Neigh Bridge Country Park - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
Cotswold Country Park and Beach - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles
Cirencester Church - 13 min drive - 9.0 miles
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens - 47 min drive - 31.2 miles
Getting around
Kemble Station - 17 min drive
Restaurants
The Royal Oak, South Cerney - 8 min drive
McDonald's - 12 min drive
Cirencester Best Kebab - 11 min drive
Carle's Coffee - 6 min drive
The Lodge At The Lake - 7 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10
Swans Down is a stunning & stylish glass fronted lakeside house with hot tub set in a 550 acre beautiful nature reserve. It has excellent onsite facilities & activities, with luxury spa access, swimming pools, watersports, bike hire, tennis, restaurant, bar & pizza shack.
Sleeping up to 8(+2) in 5x bedrooms & 4x bathrooms. 3x double ensuite, 2x twins (1x can be a double) & outside decking area, seating BBQ & hot tub. High ceiling, open plan living area leads to covered balcony area. Pets welcome.
Ground Floor
Bedroom 1 • 5' Double bed • Sliding glass doors to lakeside sundeck • 24" Smart TV • Ample storage • En-suite • Bath with shower over • WC and basin
Bedroom 2 • 5' Double bed • Sliding glass doors to lakeside sundeck • 24" Smart TV • Ample storage • En-suite • Bath with shower over • WC and basin
Bedroom 3 • 2 x 3' single beds • Can be configured as a 6' double • Limited storage
Outside • Hot Tub • South west facing sundeck, fully enclosed • Rattan deck furniture • Table with seating for 6 and 2 extra chairs • Charcoal BBQ
Bathroom • Bath with shower over • WC and basin
First Floor
Living/dining area • Spectacular lake views • 1 x 3/4 seat and 1 x 2/3 seat sofas • 2 x large bean bags • Log burning stove • 50” smart TV, with DVD player • Dining table with seating for 8 • Breakfast bar with seating for 4 • Sliding doors to enclosed balcony
Kitchen • Large, modern and well equipped • 5 ring gas hob • Single oven and grill • Dishwasher • Built in Microwave • 70/30 Fridge Freezer • Free standing separate Fridge • Washing machine • Nespresso Coffee Machine
Bedroom 4 • 2 x single 2' 6" futon beds • Suitable for children • Limited storage
Second Floor
Bedroom 5 • 6' double bed • Open double wardrobe • Bedside cabinets En-suite • Bath with shower over • WC and basin
• 550 acres of private Nature Reserve, including seven Lakes & three Rivers • Excellent Water Sports - Paddle boarding, kayak, canoe & rowing boats • Somerford Lagoon can only be used for non-powered water sports between the 1st of April and the 30th of September • In order to minimise disturbance to overwintering wildfowl, the footpaths to the Southern and Eastern edge of Somerford Lagoon are not accessible from the 1st of October to the 31st of March • Spinney Lake is available for non-powered water sports all year. • Bike Hire & Trails • Excellent & varied Fishing • Tennis Courts & 3G artificial turf multi-use games area • Activity Hub - Bookable activities • Ballihoo Restaurant & Clubhouse Bar • Pizza Shack & Takeaway • Children's play area • Soft play - charges apply • No large single sex parties are permitted on site
Lower Mill Estate Spa
• Free use of the world-class Spa, treatments extra • Indoor & outdoor heated pools • Outdoor eco-pool allows you to swim amongst reeds and lilies • Extensive selection of natural, holistic & nurturing GAIA spa treatments • State of the art, fully equipped Technogym • Beautifully landscaped gardens • Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult
Local Area
• Local & walkable village pub, lakeside Restaurants & Cafe's nearby • Wide choice of local Water Sports, activities & attractions nearby • Close to Cirencester and convenient for exploring the Cotswolds • Good transport links (approx. 1.5 hours from West London)
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Unit size: 1,500 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are welcome
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
75088
Frequently asked questions
Does Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10 have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How much does it cost to stay at Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10?
As of Jul 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10 on Jul 29, 2026 start from $3,243, 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.
Does Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10 offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10 have a pool?
This vacation home features an indoor pool.
Does Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10 have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
Howells Mere 26, Swans Down - Lakeside House, Hot Tub, Spa Access, Sleep 8-10 Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 17 reviews
10 - Excellent
13
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 17 reviews
8 - Good
4
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Paul T.
Mar 7, 2026
Weekend break
We had a great weekend at 26 Howells mere. The accommodation was lovely, we particularly liked the large living area on the middle floor. The kitchen was very well equipped.The location is great for walking and running. The on site pool was very clean and great for all the family. The riffle shooting locally I would also recommend.
Paul T.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sep 28, 2025
a great place
A lovely house in lovely location we will be going back
This is an ideal house and location for celebrating our sons birthday with his family and our daughter family lots to do and good food in the restaurant
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Louise L.
Mar 28, 2025
Great holiday home!
Great location for a family get together. Facilities for all ages. House was perfect size and very comfortable.
