Mere Hide (sleeps 4+2) is a luxury lakeside bolthole within Lower Mill Estate, a 550-acre nature reserve set in beautiful Cotswold countryside; at the center of the Cotswold Water Park. The beautiful and tranquil setting provides a luxurious backdrop for the myriad of leisure activities available, both active and passive.

Mere Hide evokes memories of  boat houses, dreamy lakeside homes and  hides nestled in nature reserves. The luxurious furnishings and modern comforts are complemented by textures of old: stone building, comfortable arm chair, glazed tiles, timber panelling, log fire stove, hunting trophies and vintage blankets. Its decked terraces extending from the living space and two of the bedrooms above, hover tantalisingly over the lake; the shimmering sunset enveloping the view and the mysterious mists announcing dawn. The third room can be transformed into a bedroom for two guests by unfolding bunk beds or can be used as a study or play area.

Central to the estate facilities sits the Artspa, designed to pamper your desires and remove all traces of stress. Swim in one of two heated 20m pools or reinvigorate yourself with a dip in the naturally filtered outdoor eco-pool. Relax in the steam room and sauna and revitalize yourself in the technogym. Luxuriate in the restful treatment rooms and choose from over sixty carefully selected relaxing therapies.

At Mere Hide you are a stone's throw away from the serene unspoilt landscape of the estate, teeming with thriving wildlife; from migrating sandmartins to encountering wild orchids, from spotting beavers to discovering owlets. Walk through the woodland and meadows, observe from the carefully located hides and re-engage with a simpler way of life.

Other activities: tennis courts, playgrounds,trampoline, farm shop, treehouse, fishing, cycle paths, nature hides, beaver spotting.

Howells Mere is Phase III within Lower Mill Estate; Howells Mere is still in the process of completions.

Further afield: riding lessons in Cerney Wick Stables, Westonbirt Arboretum,Cotswold Wildlife Park, gastropubs, Butts Farm (butchers), Honey from Box Cottage in South Cerney, walk to Bakers Arms (pub) in Somerford Keynes.