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Set within 850 acres of lakes, woodland and open meadow, The Lakes by YOO offers a version of the Cotswolds that feels quietly contemporary. The estate is shaped as much by architecture as it is by landscape, with homes positioned to draw in water views and interiors led by YOO Studio’s clean, design-forward approach.
The appeal of luxury stays at The Lakes by YOO lies in this balance. It is not a hotel in the traditional sense, but a collection of considered homes and residences that allow you to settle into the estate rather than simply pass through it.
A Cotswolds Estate Framed by Water and Design
There is a deliberate sense of space throughout the estate. Lakes sit between stretches of woodland, with homes placed to maximise privacy while maintaining uninterrupted views. The atmosphere shifts easily from sociable to secluded, depending on where you stay.
Interiors favour open-plan living, natural materials, and large expanses of glass. Kitchens are designed for proper use, terraces extend out towards the water, and the overall layout encourages time spent both indoors and out. It is an environment that lends itself to longer stays, where the pace settles naturally.
Lakehouses and Lodges: The Estate at Its Most Complete
The larger homes define the experience at The Lakes by YOO. These are the stays where scale, design and setting come together most convincingly.
The Lakehouse
Set directly on the water, this four-bedroom residence is arranged around generous open-plan living spaces that lead onto a private deck. Floor-to-ceiling glazing keeps the lake in constant view, while outdoor areas are designed for dining and relaxed afternoons by the water. The layout suits families or small groups, with enough space to balance shared moments and quieter time.
Lechlade Lodge
Positioned along one of the estate’s calmer stretches, this four-bedroom lodge brings together timber detailing and sculptural interiors. A south-facing terrace extends towards the lake, often paired with a private jetty, making it easy to move between the house and the water throughout the day. The overall feel is warm, considered and closely tied to its surroundings.
Kingfisher Lodge
With four bedrooms and a strong lakeside position, Kingfisher Lodge leans into indoor-outdoor living. Large sliding doors open onto a deck that sits just above the waterline, while interiors are softened with natural textures and neutral tones. It is particularly well-suited to those who want a direct, uninterrupted connection to the lake.
Larger Residences: Space, Privacy and a Slower Pace
For a more expansive stay, the estate’s five- and six-bedroom homes offer a different scale of living, where privacy and self-containment come into their own.
The Reserve
This five-bedroom residence is positioned for privacy, with wide lake views and a generous private garden. Interiors are open and light, designed for easy movement between living, dining and outdoor spaces. Terraces are set up for long meals and evenings outside, with features for a relaxing stay included.
Sunset House
As the name suggests, this home is oriented to capture the best of the evening light across the lake. With five bedrooms and a layout that opens fully onto the outdoors, it lends itself to slower afternoons that drift into evening. The atmosphere is relaxed but considered, with design details that remain understated.
Newfound View
Set to take advantage of its elevated position, this five-bedroom home offers sweeping views across both water and woodland. The interiors favour open-plan living with generous glazing, while the outdoor space is arranged to make the most of the setting, whether for morning coffee or evening gatherings.
The Manor House
One of the estate’s most substantial six-bedroom properties, The Manor House brings a sense of scale that feels closer to a private country residence. Expansive grounds, a private swimming pool and multiple living spaces create a setting suited to extended stays or larger gatherings, with enough separation to maintain a sense of calm.
Art Haus
A six-bedroom residence that leans more distinctly into the design-led side of the estate, Art Haus introduces bolder interiors while maintaining the same connection to the landscape. Open spaces, curated furnishings and strong architectural lines give it a slightly more expressive character without losing the overall sense of ease.
The Pool Lodge
Set along Bowmoor Lake, this six-bedroom home is defined by its outdoor offering. A private pool, hot tub and direct access to the water create a self-contained environment where most of the day can be spent within the property. The interiors remain clean and contemporary, allowing the setting to take the lead.
Cabins and Apartments: A More Contained Stay
For those staying for shorter periods or in smaller groups, the cabins and apartments provide a more compact way to experience the estate, while still retaining its design ethos.
The Lakeside Cabin offers a two-bedroom layout arranged around an open-plan living space with large windows and a private deck. The connection to the outdoors remains central, with views across the lake and a layout that encourages easy, informal living.
The Three-Bedroom Apartment at Marley Lake brings a more structured format, with en-suite bedrooms, full kitchens and living areas that open onto lakeview balconies. Its position close to the spa and The Lakes Bar & Kitchen makes it particularly convenient, while still offering a sense of space and independence.
The Marley Lake Suite provides a more pared-back option, suited to shorter stays. With open-plan interiors and a private balcony overlooking the water, it offers a quieter, more contained experience while keeping the lake at the centre of the stay.
Living Beyond the Stay
The experience extends well beyond the accommodation itself. The Lakes Bar & Kitchen serves as the social heart of the estate, with a menu that moves from relaxed breakfasts to more considered evening dining, often shaped by seasonal ingredients.
The spa introduces a slower rhythm, with treatments, a pool and wellness facilities designed for longer, restorative visits. Beyond that, the lakes shape much of the daily activity, from paddleboarding and kayaking to open-water swimming, alongside cycling routes and tennis courts set within the wider estate.
For those in the larger homes, private chefs and in-residence dining can be arranged, allowing the experience to remain entirely self-contained when needed.
A More Considered Way to Stay in the Cotswolds
The Lakes by YOO reveals itself most clearly through its best stays. The lakehouses and larger residences offer space, privacy and a strong connection to the landscape, while the cabins and apartments provide a more accessible way into the same setting.
Time here tends to stretch. Mornings begin by the water, afternoons settle into the rhythm of the estate, and evenings are shaped by the light across the lakes.
Choosing where to stay ultimately comes down to how you want to spend that time, whether gathered in a large lakeside home or quietly positioned beside the water, with everything else falling into place around it.
Location: High Street, Lechlade GL7 3DT, United Kingdom
