Click HERE if you would like to scroll down to the list of properties.Introduction to The Lakes
The Lakes by Yoo is a unique experience in the UK, just 90 minutes from London yet worlds apart from the stresses of city living. Escape to a haven of tranquillity, with an endless landscape of rivers, lakes, meadows and woods all in your own back garden. A place where the whole family can play in safety, chasing butterflies, catching fish and exploring all the joys of nature in a private gated estate of 650 acres set in idyllic Cotswold countryside.
Design and nature work hand in hand to provide the ultimate rural retreat, with beautiful lakefront properties offering all the privacy and seclusion you need. Enjoy a vast array of complimentary activities or explore the beautiful lakeside walks and nature trails within the estate. Or if you want to simply sit back and relax, you can soak in the beautiful views from the luxurious comfort of your beautiful home, or indulge in the award winning onsite spa.
About The Lakes by Yoo
The Lakes by Yoo is the brainchild of renowned designer Phillippe Starke and property entrepreneur John Hitchcox, who have collaborated with the visionary designers Kelly Hoppen, Marcel Wanders, and Jade Jagger to create this extraordinary living concept.
“The Times”, described this development as “one of the top 20 best waterside developments in Europe, offering the latest in eco-design and luxury”.
Every stage of the estate’s development has been undertaken in careful collaboration with leading ecologists and conservations to ensure complete harmony with the natural environment, creating a design which is both ecologically sound and breathtakingly beautiful, and above all a place for all ages to relax and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors.
All of our houses at The Lakes by Yoo offer stunning uninterrupted lake views through floor to ceiling windows, and have been finished to the highest of standards. Experience the ultimate in luxury living with spacious bedroom suites, luxurious bathrooms and beautiful décor throughout. Each house offers a good deal of privacy thanks to clever design and layout, with just 40 houses throughout the 650 acre site it is easy to enjoy the peace and tranquillity the estate offers.
Sliding doors throughout the ground floor onto a spacious veranda over the lakeshore, seamlessly blending outdoor and indoor living. The open plan ground floor helps create social living spaces where you can spend time with loved ones in luxurious surroundings, and soak in the breathtaking views from every room. All of our properties are carefully positioned to make the most of all day sun, and watch stunning sunsets guaranteed to wow the most hardened luxury seekers.
A dedicated concierge team can assist you to enable you and your family to do as much or as little as you would like during your stay at the Lakes by Yoo. Whether you would like a personal chef for the evening, weekend or longer, dinner booked at a local restaurant, a nanny service, housekeeping or assistance in arranging any of the plethora of activities available on site, it can be arranged.
Within the estate there is plenty to keep everyone entertained, from the fabulous on site spa with indoor swimming pool, saunas, spa treatment rooms, gym and club house to one of the many outdoor activities available both within the estate and in the surrounding area. Enjoy over 15km of lakeside pathways, nature trails and cycling routes, try your hand at fishing, windsurfing or sailing, or even learn how to put up a tepee.
Families are particularly well catered for at The Lakes by Yoo, with adventure playgrounds and dens hidden throughout the woods, and a “Yoo Kid’s Club” to encourage children to make friends and try new activities, in addition to on-site camping, theatre and sporting events.
Whether you are looking for an action-packed break or to relax and watch the world go by, The Lakes by Yoo will exceed all your expectations.
Properties
Enjoy the privacy, seclusion and pure indulgence of one of our exclusive use homes at The Lakes by Yoo. Each property boasts award winning design coupled with breathtaking views and a truly idyllic setting.
Each property offers a different style but the same assurance of only the highest standards of décor and luxurious fixtures and fittings. Relax on sumptuous sofas, dine al fresco on the veranda or curl up with a book by the wood burner, the choice as yours at our selection of beautiful properties at The Lakes by Yoo.
The Designers
The Lakes by Yoo has been created by an elite team of world renowned designers, lead by Phillippe Starke in conjunction with Kelly Hoppen, Marcel Wanders and Jade Jagger to create beautiful homes in harmony with the natural environment.
