Escape to ‘Thistledown’, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom holiday sanctuary that sleeps up to 8 guests.

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.

Hidden behind the boat stores on Howells Mere you will discover an unassuming entrance to your lakeside bolt hole with the surprise of stunning water views out the back.

A crackling log fireplace, and a warm embrace for your furry friends, this pet friendly contemporary holiday home is positioned perfectly to enjoy captivating sunsets over the tranquil water and neighbouring holiday retreats.  

GROUND FLOOR
Step through into the entrance hall where light, wood effect flooring instantly evokes a relaxed, holiday ambiance.

On this level you will discover a family bathroom with shower over the bath, a charming twin bedroom with chest of draws and stand-alone wardrobe, while the walls are adorned with summer inspired artwork.

Additionally, there is a cosy double bedroom boasting a large wardrobe with shelves and space to hang your clothes.

At the end of the hall there is an impressive king bedroom spanning the width of the property with its own dressing area and ensuite shower room. Sliding glass doors open to an expansive overwater deck, offering mesmerising views of the lake from bed while ducks gracefully glide by on the ever-popular Howells Mere. This lower deck is an idyllic spot close to the water where you can savour your morning brew or unwind with a nightcap before retiring to slumber.

FIRST FLOOR
Ascend the carpeted stairs to arrive at double doors that beckon you into the first floor living area with strikingly high ceilings.

The dining table caters for gatherings of up to eight, while the galley kitchen, complete with gas hob, electric fan-forced oven, and NEFF microwave, stands ready for culinary adventures. You’ll find it well stocked with all the necessary glassware, cookware and crockery. Other modern conveniences include an integrated NEFF washer / dryer, dishwasher and fridge freezer.

It’s the expansive lounge area in ‘Thistledown’ that steals the show- with its high A-frame ceiling and glass roof, natural light floods the room. Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall glass windows and sliding doors lead to a smaller deck with seating and the perfect spot to steal a quiet moment and appreciate the views. And on those cooler evenings, gather around the wood burner, the heart of the lounge.

SECOND FLOOR
The top floor features a mezzanine open double bedroom, offering plenty of drawers to store your clothes and an ample dressing area. This bedroom benefits from that floor-to-ceiling glass wall that enjoys pretty vistas of Howells Mere, visible from high above the lounge area. Please note there are no window coverings to the rear aspect of this room.

The owners are continually enhancing this property, so while many improvements have been made, there may be ongoing changes not reflected in the current photos or previous reviews. There is no BBQ in the property, and we will be updating photos in due course.  

‘Thistledown’ invites you to embrace nature’s beauty with only a short stroll to access Lower Mill Estate’s outer nature reserve and create cherished memories in this exclusive lakeside bolt hole.

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PROPERTY SPECIFICS
Pet Friendly
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 - allowed
Smoking - not allowed