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A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds

Photo gallery for A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds

Exterior
View of rear across The Thames and the orchard
Lounge with stable door to Orchard
Logburner in Lounge
Lounge

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms0+ bathroomsSleeps 670.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Somerford Keynes, ENG
  • Place, Somerford Lagoon
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Neigh Bridge Country Park
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Cotswold Country Park and Beach
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Oxford (OXF)
    ‪63 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds

Originally home to the horses that farmed the land, The Stables is now part of an exclusive development on the Lower Mill Estate, a stunning 450 acre private nature reserve.

Within metres of The Stables is access to the heated outdoor pool, fishing, beautiful walks (including Thames Path) cycle paths, tennis, sauna, shop, kayak and bike hire. The lovely old village pub is a ten minute stroll.

The Lower Mill Estate is located in the Cotswold Water Park. With over 140 lakes, there are plenty of activities to try such as fishing, sailing, waterskiing, kayaking and wakeboarding as well as fantastic cycling and lovely walks along the Thames Path and Thames & Severn canal.

A perfect base for exploring picturesque Cotswold villages and visiting historical towns such as Cirencester, Cheltenham, Bath and Oxford.

The Stables is a contemporary, stylish three bedroom retreat.

Downstairs there is a living room with logburner, flatscreen TV/DVD player, comfy seating for six, floor to ceiling window to the front and a stable door opening onto the orchard at the rear. There is a selection of DVDs as well and books. Across the hall is a kitchen/ diner with Shaker style cream units, butler sink, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge, freezer, microwave and toaster. There is a dining table and chairs for six.

Upstairs are three cosy bedrooms. There is a double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, a kingsize bedroom with TV and DVD player and a twin bedroom (one of the single beds is 1.7cm/5ft 7inches in length). There is also a shower room with WC and basin. The rooms have been built into the eaves so there is restricted head height in some parts which adds to the charm of this conversion. There are Velux windows in the two double bedrooms so you can look at the stars as you lay in bed.

To the front is a pretty courtyard with a bench to take in the morning sun. At the rear in the orchard is a dining table and chairs for six, sun loungers, parasol and a BBQ. There are five different type of fruit trees and the Thames runs alongside (fenced). The orchard is particularly pretty in Spring when the trees are in blossom.

For bookings of a week or more we recommend a maximum of 4 adults

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
No large single sex parties are allowed on site
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Holiday renters are asked to abide by the site's code of conduct. This is to protect the wildlife and the tranquilitity of the site

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No large single sex parties are allowed on site
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Cirencester

Located in Cirencester, this cottage is in a rural area and near a water park. Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre and Swindon and Cricklade Railway are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Thames River and Neigh Bridge Country Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Lakeside Ski & Wake, or check out an event or a game at Cirencester Park Polo Club. Waterskiing and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking nearby.
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Map
Somerford Keynes, ENG

What's nearby

  • Somerford Lagoon - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Neigh Bridge Country Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Cotswold Country Park and Beach - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens - 46 min drive - 46.1 km
  • Cheltenham Racecourse - 51 min drive - 50.7 km

Getting around

  • Kemble Station - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Lodge At The Lake - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Royal Oak, South Cerney - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cirencester Best Kebab - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Crown - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds?

As of 12 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds on 19 Apr 2026 start from AU$353, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is A charming cottage on the Lower Mill private nature reserve in The Cotswolds located?

This family-friendly Cirencester cottage is located in a rural location, steps away from Thames River, Thames Path and Somerford Lagoon. Neigh Bridge Country Park and Cotswold Country Park and Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

8.8/10

Location

8.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful weekend break

This is such a wonderful house and location for a trip away. Beautiful location with plenty to do. The house was clean, well equipped and just a great home from home.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Cosy cottage in a great location

Stayed here for a weekend in mid-May. The cottage is lovely and big enough for six adults, with nicely decorated rooms, linens and towels. The well stocked kitchen allowed us to cook a few meals, which we shared around the kitchen table. Location is perfect, situated on the lovely gated Lower Mill estate which means you have the countryside right on your doorstep. Walks around the lakes to swimming in the heated outdoor pool, you couldn't ask for a more relaxing getaway.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gill W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place to stay!

This property is in the middle of Lower Mill. Lovely place to stay. Just a couple of thoughts - if guests are above average height they might struggle upstairs with the sloping roof - especially in the en-suite bathroom! A couple of things for the owners - the bottom half of the stable door is so tight - very difficult to open and the door to the dishwasher is also very tight. Minor things but may be worth a quick look before next guests. Otherwise a very nice few days away.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Audrey A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magnifique !

