. The room has a pair of glorious skylights and is lined by an elegant glass balcony that gazes down onto the living space - especially useful for keeping watch over furry friends.
Outside
The ground floor terrace features wooden decking, seating for a plethora of guests and a grassy area for kids and pets to play. On warmer days, light the BBQ and serve up a delicious feast whilst gazing across to the nearby lake. With a magical view stretching across the wetlands, the balcony is undoubtedly the highlight of this special spot. Framed by a gleaming glass panel fence, it's ripe for pulling out a rattan chair and unwinding with a glass or two as the sun sinks over the water’s edge.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - King-size
Bedroom Two - Double
Bedroom Three - Twin
Bedroom Four - Double, 2 X Singles
2 Bathrooms - Shower Room, En-suite Bathroom
Hairdryer - 4
Fire - Logs Provided For Initial Fire (01 October - 31 March)
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Wine Fridge
Coffee Machine - Nespresso Magimix
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 10
Washing Machine
Tumble Dryer
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed - 200+ Mbps
TV - Smart
Travel Cot (cot Linen Not Provided)
Highchair - 2
Stair Gates
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - 2 Well-behaved Dogs Welcome For An Additional Fee
Garden - Terrace Open To Lake And Balcony
Outdoor Dining Area
BBQ - Charcoal
On-site Facilities
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 Firecrest 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, or single-sex group celebrations, 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 retreat with balcony views, wood burner, and open-plan living.
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, tennis, and swimming available for all ages.
- Free spa access and easy trips to Cirencester, Stroud, and Burford, with Ballihoo restaurant on site.
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.
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Read our reviews
Beautiful location
Firecrest was a superb house everything you could want was provided including extras - tennis racquets and bslls & table tennis bats and balls. The view from the veranda on the upper floor was sublime and sitting there early morning was so relaxing. The info and updates from Bolthole staff were brilliant. We would highly recommend using this company we will be recommending them to our friends . If you are going to the Cotswolds look no further than Bolthole Retreats.
Pat
The view was amazing, the facilities and restaurant are super close. The house had everything you need for your stay and was very clean.
Mariyam
Fabulous house in a great location
Sue
Well equipped. Lovely and cosy. Beautiful views. And to top it all furnished with Christmas decorations. What else could you ask for. Only disappointment was the weather but there wasn’t a lot you could do about that.
Deborah
Lovely retreat
Beautiful large house to suit our ever growing family, perfectly located on the site . Superb kitchen equipment and comfortable beds
Deborah
Amazing place for our family break. Grandchildren loved the swimming pools. The house has everything you need. Perfect location on the estate.
Stephanie
Fabulous place, great for families and lots to do around it.
Anne
Lovely house
This was our second visit to the park. We stayed previously in the house next door which was much more expensive. Firecrest was just as nice and had a pretty view of the lake. It's so close to all the activities, perfect for a family holiday.
Cloud
We had a great time here - lots of activities on the estate and the house was lovely to return to in the evening. Plenty of room and very good for a group gathering.
Rebecca
A great stay at Firecrest
We had a terrific 3-night stay at Firecrest Lodge, though we all wished our stay could have been longer. The house is in a beautiful setting and is both very spacious and very well equipped. We particularly loved being able to make use of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools at the spa, taking kayaks out on the lakes, and enjoying family meals in the house. The surrounding area is beautiful with lots to do so we definitely plan to return.
Julie
An absolute delight to stay in.
We were delighted with Firecrest - the cleanliness, comfort level, attention to detail and personalisation was exceptional.
Everything was well thought out, conveniently placed and a pleasure to stay in.
In our opinion it represented value for money however we would have really loved for the upstairs room to be enclosed properly to enable us to use it for our younger family members but as it was it was too dangerous to allow them to access.
Anthony
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Firecrest Lodge. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Your valuable feedback regarding the upstairs room has been shared with the owner, who has taken your comments on board and is looking into them. Ahead of booking, we include photos of all of the rooms in the property on our website, along with a 3D tour that allows guests to explore the property in more detail. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
- Bolthole Retreats, 7th June 2025
Wonderful lodge
We really cant fault our stay at the lodge, which was perfect for a midweek stay - fully equipped with a very kind welcome back on arrival- very clean and no reported maintenance issues- such a lovely and relaxing view as well.
Guest
Fantastically equipped holiday house in a lovely location
The holiday house was perfect for our family gathering of all ages to celebrate an 80th birthday. It had everything we could need and spotlessly clean and spacious. We particularly loved the view and enjoyed spending time relaxing in the house as well as walking in the surrounding grounds. Thank you to the hosts, we would definitely book again.
Alice
Fantastic stay
Loved our stay at firecrest lodge. The layout is great, the location coudn't be better for walks or easy access to spa and restaurant and a very pleasant atmosphere on site.
Crispin
Great stay
We stayed at Firecrest as a family of 9 for an 80th birthday. The accommodation was perfect for the occasion. We had everything we needed for our stay. We had all the information we needed before hand and we knew who to contact if we needed anything during our stay. Would definitely recommend and we would stay again.
Many thanks
Lynsey
Great stay at Firecrest
House very clean, very roomy for the 7 of us. Great views of the lake. Would like to be there in summer to make use of the outside space. kitchen very well equipped. Great gift left in the wine fridge-much appreciated.
The site is great for walks, however would benefit from a designated footpath. There is a low speed limit but still a lot of vehicle movement on site.
The pool, sauna and steam room area was a great bonus. Not so sure about the eco pool in October!!! We did swim in the outdoor pool as well.
Josephine
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.
