Meet The Rural Retreat That Has It All
Meet The Rural Retreat That Has It All
UK
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Meet The Rural Retreat That Has It All

London in the leafy Cotswolds, The Lakes by Yoo is a private estate offering thoughtfully designed cabins, apartments and lodges for everything from two-night breaks to week-long stays. With resort-style amenities, family-friendly activities and a relaxed atmosphere, here’s what you need to know before booking a stay.
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Image: The Lakes by Yoo

Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Lakes by Yoo is a private estate that has become one of the UK’s most desirable escapes. Spanning 850 acres of unspoiled land and set around 11 glistening lakes and half a million trees, it is a sanctuary designed for families, nature lovers and anyone looking to unwind without compromising on comfort, style or amenities.

From its inception, The Lakes was created to offer an easy, low-maintenance second-home experience that blends adventure, community and calm. The vision was clear: to build a place where children could explore and adults could relax, meet likeminded people and immerse themselves in nature. 

Over 200 acres of the estate have been rewilded, and sustainability remains at its core. The property is now recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with eco-ponds, heat exchangers, solar panels, EV charging points and a rescue-animal mini farm home to 60 chickens. It is country living, thoughtfully modernised.

Despite being home to a growing number of second-home owners, The Lakes is equally welcoming to short-stay guests and renters who might want a two-night mini-break or a week-long trip. While many properties are owned, there are also homes available to rent, including one- and three-bedroom apartments, lakeside cabins and spacious family lodges. Accommodation options range from cosy rooms for couples to the six-bedroom Beach House, complete with a BBQ and pizza oven. Rental prices start from around £300 per night.

The estate has gone from strength to strength, with facilities now rivalling those of a top-tier resort. For children, there’s plenty to do, from zip lines, climbing walls and tree-top adventures to paddleboarding, biking, sailing, cricket nets and tennis. Kids aged four and up can join a dynamic holiday programme that includes bushcraft, woodworking, archery, arts and crafts, raft building and more.

That said, it’s not just about the little ones. Adults can use a fully equipped gym, indoor swimming pool, infrared sauna, padel court, jogging trails, pool tables, golf nets and quiet reading corners. The estate's appeal lies in its flexibility, with plenty to do regardless of the weather. Rain isn't a disaster here.

A strong sense of community runs throughout the estate; it is relaxed, friendly and a place where children cycle around on their own while parents relax. An art club and car club are now part of the lifestyle offering, and regular events like live music and seasonal gatherings keep it buzzy and vibrant. 

The teepee style restaurant is particularly good. Run by a former Soho Farmhouse chef, it’s open to residents, guests and visitors. The food is unpretentious, with crowd-pleasers like wood-fired pizza, fish and chips, salads, tacos and brunch classics. On Sundays, the vibe is laidback with cocktails and pizza served to a soundtrack of chilled music – plus, the bar's spicy Picante is top notch.

Recently, The Lakes expanded its wellness offering with the launch of The LakesSpa & Wellness Centre. Designed to focus on longevity, resilience and immune strength, the spa has partnered with respected brands including Dr Barbara Sturm, Wildsmith Skin and Moss of the Isles. Facilities include an indoor pool, treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, outdoor relaxation areas, a gym and a yoga studio.

Beyond the estate, the Cotswolds' beauty is right on the doorstep. Charming villages such as Southrop and Bibury are nearby, as are Daylesford, Thyme and Soho Farmhouse. The area is full of excellent pubs, with The Swan in Southrop being a particular favourite. Many guests take bikes out to explore the surrounding area, following winding lanes and scenic trails at their own pace.

The Lakes by Yoo continues to redefine what a rural retreat can be. Immersive, peaceful and relaxing, yet with plenty of things to do. 

For more information or to book a stay, visit THELAKESBYYOO.COM

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