Huntsman Lake House | 4-Bedroom Villa in Lechlade Gloucestershire

Eight guests arrive at Huntsman Lake House in Lechlade to find themselves isolated on water, accessible only by a single bridge crossing 850 acres of Cotswolds woodland. This is not a typical villa rental in Lechlade—it is an architectural statement by Dutch firm Mecanoo, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls dissolve the boundary between interior and the private lake beyond. The Cotswolds luxury villa rental market has nothing quite like it.

Inside Huntsman Lake House

Huntsman Lake House sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed across three distinct levels designed for both privacy and congregation. The ground floor operates as the property’s social spine: an open-plan living area flows into a fully-equipped kitchen with professional-grade cooking capacity, while a separate TV room offers retreat space. The dining area opens via massive glass doors onto a wrap-around terrace with direct lake access. One bedroom suite occupies this floor—a double room with its own en-suite shower—ideal for guests preferring ground-level access or those managing mobility considerations.

Ascend to the first floor and the property reveals its sleeping quarters. The master bedroom commands panoramic views across the water, furnished with a king-size bed, his-and-hers wardrobes, and a luxury en-suite bathroom featuring a freestanding soaking tub positioned to capture sunrise light. Two additional bedrooms occupy this level, each with double beds and separate en-suite shower rooms. A dedicated study area provides workspace for those unable to fully disconnect from work obligations.

The lower ground floor becomes the entertainment realm. A private cinema with surround sound and nine reclining seats transforms film nights into event experiences. Adjacent sits a games room with a full-size snooker table for competitive afternoons. The wellness area combines a jacuzzi and sauna—spaces designed for post-activity recovery or simply unwinding before dinner. This floor captures the property’s dual personality: sociable group gathering space paired with intimate retreat rooms.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The terrace defines daily rhythm here. The wrap-around design means morning coffee catches eastern light while evening aperitifs face west across the water. A rooftop terrace accesses panoramic sight lines—this is where sunset drinks happen, where conversation extends naturally into darkness, where the property’s isolation becomes its greatest asset rather than a limitation. The private garden remains sheltered from the main estate grounds, creating genuine seclusion.

Outdoor cooking equipment—a barbecue and pizza oven—extends the kitchen’s reach onto stone and timber. The terrace includes direct lake access via a lower deck, where guests regularly paddle or simply dangle feet into water. A heated swimming pool sits within the broader estate facility (the Orchard Spa), accessible to villa guests alongside sauna and gym amenities. Parking accommodates multiple vehicles without visual intrusion on the property itself.

Location: Lechlade and the Surrounding Area

Lechlade functions as the gateway village, sitting precisely where the River Thames transitions from rural watercourse to navigable highway. The market town itself—just 2km from Huntsman Lake House—contains the 15th-century Church of St Lawrence with its distinctive spire, the historic Halfpenny Bridge, and a scatter of independent pubs serving both walkers and boaters. The riverside creates natural foot traffic; restaurants and cafés cluster along the water’s edge where the Cotswold Water Park begins (approximately 3km north).

Broader Cotswolds geography opens in all directions. Bourton-on-the-Water lies 18km northwest, famous for its shallow river running through honey-coloured high street. Bibury (16km west) contains Arlington Row, consistently photographed as England’s most picturesque cottages. Burford (22km north) and Stow-on-the-Wold (28km northwest) function as proper market towns with antique dealers, restaurants of genuine merit, and galleries. Tetbury (35km south) and Painswick (38km southwest) anchor the southern Cotswolds with their own character and independent retail.

Cultural attractions cluster densely. Kelmscott Manor (8km west, William Morris’s former home) opens seasonally. Westonbirt Arboretum (20km south) displays 15,000 trees across 242 acres—genuinely spectacular in autumn colour. Highgrove Gardens (25km south) opens occasionally for tours. Chavenage House (15km south) films frequently for period dramas, offering both house tours and grounds access. For equestrian events, the Badminton Horse Trials occur each May (35km south) while Beaufort Polo takes place throughout summer (28km southwest).

Activity options extend beyond villages and houses. The Cotswold Water Park itself contains 150 lakes used for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing—many bookable through local operators. Cycling routes follow quiet lanes rather than main roads; the Cotswold Way walking trail (160km total) passes through surrounding villages. For gastronomic tourism, the region supports several Michelin-listed restaurants within 30km, alongside farm shops selling local cheese, cider, and seasonal produce.

Explore our luxury villas in Europe and our full collection in Britain & Ireland for additional options in this region. For destination inspiration and planning, read our comprehensive The South West travel guide, which covers seasonal highlights, hidden villages, and culinary recommendations across the broader area.

Nearest airports: London Heathrow (LHR) sits 80km east (approximately 90 minutes by car), while Bristol Airport (BRS) operates 65km southwest (approximately 75 minutes). Both receive international flights; Heathrow offers substantially more route options. Birmingham Airport (BHX) lies 85km north (approximately 100 minutes) as an alternative for those connecting via the Midlands.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended family gatherings—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren spanning age ranges—find the four-bedroom, four-bathroom configuration genuinely functional. The ground-floor bedroom removes accessibility complications. The cinema and games room occupy children for screen-free evenings without relegating them to bedrooms.

Groups of four couples treating a long weekend as a collective experience: eight guests in four en-suite bedrooms eliminates the bathroom queue problem that disrupts many villa stays. The dual living spaces (lounge and TV room) allow simultaneous conversations without forced togetherness.

