Charming Lakeside cottage – Cotswold Water Park

Aston Cottage - a charming lakeside cottage - Cotswold Water Park

Welcome to Aston Cottage, a welcoming and pet-friendly 4-bedroom Cotswold cottage set within the heart of the Cotswold Lakes. The house sits on a 500‑acre private nature reserve, offering a peaceful setting surrounded by lakes, wildlife, and miles of walking routes. With self check‑in and plenty of space for families or groups, it’s an ideal base for enjoying everything the Lower Mill Estate has to offer.

My wife and I fell in love with this area and chose this stone cottage as our second home. We hope guests enjoy the natural surroundings as much as we do, from the Thames Path walks to the wide range of activities available across the estate. The cottage can host up to eight people, though we find it works best for groups of up to six adults plus two children.

Inside, the open‑plan living and dining area provides a comfortable space to relax. A brick fireplace with a log burner creates a cosy atmosphere, and French doors open directly onto the rear decking.

A 50‑inch Sony TV is available for entertainment, and the dining table can be extended to seat eight. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything needed for home cooking, including an induction hob, electric oven, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, toaster, kettle, and a full range of crockery and glassware. We provide unlimited soluble coffee, tea, sugar and coffee beans and a grinder. We provide a selection of herbs and spices (around 9/10 at anytime for basic cooking) and condiments (sunflower and olive oil and vinegar).

On the ground floor, you’ll also find a family toilet that includes a washing machine and tumble dryer.

The bedrooms are arranged to suit a variety of groups. The first master bedroom features a king‑size bed, an en‑suite with a walk‑in shower, and French doors overlooking Somerford Lagoon. The second master bedroom also has a king‑size bed and an en‑suite with a walk‑in rain shower, along with views of the inner ponds. Bedroom three offers a comfortable European‑size double bed (140cm x 200cm), while bedroom four includes bunk beds suitable for children or young adults. A spacious family bathroom with a large bath and separate power shower completes the upstairs layout. There is also an additional shared under‑bed suitable for one child; please contact us before booking so we can explain how it works and help you decide if it suits your needs. Also available for use is a portable high chair.

The cottage is south‑facing, and the patio to the right-hand side provides a shaded alternative when the sun is strong. This area features pebble Cotswold stone, a table for six, and a small outdoor chimney fireplace that children especially enjoy when toasting marshmallows.

Families will find plenty to do here. The estate includes two children’s play areas, a heated outdoor shared pool and sauna in Mill Village, and access to a deck beside the infant River Thames where children can paddle and enjoy the sunshine. An activity hub near the pool offers equipment hire for water sports and cycling. Kayaking is available just minutes from the cottage, and the Cotswold Beach and Water Sports Centre is within a mile. Fishing is permitted on certain lakes with the appropriate angler’s licence.

Pool Specifications:
• Length: 15 metres
• Width: 8 metres
• Depth: 1.2 metres throughout
• Entry: Steps leading down into the pool
• Heating: Yes — typically maintained between 25°C and 30°C
• Temperature Notes: May vary slightly depending on weather, season, and how long the pool has been in active use

Poolside Pavilion:
• Changing facilities
• Hot shower
• Toilet
• Table tennis table

As a guest, you’ll have full access to the house, the Juliet balconies, the rear decking, and the side patio.  You’ll also be able to explore the entire 500‑acre Lower Mill Estate, which is reserved exclusively for owners and their guests. Lake access is available from April to November, and the shared pool and sauna are open year‑round. Car parking is easy with multiple spaces available.

Aston Cottage is pet‑friendly, and we simply ask that pets stay off the furniture and use the outdoor tap for cleaning before entering the house. The decking area can be enclosed with the use of a barrier (see image).

With its peaceful setting and wide range of activities, this 4-bedroom Cotswold cottage makes an excellent base for exploring nearby villages such as Cirencester, Bourton‑on‑the‑Water, and Cheltenham, all within easy driving distance. Whether you’re visiting for a family break or a relaxed gathering of friends, we hope you enjoy your stay.

Getting here and local travel info:
Closest train station: Kemble (6 minutes away)
Cirencester (train and bus) - 12 minutes
Swindon (30 minutes away)
Cheltenham (38 min)