Lakes by Yoo can be found in Lechlade in the Cotswolds. As the name suggests, this sizeable development can be found nestled in amongst several huge lakes, offering self-catering accommodation at its finest. The development itself is several years in the making, as Lakes by Yoo continues to expand over more lakes each year.
Lakes by Yoo offer both holiday rentals by the week or long weekend, or there is also the opportunity to buy one of the properties to own. The properties themselves come in various shapes and sizes, all of which are huge. Most of the properties are built on the side of the lakes, offering wonderful views. The accommodation has been finished to a very high standard; so it’s well worth looking into if this type of holiday appeals to you.
During our visit, we experienced the Barnhouse which has five en-suite bedrooms, two of which are king size, followed by a further two twin bedrooms for the younger ones. The Barnhouse comes complete with a master suite which includes a super king four-poster bed. This bed is no ordinary four-poster bed, however. This is a very impressive glass structure with a low laying mattress to keep you grounded. It is incredibly comfortable with the only negative being that it’s difficult to want to get up and out of such a stunning bed.
The master bedroom also has a glass wall with opening windows, which overlooks the downstairs lounge area. This can easily become secluded by drawing the floor to ceiling curtains. The versatility of this design allows for sociability and privacy at a whim. The en-suite bathroom for the master suite has been beautifully designed and includes a gorgeous roll-top bath along with a separate walk-in shower and his and hers wash basins. The design echoes the quality found throughout, and the attention to detail is really very impressive.
There are another two bedrooms to be found on the same floor, both of which are individual and uniquely designed so that no two rooms are alike. I was especially fond of the children’s bedroom, which offers a small desk area complete with crayons, doodles and photos around the desk and wall, creating a real home-from-home experience.
Upstairs on the same level you will find a huge terrace, complete with a large dining table and chairs. This area overlooks the garden and swimming pool, along with views of the surrounding lakes in the distance.
Venturing down the stairs, you cannot miss the wall of fame, which consists of floor-to-ceiling original signed photography prints, capturing some very famous faces; including the likes of Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Kate moss, who personally designed this particular property. Being a big photography fan I was very impressed with this feature, as I’ve not come across a collection quite like it before. I spent far too long admiring it, but it doesn't disappoint.
“For the ultimate relaxing break in luxurious surroundings, Lakes by Yoo really does have it all.”
On the ground level you will find a large open-plan kitchen, which is fully equipped for any dining occasion. The beautiful, thick, chunky and perfectly placed dark stone worktops are in superb contrast to the bright and airy property. The kitchen’s island boasts a sunken oven and hob along with an extractor fan, which rises above the hob at the touch of a button. The large American fridge offers plenty of space for all your chilled items, along with a vast array of cupboard space and a separate storage room and pantry, where you will find a fantastic selection of tableware and glassware. The dining room table can easily seat 10 people and the table is laid beautifully with a fine choice of glassware and cutlery.
The living area offers two stunning sofas that are enormous in size and very comfortable, a huge flat screen TV is placed in the corner of the living room along with Sky TV and Sonos surround sound. Sitting on the sofas brings a difficult decision: whether to watch a movie or to admire the scenery through the floor to ceiling windows. These windows slide wide open, bringing the outdoors indoors with nothing but the sound of silence and tweeting birds.
Downstairs is also home to another two lavatories, two en-suite bedrooms and another television room, complete with a drinks trolley and a desk, and another beautiful sofa echoing the design of those found in the main living area.
Taking a walk through the patio doors into the garden you will find a good-sized outdoor heated swimming pool, a dining table - which again comfortably seats 10 people - sun loungers and a gas barbecue, along with a large grass garden surrounded by trees.
We were lucky with the weather during our visit and with a blue sky in our favour we simply had to enjoy the pool in both the morning and afternoon, which was thoroughly enjoyable.
For the ultimate relaxing break in luxurious surroundings, Lakes by Yoo really does have it all. The resort itself also has a huge indoor swimming pool, spa and a fitness room available for guests. Boats can also be arranged for anyone looking to explore the lakes. We look back on our experience very fondly, and would have no hesitation in returning.
Local attractions
Cotswold Wildlife Park
The Bill: From £3,000 for two nights