Each property boasts award winning design coupled with breathtaking views and a truly idyllic setting
All of our properties offer world class design, beautiful form and superb functionality, offering luxurious interiors and every home comfort you could desire.
Phillippe Starck
Philippe Starck is a legend of modern design. He’s known for his luxurious hotels and bolt holes around the world, designing the total environment from layout to furniture to linens.
Born in Paris in 1949, he is one of the most original and creative designers of our time. He has obtained many important acknowledgements such as the Grand Prix National de la Création industrielle and the Honor Award of the American Institute of Architects. He considers himself as “a Japanese architect, an American art director, a German industrial designer, a French artistic director, an Italian furniture designer”.
From everyday products such as furniture and lemon squeezers, to revolutionary mega-yachts, micro wind turbines, electric cars, and buildings that aspire to be wondrous, stimulating and intensely vibrant places, Starck never ceases to push the boundaries and criteria of contemporary design.
Kelly Hoppen
The renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE joined Yoo in 2009 to form Kelly Hoppen for Yoo.
The first collaboration was at the luxury development The Lakes by Yoo. Hoppen is the author of a series of best-selling books, and the name behind a brand that is synonymous with a globally recognised, and highly liveable, luxury style.
Kelly’s design credentials include houses, apartments, yachts, ski chalets, spas and gyms, hotels and numerous corporate spaces, private jets as well as the interiors for British Airway’s first class cabins.
Jade Jagger
Jade Jagger and her design partner, architect Tom Bartlett, joined forces with Yoo to launch Jade Jagger for Yoo in 2004. The pair first worked together during Jade’s time as Creative Director at the royal jeweller Garrard, to design the London flagship store.
After setting up her own jewellery brand, Jade expanded into fashion and music with the creation of Jezebel, a street-chic music and clothing lifestyle brand. Jagger’s skill as an interior designer is in her determination to make comfortable and functional spaces with a touch of boho-chic.
Marcel Wanders
Marcel Wanders opened his first studio in Amsterdam, quickly coming to worldwide attention in 1996 for his iconic Knotted Chair. Today Marcel is a prolific product and interior designer and art director, ubiquitous with over 1700+ projects to his name for private clients and premium brands. Marcel has made it his mission to “create an environment of love, live with passion and make our most exciting dreams come true.”
In 2006, Elle Decoration awarded Marcel the prestigious title of ‘Designer of the Year.’
Interior projects have become increasingly important in Marcel’s work, embraced for their enveloping of people in multi-layered, sensory experiences.
Activities
The Lakes by Yoo is a paradise for outdoor adventure seekers. Within the estate are a wide range of activities available for resident’s exclusive use, the majority of which are complementary to Elysian Estates’ guests whilst staying at any of our Lakes by Yoo properties. Please note the spa and indoor swimming pool facilities are available to guests for an additional one off fee of £50 to cover guests for the duration of your stay (per household not per person).
The six clear water lakes are themselves the main draw for many, and offer a wide variety of water based activities. Enjoy sailing or windsurfing at the onsite sailing club. Visit the Fishing Hut along the river or on Huntsman Lake where you will find all you need to fish for Trout, Pike, Perch, Carp, Trench, and Breem with lessons available for those who need guidance, with a weekly BBQ in the summer months. Go canoeing alongside the resident wildlife and experience views from the water, or take a dip after catching some rays on the sandy beach.
Back on dry land you can explore the 650 acre estate along the 15km of walks, nature trails and cycle paths, with bike hire available on site. There are dedicated conservation areas, a Bird Hide and a Bee Bank to encourage as much wildlife as possible, and providing information and insights into The Lakes’ resident wildlife.
For those looking to pick up the pace, a zip wire runs across Warrens Cross Lake (open in the summer). There are tennis courts available all year round, and a mini football pitch to keep children of all ages entertained. A Tipi Village is available for a night camping under the stars, along with a pet hut, an adventure playground and a kids’ club for children.
