Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds
Escape to ‘Thistledown’, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom holiday sanctuary that sleeps up to 8 guests.
All our properties at Lower Mill Estate, The Cotswolds and Silverlake, Dorset have strict rules to ensure a family friendly atmosphere. Our properties must strictly be used for holiday purposes only and not for working in and or using to commute to and from a place of work. Stag and Hen parties are strictly not allowed at any of our properties, and we reserve the right to cancel your booking if you break the estate rules.
Hidden behind the boat stores on Howells Mere you will discover an unassuming entrance to your lakeside bolt hole with the surprise of stunning water views out the back.
A crackling log fireplace, and a warm embrace for your furry friends, this pet friendly contemporary holiday home is positioned perfectly to enjoy captivating sunsets over the tranquil water and neighbouring holiday retreats.
GROUND FLOOR Step through into the entrance hall where light, wood effect flooring instantly evokes a relaxed, holiday ambiance.
On this level you will discover a family bathroom with shower over the bath, a charming twin bedroom with chest of draws and stand-alone wardrobe, while the walls are adorned with summer inspired artwork.
Additionally, there is a cosy double bedroom boasting a large wardrobe with shelves and space to hang your clothes.
At the end of the hall there is an impressive king bedroom spanning the width of the property with its own dressing area and ensuite shower room. Sliding glass doors open to an expansive overwater deck, offering mesmerising views of the lake from bed while ducks gracefully glide by on the ever-popular Howells Mere. This lower deck is an idyllic spot close to the water where you can savour your morning brew or unwind with a nightcap before retiring to slumber.
FIRST FLOOR Ascend the carpeted stairs to arrive at double doors that beckon you into the first floor living area with strikingly high ceilings.
The dining table caters for gatherings of up to eight, while the galley kitchen, complete with gas hob, electric fan-forced oven, and NEFF microwave, stands ready for culinary adventures. You’ll find it well stocked with all the necessary glassware, cookware and crockery. Other modern conveniences include an integrated NEFF washer / dryer, dishwasher and fridge freezer.
It’s the expansive lounge area in ‘Thistledown’ that steals the show- with its high A-frame ceiling and glass roof, natural light floods the room. Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall glass windows and sliding doors lead to a smaller deck with seating and the perfect spot to steal a quiet moment and appreciate the views. And on those cooler evenings, gather around the wood burner, the heart of the lounge.
SECOND FLOOR The top floor features a mezzanine open double bedroom, offering plenty of drawers to store your clothes and an ample dressing area. This bedroom benefits from that floor-to-ceiling glass wall that enjoys pretty vistas of Howells Mere, visible from high above the lounge area. Please note there are no window coverings to the rear aspect of this room.
The owners are continually enhancing this property, so while many improvements have been made, there may be ongoing changes not reflected in the current photos or previous reviews. There is no BBQ in the property, and we will be updating photos in due course.
‘Thistledown’ invites you to embrace nature’s beauty with only a short stroll to access Lower Mill Estate’s outer nature reserve and create cherished memories in this exclusive lakeside bolt hole.
-------------------- PROPERTY SPECIFICS Pet Friendly One designated parking space – please use the overflow car park for additional cars. -------------------- GOOD TO KNOW What's included: Bath and hand towels Tea towels Bed linen Bin liners Kitchen pack of cloth, sponge, dishwasher tablets and washing-up-liquid Property is self-catered. The house is fully equipped with cutlery and crockery
Spa use included but subject to availability (contact Spa directly for opening times). Pool towels can be rented from the Spa, please contact the Spa directly to arrange this. (01285 862640)
On-site restaurant and small market shop with seasonal opening hours. Availability can book up in peak weeks so contact Ballihoo prior to arrival to not miss out. (01285 840181)
Bike and watercraft hire are available at the Activity Hub as well as lessons. Please follow the link for more information: https://lowermillestate.com/activities/
Not all properties have direct lake access even though they are listed as lakeside. If you are unsure whether this property has lake access please check with our team.
Please be aware that the vegetation surrounding the property is subject to change according to the time of year. This may mean that the views represented in the photos above may vary depending on the season in which you stay with us.
Normal check-in is from 4 pm. Out of peak season, early check-in of 2 pm may be available (at an additional fee). Please contact our office team to enquire.
Check out during off-peak dates is by 10 am on the day of departure. During peak dates (school holidays) check out is at 9 am.
£500 refundable damage deposit is due the week before your arrival. You will be contacted regarding this.
Travel cot and highchair are available for £10, subject to availability. Please advise at the time of booking. Guests to provide their own linen and mattress for the travel cot.
There is a strict 11 pm noise curfew on the estate.
There are 3 electric vehicle charging points on the estate that operate on a first come first use basis.
All our properties are non-smoking.
-------------------- SEASONAL CLOSURES Somerford Lagoon Lake is closed from October – March due to nesting birds. The nearest canoe launch point is located near Mill Village as marked on the Estate Map.
The Somerford Nines (Clearwater 1-9). The private outdoor pool closes after the October half term and does not re-open until Easter.
The outdoor Mill Village pool closes after the October half term and does not re-open until Easter.
The Miss Mouse Trail, run by the activity hub closes for the winter months. This is from 1st November to the Easter holidays. Pets - allowed Smoking - not allowed
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
About the area
Cirencester
Cirencester is home to this holiday home. Thames River and Neigh Bridge Country Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Lakeside Ski & Wake and Combat Splat. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Cirencester Park Polo Club or Blunsdon Abbey Stadium.
Cotswold Country Park and Beach - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens - 36 min drive - 48.0 km
Cheltenham Racecourse - 38 min drive - 46.2 km
Getting around
Kemble Station - 10 min drive
Restaurants
The Lodge At The Lake - 5 min drive
McDonald's - 10 min drive
The Royal Oak, South Cerney - 6 min drive
Cirencester Best Kebab - 9 min drive
The Crown - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds?
As of 12 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds on 6 July 2026 start from NZ$925, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Thistledown (HM25) Lower Mill Estate The Cotswolds located?
Situated in Cirencester, this holiday home is steps away from Thames Path and Thames River. Somerford Lagoon and Neigh Bridge Country Park are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A great place to stay and get together with friends in a rural setting that is clean and safe
Helen H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 October 2023
Hi Helen,
Thank you for your kind words, it's great to hear you had a lovely holiday with us. We hope to welcome you back to one of our properties in the future.
Best wishes
Harry
Habitat Escapes
About the host
Hosted by Habitat Escapes
Luxurious two to six bedroom holiday homes, available for short breaks and holidays, within exclusive private estates. The interiors are restful, elegant and understated with modern kitchens and bathrooms. Beautifully appointed bedrooms, expansive living rooms and cosy wood burners.
Lower Mill Estate, The Cotswolds, offers an award-winning on-site spa featuring Europe’s first outdoor eco-pool as well as two 20m heated pools – one indoor and one outdoor, steam room, sauna, gym, a restful reading lounge and treatment room.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests