Lower Mill’s centrepiece estate-within-an-estate: a restored 1830s Cotswold barn, a superb kids-only Den sleeping 8, the elegant modernist steel and glass “Hide” stretching out over Somerford Lagoon, and another modernist architectural marvel in the shape of the Reid Villa. Eco-garden, super-heated pool, paddock, parking for 12, concierge … and there’s much more. Read on to learn about the ultimate in holiday luxury.
Grand entrance
Before you even enter, it’s clear that Howells Estate is something out of the ordinary. The private gates are a special commission created by artist Alexander Baynes. The driveway leads to private parking for up to 12 cars. A buggy (or bikes if you prefer) will transport you and your luggage to your luxury accommodation in a range of unique buildings.
Howells Barn
An outstanding, light-filled, 3-storey, 4-bedroom, 1830s Cotswold barn, which was restored under the supervision of award-winning architect Andy Ramus (www.ardesignstudio.co.uk). It’s a cosy mix of classic country style and the contemporary: hand-made solid oak flooring, recessed lighting, exposed stonework, hand-made stainless steel and oak furniture, and a custom-designed and constructed kitchen with AGA. The top floors are connected by a structural glass bridge, there’s a massive main fireplace and the dining area can seat between four and forty people in one sitting.
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The Den
Adjacent to the barn, and to the side of the Howells kitchen garden, is The Den. This is completely a kids’ space. It gives them (and you) total privacy and is easily able to sleep 8. It’s fully equipped with TV, PS3, computers and a whole suite of all the necessary hardware essential to teenage living.
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The Hide
Across a stream and a sunken water garden is The Hide, a beautiful modernist building which almost appears to drift over Somerford Lagoon. It’s a cube of glass and steel, with oak flooring, a hand-made central fireplace, and a separate bathroom and kitchen. Use it as a retreat, a master suite, a meeting room, somewhere to stage a special occasion, or simply a space to escape.
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The Reid Villa
This villa – its design inspired by the famous CSH architect John Lautner, and developed further by Richard Reid – is built on the side of Somerford Lagoon, and enjoys marvellous views over this important wildlife lake. A stone-lined moat surrounds the property, which is accessed across its own bridge.
There are four bedroom and four bathrooms, an open fireplace, an eat-in kitchen and a tremendous living space which opens onto a lakeside terrace and sunken water-garden. This is the only villa of its kind on the estate and is built from ashlared limestone, zinc, glass and oak.
Landscape/exterior
There is an eco-water-garden designed by the award-winning landscape architects Roger Griffiths Associates. Full of outstanding aquatic planting and carp, it has gentle shelved banks ideal for picnics and quiet relaxation.
Over the hill from the water garden is the paddock: a perfect flat lakeside venue for a unique party, and a wonderful space for cricket, pony riding and rounders. It also serves as your very own gateway to the remaining five hundred acres of the Lower Mill Estate.
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Additional facilities
Howells has its own super-heated swimming pool, and – for recreation – comes equipped with Hobie cats, fly-fishing equipment, camping gear, rowing boats and bicycles. Want anything else? We can make it available immediately thanks to the estate’s dedicated 24 hour concierge service. Your concierge can organise anything from private catering through to executive transfers to and from the site, a personal trainer, or a private concert. You imagine it, Howells Estate will provide it.
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