Shelducks (HM119), Lower Mill Estate, The Cotswolds

Welcome to Shelducks – a contemporary and spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom holiday home that sleeps 10 guests, features stunning lake and forest views and its very own cinema room!

Located on the ever-popular Howells Mere on Lower Mill Estate, Shelducks sits alongside Swillbrook Lake, teaming with wildlife and lake vistas.

Suitable for 6 adults and 4 children/teenagers, imagine settling into a three-level home with enough space for everyone that brings just the right amount of minimalism, mixed with a comfortable, colourful family vibe.

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.

GROUND FLOOR
As you step inside, a wide timber hall ushers you in, complete with a spacious boot room to hang your coats and stow away your belongings. This uncluttered sanctuary sets the stage for your Lower Mill adventure.

To the left, you’ll discover a spacious double bedroom, otherwise known as the ‘Ravenclaw Room,’ for its feature wall art, boasting built-in-robes and a shared Jack and Jill family bathroom.

On the right, a utility room doubles as a convenient shower room, perfect for a post-adventure washdown.

Further down the hall, a generous bunk bedroom awaits, featuring football memorabilia on the wall and a subtle ‘blue’ theme. This room shares the Jack and Jill bathroom with separate bathtub, shower cubicle, toilet and large double sink. Sliding glass doors open onto a deck that houses bike racks for stowing bikes safely and is surrounded by nature.

The second bunk bedroom, ‘The Red Room’ offers ample space and built-in robes. Glass sliding doors lead to the deck shared with the other bunk room. A charming hanging swing with spiral staircase leading to the upper balconies makes this a fabulous kid’s hangout and teenager’s delight. There is a waterway not far from the deck, so it is not suitable for young children to be left unattended here.

FIRST FLOOR
Ascending the carpeted stairs to an impressive master king bedroom, a nature inspired retreat with a private balcony for savouring tree-lined vistas and glimpses of Swillbrook Lake. This bedroom comes complete with ensuite shower room, built-in-robes and a desk by the window for catching up on emails or penning inspiring postcards from your Lower Mill escape.

The middle bedroom on this floor offers a cosy double bed, with built-in robes and a family shower room conveniently across the hall.

The showstopper of this property? A cinematic escape! The dedicated cinema room boasts a Sony projector and six vintage red velvet cinema chairs. Plenty of space for comfy bean bags on the floor for family movie nights, and there’s even a Blu-Ray DVD player, so don’t forget to bring your favourite DVDs.

SECOND FLOOR
Venture further upstairs to the top floor, where the living area sits like a crown jewel. A spacious layout wraps around the house, creating areas for everyone while remaining open plan. A chic white and grey kitchen, featuring double under counter NEFF ovens, an integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher, and induction cooktop is an entertainer’s heaven. A coffee machine is a highlight if you are hoping to enjoy your daily brew.

The dining table for ten guests offers a lovely space to gather. An enclosed balcony off the dining area provides yet another dining table (seating six guests) for soaking up the morning sun and the Howells Mere ambiance.

In the heart of it all, a wood burner radiates warmth in the cooler months, while the lounge area invites cosy conversations and TV time at the end of an adventurous day on the estate. Explore a cabinet stocked with interesting wildlife books and games for the family.

Beanbags are scattered throughout the house on all floors including this one, always encouraging relaxation. The owners have thoughtfully included a telescope for stargazing across the lake on starry nights.

OUTSIDE
Step outside onto the balcony, where picturesque Swillbrook Lake views unfold, and as the day fades into the evening, stunning sunsets paint the sky.

A spiral staircase, connecting all floors externally allows you to fully embrace the serene surroundings.

There’s an outdoor lounge, a gas BBQ for al fresco dining, and a charming chiminea – imagine this deck as a place where you can share stories of the days’ adventures and find warmth beneath the starlit sky, creating unforgettable moments.

As Swillbrook Lake is an SSSI there is no lake access for guests. While there is no lake view from the ground floor, seasonal foliage that leads to Swillbrook Lake creates a feeling of being immersed in nature.

‘Shelducks’ is the perfect haven for families with children, especially teenagers who relish comfort, minimalism, the magic of movies, a deep connection with nature, and the allure of some time out to both unwind and explore Lower Mill Estate.

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PROPERTY SPECIFICS
Not pet friendly
No direct lake access from the property, please use the communal jetties into Spinney Lake and Somerford Lagoon.  
One designated parking space – please use the overflow car park for additional cars.
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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.

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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 - not allowed
Smoking - not allowed