Wedding parties using the estate as a private accommodation base during Cotswolds celebrations. The property’s isolation provides genuine privacy while estate facilities support larger guest entertaining in marquees or on grounds elsewhere on the 850-acre property.

Couples seeking absolute separation from surrounding guests: the single-bridge access and water isolation deliver seclusion impossible in most villa communities. The master bedroom’s panoramic views and freestanding bath create romance through environment rather than decoration.

Professional groups requiring both work productivity and leisure balance. The study area accommodates documentation and calls; the separate entertainment facilities ensure true distinction between working hours and evening unwinding.

Practical Information

Capacity & Layout: Huntsman Lake House accommodates 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Ground floor contains 1 bedroom with en-suite. First floor houses the master bedroom suite plus 2 additional bedrooms, each with private bathrooms. Lower ground floor functions as entertainment and wellness space rather than sleeping quarters.

Nearest Supermarket: Sainsbury’s operates in Lechlade town centre, approximately 2km away. Smaller independent shops and farm suppliers operate along the high street. For substantial provisioning, larger supermarkets exist in Swindon (35km east, approximately 40 minutes) and Oxford (30km east, approximately 35 minutes).

Nearest Airport Transfer: London Heathrow (LHR) is the primary option, 80km away with approximately 90 minutes driving time under normal conditions. Bristol Airport (BRS) operates as a secondary choice, 65km southwest with approximately 75 minutes driving. Private car hire services can be arranged; both airports maintain taxi and ride-sharing options, though pre-booking private transfer typically costs £90-140 for Heathrow journeys.

What’s Included: Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property. Utilities (heating, hot water, electricity) included in rental. Pool heating for the estate spa facility. Linen and towels for all beds and bathrooms. Parking for multiple vehicles. Access to broader estate facilities including the heated 17-metre swimming pool, gym, sauna, and grounds (paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, cycling, horse riding available through estate arrangement—some incurring additional charges).

Check-In Flexibility: Standard check-in occurs at 4pm with checkout at 10am. Early arrival or late departure may be negotiated depending on occupancy calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions about Huntsman Lake House

How many guests does Huntsman Lake House sleep?

Huntsman Lake House sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The master bedroom accommodates 2 guests in a king-size bed. Three additional bedrooms each contain a double bed, accommodating 2 guests per room. All bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms. The property contains no sofa beds or additional fold-out sleeping arrangements, making 8 the fixed maximum occupancy.

What is the nearest airport to Huntsman Lake House in Lechlade?

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 80 kilometres from Huntsman Lake House, requiring approximately 90 minutes driving time via the A40 and M40 motorway. Bristol Airport (BRS) sits 65 kilometres southwest, accessible in roughly 75 minutes. Heathrow receives substantially more international flight options and operates as the practical choice for most guests arriving from North America, Asia, or continental Europe. Both airports maintain car rental agencies, taxi services, and private transfer operators.

What is the best time of year to rent Huntsman Lake House?

May through September captures the Cotswolds at its most visually appealing, with estate grounds fully verdant and lake activities at their most enjoyable. May specifically coincides with the Badminton Horse Trials (35km south), drawing equestrian enthusiasts. July and August bring warmest temperatures but also peak holiday season pricing and higher crowds in surrounding villages. September offers the advantage of reduced crowds, comfortable days, and beginning autumn colour in broader woodland. October through April suits guests prioritising isolation and lower costs over outdoor recreation; winter heating and the cinema/games room entertainment become particularly valuable. Avoid late December and early January if seeking quiet—school holiday periods drive up demand across the region.

Is Huntsman Lake House suitable for families with children?

The property works well for families with children aged 8 and upward. The heated estate pool accommodates swimmers of varying abilities with adult supervision essential for younger swimmers. The cinema and games room provide screen-free entertainment during rain. The lake itself requires supervision—paddleboarding and kayaking are available through estate arrangement for those with swimming competence. Younger children (under 5) may find limited specific amenities; high chairs, cots, and specialised baby equipment require advance arrangement. The property contains no dedicated children’s play area, making it more suitable for mixed-age groups where teenagers can engage with younger siblings through shared activities rather than adult-supervised childcare.

What is included in the rental price at Huntsman Lake House?

The rental price includes Wi-Fi throughout the property, all utilities (heating, hot water, electricity), linen and towels for all bedrooms and bathrooms, and pool heating at the estate spa facility. Parking accommodates multiple vehicles at no additional charge. Access to the broader estate grounds is included, though some activities (horse riding, ziplining, professional wellness treatments) incur separate fees arranged directly with estate operators. Cleaning between guests is not included in standard rental—the property is prepared and presented clean for arrival, but mid-stay or extended-stay cleaning requires additional arrangement and cost.

What restaurants and shops are near Huntsman Lake House?

Lechlade town centre, 2km away, contains independent cafés, riverside pubs (including The Trout Inn with its own dining room), and a Sainsbury’s supermarket. The Cotswold Food Company operates a farm shop 5km northwest specialising in local cheese, charcuterie, and prepared foods. For restaurant dining with greater ambition, Burford (22km north) contains The Lamb Inn (gastropub) and several independent restaurants. Stow-on-the-Wold (28km northwest) houses multiple fine-dining options including fine-casual establishments. For provisions and self-catering, smaller village shops exist in Bibury (16km west) and Bourton-on-the-Water (18km northwest), though supermarket options are limited outside Lechlade. Most guests pre-order groceries for delivery or make a supermarket run on arrival day.