Lake House at The Lakes by Yoo

Quality in Tourism 5* Gold Award 2019 A perfect retreat overlooking the finest British countryside, this is a haven for anybody that is looking to really detach themselves from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives whilst experiencing Britain's finest. External house CCTV. You can swim in the swimming pool at the community centre between 1pm and 6pm ( the time was determined by the residents’ association), although they charge an induction fee of £60 per family for showing you around the sports facilities there and providing fobs for the lockers. The water is very warm between 29 and 30 degrees and generally is suitable even for very small children. You can also exercise at a small gym there ( there are paid group classes there as well), hire a private session with an instructor or use sauna or steam room. The beautician will make you look and feel great. Bookings are available trough the Community centre. The Lakes owns 2 tennis courts, and you can book them on an hour basis in advance with the concierge or sports manager, but bring your rackets. You can hire bicycles here, as well as boats or kayaks in summer. The lakes’ water is clean, so you can swim on a hot day from the pontoon next to the house or from a small beach on another lake. Small children will enjoy seeing hens and rabbits at the Lakes, but there is a big good private zoo on the way to Burford (about 20 minutes drive). Local pubs within short driving distance include The Swan at Southrop and the Five Alls gastropub in Filkins (my favorite). The are few decent restaurants in Fairford, one of them is The Bull at the hotel on the main square. Look out for Richard and Emma Keene’s Cotswold Premium Lager, sold by the keg to a handful of local pubs. The nearest farm shop, and one of the area’s best butchers is called Foxbury, just north of The Lakes. Daylesford Organic, 40 min drive away, specialises in everything that is fresh, seasonal, local and organic; handmade cheeses, bread, pastries, chef’s dishes and kitchen garden produce. Locally produced organic apple juice is available to buy from Benson’s Farm which can be delivered by the case. Waitrose from Cirencester delivers to the Lakes, there are 2 small supermarkets in Lechlade ( just 1.5 mile away) if you forget something to order or to bring with you. Next to Londis they have a pharmacy and a cash machine. Just in case. Trout and smoked fish products are available in nearby Northleach, where Col Valley Smokery still uses bespoke traditional methods and brick kilns and supplies top retailers. Nearby Bamford Barn sells luxurious homeware and contemporary clothing, whilst Cotswold Woollen Weavers in Filkins have their own looms producing traditional tweeds – suits, jackets, and hats in bespoke colourways, plus a garden and cafe attached. Antiques hunting will take you right across the country, though some of the best dealers are concentrated in Burford and Stow on the Wold. Visit Cirencester for traditional crafts including glass blowing and pottery. Quality and Tourism 5* Gold Rating