Louise L.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
rebecca a.
Oct 11, 2024
Enjoyable stay
Great stay. The property was lovely, enough space around the dining table and living space. The hot tub was a great addition.
rebecca a.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Kate B.
Nov 7, 2024
Husband’s 50th birthday celebration
Really lovely accommodation in perfect setting. Great for a family break, lots to do for kids and adults. We’ll definitely be returning again one day!
Myself, children and friends had a wonderful stay at number 26. The lake house was lovely and a great location. We would definitely recommend.
Rachel F.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mar 7, 2025
Wonderful stay
We had the most amazing weekend celebrating a special birthday.
The accommodation was spotless and has everything you could possible need for your stay, and the beds were so comfortable, waking up to the views of the lakes was spectacular.
The Hot Tub was an added luxury but so worth it!
I would definitely recommend for large family gatherings like ours as everyone had their own space and bathroom, and then we could all gather in the main rooms very comfortably.
There is also so much to do on site for all ages.
Wouldn't hesitate to book again!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Nov 4, 2023
Great family house
Great house for family gathering. Ideal layout with living space on middle floor. Lake- front patio with lovely large hot tub. Well supplied with crockery, pans etc.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
May 21, 2024
An awesome weekend
Fantastic accommodation, great surroundings, ideal location for exploring the cotswolds & doing water sports on the surrounding lakes. We really enjoyed the outdoor pool & tennis courts. The staff were really helpful every step of the way leading up to & during our stay. They even let us check in 3hrs early. I would definitely recommend.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
May 10, 2025
Special family weekend
We had a delightful weekend. Everything was great. Only things that would have improved it was spa was fully booked so we used the swimming pool by the activity centre. Also would be great if they put a canoe launch of the deck. These are relatively minor and overall a great time was had by everyone.
We very much enjoyed our stay in this beautiful house with such a stunning view. It was listed as 8 adult and 2 children but I would say it only slept 9 comfortably. Two beds were crammed into a tiny room which wasn’t ideal. Otherwise it was warm, and very well equipped.
Sue D.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Jul 30, 2024
Beautiful location, stunning scenery.
The area of the Cotswolds is idyllic. The Lodge itself was spacious but was looking a bit tired. A refresh is needed, mainly on the external areas. The Lodge is overlooking a lake but has no access for paddle-boarding etc. The lodge sleeps 10 people but there is only room for one car and the visitors bays are quickly taken up. The wine cooler had not been cleaned but customer services dealt with the issue promptly. Overall we had a great weekend and all ten of us enjoyed the stay.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sue L.
Oct 25, 2024
A lovely location
The property was ideal for our family celebration. The hot tub was a great hit with everyone especially at night. It was well equipped with plenty of space. I found the bed hard and one of the shower heads was broken which I was surprised hasn’t been picked up when the property was cleaned. I reported it straight away and customer services were grateful to know. Parking was a bit of an issue as we were a party of 10 including 3 children and a baby so car sharing wasn’t an option. We enjoyed our stay, in particular the location, our hot tub, the pool and tennis.
Sue L.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Keith H.
Oct 29, 2025
A very enjoyable short stay
This is the fourth time we have stayed at Lower Mill Estate, albeit with a gap of several years since we were last there. It was our first stay in this property. We could see that there has been considerable further development of the estate since our last visit. That said, the character of the estate has been maintained and the hub facilities (including swimming and spa) were still very good. It was quiet and felt very safe, and a great place to take our dog.
Swans Down is one of the earlier built properties and was comfortable for a short stay. We loved spending time in the open plan living room on the first floor with great subset views across the lake. The sofas and beanbag chairs are very comfortable for example. We also really enjoyed the wood burning stove. The hot tub was really good.
That said, the house is starting to show its age a little. We found the beds to be less comfortable (too soft) but that may just be our preference. The wear and tear of paintwork, for example in bathrooms, is of course to be expected. Some of the smaller kitchen gadgets need to be tested and where not working (eg Nespresso milk frother), replaced. Cutlery and crockery is all a little mismatched. All of this is probably reflected in the price compared to newer or recently refurbished properties.
Keith H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
sally k.
Jan 15, 2023
Family New Year
New year 2023 excellent location for family to meet. Spacious and light property, with ensuite facilities per room . The only thing I can say which caused some hilarity at times -we had great difficulty opening the dishwasher! Door firmly stuck when closed, and lack of handles prevents getting a good grip. However, a minor problem overall.
Great to have use of pool and Spa. Advise calling ahead in busy times.
sally k.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
sally k.
Jan 14, 2023
Family New Year
New year 2023 excellent location for family to meet. Spacious and light property, with ensuite facilities per room . The only thing I can say which caused some hilarity at times -we had great difficulty opening the dishwasher! Door firmly stuck when closed, and lack of handles prevents getting a good grip. However, a minor problem overall.
Great to have use of pool and Spa. Advise calling ahead in busy times.