Little Acorns
Escape to the idyllic Cotswold Lakes and experience the very best of this unique lakeside setting. With scenic walking trails, cycle paths, tennis courts, a children’s play area, outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and access to an on-site spa, everything you need for a memorable stay is right on your doorstep.
Little Acorns, set within the sought-after Lower Mill Estate, is a contemporary upside-down cottage perfectly positioned on the edge of Howell’s Mere Lake. Designed to make the most of its surroundings, the property offers tranquil lake views and a peaceful retreat after a day of adventure.
Overview
This stylish lakeside cottage offers a touch of luxury in one of the Cotswolds’ most popular destinations. With an abundance of on-site activities for all ages, days can be spent cycling through the estate, trying your hand at water sports, enjoying a spa treatment, or simply unwinding in nature. For those wishing to explore further afield, the historic town of Cirencester, the vibrant market town of Stroud, and the ever-popular Burford are all within easy reach.
Thoughtfully arranged to capture the lake views, the open-plan living space sits on the first floor. Large windows frame the water beyond, while doors open onto the balcony, perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks.
After a day outdoors, return to the comfort of Little Acorns. Sink into the generous corner sofa, light the woodburning stove, and enjoy a relaxed evening with family or friends. The space is equally suited to quiet nights in or sociable meals, whether dining indoors or making use of the barbecue outside.
On the ground floor, two well-appointed bedrooms provide a restful retreat, each with access to the large terrace so you can stay connected to the peaceful surroundings. With both a balcony and terrace, there’s ample outdoor space to dine, relax with a book, or simply take in the lakeside atmosphere.
The property includes one designated off-road parking space, with additional parking available on the estate.
Ground Floor
Bedroom One
A calming and comfortable bedroom with sliding doors opening onto the decking. Complete with an en-suite bathroom, built-in wardrobe, and dressing table, it’s designed for relaxation.
En-suite
Featuring a bath with shower over, WC, and basin, ideal for a long soak after a day exploring the lakes and trails.
Bedroom Two
Perfect for children or friends, this room includes a king-sized bed and built-in wardrobe. Doors lead out to the decking, allowing easy access to the outdoors.
Shower Room
A convenient shower room with shower cubicle, WC, and basin, primarily serving Bedroom Two.
First Floor
Open-Plan Living / Kitchen / Dining Area
The heart of the home, this bright and airy space is designed for both relaxation and entertaining. A striking window frames uninterrupted lake views, while doors open onto the balcony to extend the living space outdoors.
The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and a range of small appliances. The dining area seats four, and the comfortable living space features a corner sofa, Smart TV, and woodburning stove.
Outside
The standout feature of Little Acorns is its lake-facing balcony and terrace. Open the doors to let the outside in and enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living.
The balcony is furnished with a table and three chairs, bench and a coal barbecue.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - Double
Bedroom Two - Double
2 Bathrooms - 1 Bathroom With Shower, 1 En-suite Bath With Shower
Fire - Logs Provided For Initial Fire 01 Oct To 31 March
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 4
Washing Machine
Tumble Dryer
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed
TV - Smart
Outdoor
Garden - Terrace And Balcony
Outdoor Dining Area
BBQ - Please Provide You Own Coal
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
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)
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)
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.
- Little Acorns is one of our pet-free properties and therefore dogs and other pets are not permitted.
- Guests at Little Acorns 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 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.
Check Availability
Spread the cost of your holiday balance with our flexible payment plan
Handpicked by us
Why we love this
Thoughtfully arranged to capture the lake views, the open plan living space sits on the first floor. Large windows frame the water beyond, while doors open onto the balcony, the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening drinks.
Discover more
The Location
The Lower Mill Estate at the Cotswold Lakes is a truly special setting for families and friends alike. Surrounded by lakes, wildlife, and nature trails, it’s an outdoor playground where you can kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or explore on foot or by bike.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the opportunity to spot birds and even beavers, while fishing is also available (licence required). Guests have access to tennis courts, an outdoor heated swimming pool, and a sauna, with optional spa access available at select properties.
For dining, the on-site restaurant Ballihoo offers a convenient and delicious option, while the estate shop provides fresh groceries and everyday essentials.
and relax
Book your next Bolthole retreat with confidence.
1.
Guaranteed best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
2.
Independent & personal
We provide genuine support from real people, no call centres here. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to guide you in finding the perfect holiday cottage for your next escape.
3.
Hand-picked homes
Our collection of hand-selected properties spans some of the most sought-after areas, each chosen for its unique character and quality. Our holiday homes offer guests the very best of country life.
Read our reviews
Little Acorns is new to Bolthole Retreats - be the first to stay and leave a review
Bolthole
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.