Nous avons passé deux semaines dans ce charmant cottage. Il est très bien équipé pour une famille de 5 personnes. Nous étions à l'aise et confortablement installés. Le domaine est magnifique, les paysages sont vraiment très beaux. Il y a beaucoup d'activités à faire sur le domaine : promenade, kayak, piscine... et il y a également un point restauration.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanna G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy cottage in great location

We had a great stay at The Stables, it had a lovely cozy feel yet still felt cool during the heatwave. The property was very well equipped and the patio opened on to a gorgeous orchard full of birds. Altogether lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

4/10 Poor

christian D.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

2 Mill Village

The property has not been deep cleaned for a while and we were shocked as levels of dust and grime. Rooms as extremely small and in the eves to boot. Beds uncomfortable with basic mattresses. Staircase creaks so badly you will wake everyone else when you walk up or down them. Overall the estate facilities good, but find somewhere else to stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Sophie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice stay in the Cotswolds

We had a very nice time at the cottage- good kitchen and facilities, set in a lovely area. The pool was great (although it took us a while to find it despite being about 200 yards away!)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ann E.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Family weekend away

Lovely location with lots to do. We were using as a base for a local wedding. Beds and linnen lovely 10 out of 10 but not as clean as we would have liked. leaving more cleaning products would help guests to keep it looking nice. Quick response to queries and admin very smooth. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot for a weekend break

Great onsite facilities - lots to do and very peaceful/relaxing location. Very large garden which was perfect for the kids to play in and for us to enjoy a BBQ. Would definitely recommend.
Verified

8/10 Good

Otmar G.

Gute Entspannungsmöglichkeit für Naturliebhaber

Nette Gegend, viel Natur, gute Sportmöglichkeiten, Tolle Obstanlage im Hinterhof. Wohnung ist nicht zu groß, bei viel Indoor-Aufenthalt mit Kindern ev. zu klein, wenn nicht nur Netflix genutzt wird
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Living in the Stables

The Lower Mill Estate was absolutely idyllic. We had a little cottage which used to be a stable and you could still see this which was lovely. There was a magnificent orchard at the back of the accommodation and it was in a perfect spot to pop along to the pool or play park or have a wee nosey at the chickens. The cottage was well accommodated with necessities such as coffee sugar etc there for us coming, including a lovely big Cotswolds Swiss Roll. A perfect welcome for us after our drive down from Edinburgh.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Lovely cottage and great facilities

We really enjoyed our half term break at The Stables. The cottage was comfortable, clean and well equipped. It is in a lovely location, we enjoyed walking round the Lower Mill Estate. The kids particularly enjoyed having the swimming pool and tennis court on the doorstep. Gary was very responsive to queries and there was cake waiting for us when we arrived, which was a nice surprise. We'd definitely recommend the property and would happily stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jackie B.

Awesome, lovely, cozy, well appointed cottage. Located right in rhe hub for activities

Wonderful stay - lovely cottage, v well appointed, right in the activity hub- cycle hire, heated pool.... and the clubhouse- the ballihoo. My 7 year old made friends most days and cried when we had to leave - says it all really - happy kid/s, happy parents! Would definitely come again and again .... in fact we’d have loved to have stayed longer. Thoroughly recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosy W.

Beautiful and relaxing

A great cottage for a lovely, relaxing family stay. The cottage is warm, well equipped and well presented. We had some beautiful walks around the lakes starting from the cottage. The outdoor pool was clean and lovely and warm.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jak E.

The Perfect getaway

So coming from the city we wanted to get away for the weekend and be able to relax and chill in a peaceful surrounding; this was perfect. The house was so clean and had everything you needed to be able to be comfortable and cook all your food. It warms up very quickly especially when you put the wood fire on. The sky lights are a lovely feature in the two double bedrooms as the clear sky shown all of the stars which we don't get to see because of living in the city. The tv in the living room had Netflix and YouTube and enough chanels to keep you entertained. The only thing I wish that would have been different was the weather as we went in February the weather was hit and miss so we couldn't really go in the pool or sit in the garden much. But overall really happy with the place, we are already considering coming back this year in the summer again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

Fabulous place to stay

I had the privilege of an extended stay at The Stables. This cottage is perfect, its well equipped, well looked after and in a lovely position on the estate. I loved the Bose speaker which can be moved to all rooms, the log burner in the lounge was perfect and was only needed for to create a cosy atmosphere as the cottage is well heated. I would highly recommend this property and the welcome Chocolate cake was a bonus .`````
Stayed 91 nights in Sep 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Gemma C.

Lovely cottage is a beautiful estate, set in an orchard garden. Fantastic outdoor pool.

We had a wonderful weekend and made the most of all the facilities. From tennis, to playgrounds to the out door pool. The house was very well kitted out, including games and dvds for the kids. It was a very hot weekend and it was hot at night. Some fans would make a great addition to the rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rosie H.

Lovely stay in fantastic family friendly community

We had a lovely stay in Lower Mill for a weekend. The cottage was perfect for us (two couples with a young child each) with space for us all. The kids especially loved running around the orchard and exploring Lower Mill on hired bicycles. A great find!
Archival

8/10 Good

Bowie M.

Lovely cotswold cottage for a great family stay - a home from home.

Great cottage with lots of space outside for the kids to run around. Much better than being in a hotel as you feel like it's a home from home.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ines G.

