Lower Mill Estate is an exclusive retreat on the borders of the Cotswolds in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester.

Much of the 450 acre reserve is classified a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as the Estate is home to a wide range of wildlife including large numbers of bird species, butterflies, orchids, otters, and a rare colony of beavers.

It offers many opportunities for uncomplicated outdoor activity: lakes for fishing, canoeing, sailing, swimming and wind-surfing; hidden pathways to ramble around, secluded glades for picnics and cycle paths to explore.

There are tennis courts, a children’s playground, an organic farm and wildlife to observe from secret hides. There is also a shop selling a wide range of holiday and grocery essentials, as well as daily newspapers and local produce.

Lower Mill Estate is a truly peaceful place where the pace of life is measured not by clocks and deadlines, but by simple seasonal rhythms.

The spa is the jewel in the crown of the Estate, a seamless marriage of ecologically sound materials with the highest specs in luxury and comfort. The buildings are filled with natural light and two slate-lined pools (both outdoor and in) are illuminated after dusk by flickering candles, creating a magical atmosphere. The country's first commercial eco-pool, set amidst flourishing reeds and lilies, completes the swimming opportunities. Here, the water is purified entirely by plants instead of chemicals, so bathers can swim alongside kingfishers taking a drink. An afternoon relaxing in one of the hammocks by the eco-pool lawn is a blissful way to recharge your batteries.

Alternatively, you can chose to laze away a day indulging mind, body and soul in the sauna, and pamper yourself with a choice of over sixty different therapies in the serenity of the soothing treatment rooms. The Artspa also has a library, a small lounge area, a gym with an excellent range of equipment, and hosts regular art and photography exhibitions.

The Artspa is a haven in which to relax, recharge and rejuvenate and unlimited access is complimentary when you book a stay at Hoopoe Cottage.

To see what the Press has to say about Lower Mill Estate, take a look at the following links:

The Independent – April 2008
http://www.lowermillestate.com/press08/independent_2604.pdf

Vogue – April 2008
http://www.lowermillestate.com/press08/vogue-april.pdf

Highlife Magazine – August 2007
http://www.lowermillestate.com/press07/aug-highlife-aug07.pdf