Beautiful location. Cosy cottage with abundance of activities. Suitable for all ages.

The cottage was very light and clean with a cosy feel. The photos on the website don't do it justice. We had everything we needed and more for the weekend that we stayed here. The flowers were a nice touch, and we LOVED the heated outdoor swimming pool and sauna, absolute bliss! Cycle hire was easy and right next to the cottage, and we spent a whole day riding around the old railway tracks and country lanes to the quaint villages nearby. There are plenty of running and walking tracks within and outside of the estate which were very pleasant. Overall, a wonderful cottage in an area with so much to do for everyone, from nature to sport enthusiasts, and from toddlers to pensioners. Despite the wealth of activities available nearby, the estate and surroundings are very peaceful, perfect for a break from the norm. It would have been helpful to have had the opportunity to order a Welcome Pack or the like, as we would have liked the local produce to be more readily available upon arrival. The booking process was a breeze, Gary has been really helpful and provided lots of additional information, and we would certainly recommend it. Thank you for having us!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rose G.

Peaceful break away

We are 2 couples and 2 babies and we had a wonderful weekend away. The cottage was cosy and comfortable, just what we wanted! Thank you for the cake! Thanks for a great stay!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

David F.

Beautiful cottage in a fantastic environment

We had a lovely stay in this perfectly equipped cottage. The owners made sure that we had a great stay with a full liat of activities in the area of which there are countless. The cottage is in a beautiful closed area of houses with many amenities such as a tennis court, cycle hire and swimming pool. Had a great time and hope to be back!
Archival

8/10 Good

Bernhard S.

Perfect for Kids

The owner was extremely helpful and took care of us. He provided a lot of information and was accessible prior and during the stay. The property management team, husband and wife, were attentive and very friendly and also helpful. They provided a lot of additional information and a 24h service number. The cottage and the kitchen were very well equipped. There are toys for kids and a very large DVD collection in case of a rainy day. The fenced-in pool was well-maintained, heated and clean. Additional free amenities included: tennis court, table tennis, football pitch and trampoline. You could rent a bicycle or canoe for a small fee. There was an indoor swimming pool and spa area also for a small fee. A grocery store was nearby within a walking distance. While staying at the property a car was not necessary. Many sights and attractions are within 100km. Therefore this place is recommended for families. It was a quaint cottage. We enjoyed staying there with our four kids. The only thing that stops me from giving the perfect score is the master-bed wich was a bit uncomfortable.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2016
Archival

8/10 Good

Farah S.

Wonderful Cotswolds

We stayed at the stables cottage for five nights. It was a very nice and clean property. There is a beautiful orchard at the back. The kitchen was well stocked. The housekeepers Kriss and Jayne were available for contact to deal with any issues. The owner had provided us with all the necessary information beforehand. Overall we had a wonderful time at this cottage within the Cotswolds water park.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2016
Archival

8/10 Good

Chris C.

A lovely terraced cottage in a quiet courtyard

We had seen the pictures but still did not really know what to expect! We had a bit of trouble finding the property on the Estate and finding the right car parking space, but once we were there we were greeted by the cleaner who had stayed on for our arrival. The cottage was nice and clean and there was a chocolate cake ready for our arrival! There were 4 of us staying and the cottage accommodated us well. I think it would have been a squeeze for any more. There is a hidden en-suite in the second bedroom, which was good for my 18 year old daughter. The two single beds in the third room were of different sizes and luckily one was big enough for my (giant) 16 year old son! All bedrooms are right in the roof space and so all have very sloping ceilings. The age of the property meant that all of the upstairs floors and stairs creaked, this along with the lack of natural ventilation in the showroom (and the loud fan) has dropped my score to 4 stars. The cottage is on a really good and well managed site. It is located right next to the (expensive) shop, one of the three tennis courts and an outdoor pool (all of which we used regularly). We also hired kayaks for a great day and evening exploring the lakes. We made use of the on site pub/restaurant twice in our weeks stay. Sunday lunch with a live band was a treat. This cottage does not come with free use of the main spa/pool/gym complex, but this did not detract from our enjoyment. There is a big private (for the 4 adjacent cottages) orchard space out the back door, which we used for bar-b-q and Frisbee! All in all we had a great time, making use of the outdoor facilities. I would recommend both the cottage and the site.

About the host

Hosted by Gary and Katharine Leftwich

Host profile image
We grew up not far from where the cottage is located and spent much of our childhoods on the many water parks in the area. We currently live 45 minutes away and visit the cottage for our own when we can

Why they chose this property

We were delighted to acquire this cottage in 2016 from the previous owner who we have known for many years. As previous guests of the cottage we are know the the delights of the estate and local area

What makes this property unique

Tucked away in a quiet courtyard with a fantastic orchard to the rear which borders the Thames. With a beautiful pool, restaurant and tennis court within close proximity, this cottage is perfectly placed on the Lower Mill Estate

Languages:

English
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