Adjacent to the sandy beach is a picnic area overlooking Warrens Cross Lake, and there is an onsite Lakes Farm Shop with a wide range of produce sourced from local suppliers, plus a selection of hampers ideal for a picnic by the lake.
Of course you are not just limited to the activities available within The Lakes by Yoo, the Cotswolds offers some superb recreational opportunities, all of which can be arranged for you through the dedicated concierge service, such as:
- Golf
- Ballooning
- Gliding
- Rally driving
- Polo
- Shooting
- Climbing
- Water polo
- Water skiing
- Horse riding
- Bowling
- Clay Pigeon Shooting
- Course fishing
- Diving
- Knee boarding
- Wakeboarding
The Spa
No stay at The Lakes by Yoo is complete without a visit to the Orchard Spa, open to guests from 2pm to 5pm every day.
The spa at The Lakes provides a sanctuary of wellness and relaxation, where a wide range of treatments are available along with qualified instructors to guide and inform.
In addition to a 20m main indoor pool finished in Prussian blue mosaic tiles, facilities include a separate childrens’ pool, steam room, sauna and outdoor cedar hot tub.
A fully equipped gym and treatment rooms are complemented by the executive Club Room, where residents can settle by the fire, enjoy a game of pool or a complimentary tea of coffee and have a drink from the honesty bar overlooking the Cotswold countryside and the lakeside view.
Please note the use of the spa facilities is subject to an additional one off fee of £50 to cover all guests for the duration of your stay.
In the Area
Lakes by Yoo is set in the heart of the Cotswolds, between Lechlade on Thames and Fairford. The Cotswolds region is famous for its beautiful quintessentially English countryside and villages, charming local pubs, antiques fairs and village fetes.
The estate provides access to a simpler rural life, with weekends spent browsing local farmers markets and farm shops replacing the supermarket run, and fresh produce can be delivered directly, probably by the butcher or cheese maker themselves.
The Lakes are ideally located to explore the Cotswolds, designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, with close proximity to many renowned Cotswold towns such as Bourton on the Water (the Venice of the Cotswolds), Burford, Stow on the Wold, Moreton in Marsh and Chipping Camden.
The larger spa towns of Bath (a World Heritage Site) and Cheltenham (famed for it’s beautiful Regency architecture) or Oxford (the city of dreaming spires) are all within easy reach.
Local pubs within walking distance include The Swan at Southrop, a beautiful country inn and local celebrity haunt. Look out for Richard and Emma Keene’s Cotswold Premium Lager, sold by the keg to a handful of local pubs. Other nearby pubs include The Bell at Sapperton, The Falcon Inn near Fairford, and The Plough at Kingham. There are a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes within easy reach, whether you are looking for Italian, Indian, traditional British cuisine or fine dining.
Concierge
The Lakes by Yoo and Elysian Estates offer a dedicated concierge service for all of our guests. We understand your time is precious and that you want to make the most of your stay without the hassle of arranging additional services of activities.
We can help with anything from the simple logistics of your stay such as ordering shopping and stocking your fridge ready for arrival, housekeeping services during your stay or nanny services, to arranging activities, a private chef, home cooked meals ready to serve, a table at a local restaurant, taxis, chauffeur driven luxury vehicles, or spa treatments from the comfort of your home.
Whatever we can do to make your stay perfect, please just ask and we will arrange the rest.
Reviews
Having personally visited each and every one of our properties, we can personally assure you that you can expect only the highest standards when you stay at one of our properties. But you don’t need to take our word for it, please find below some feedback following guests’ stays at our Lakes by Yoo properties:
“Thank you – we had the best time EVER and want to return when the lakes open and the kids can zip-wire!!
It was a delight to meet the owners too.”
Emma Crompton – Larchwood Lodge
“I just spoke to our client and she said the property was amazing and they had a great time!!
Thank you for your help with everything and I hope that my colleagues and I can use your company more in the future!”
Charlotte Aukim – Lake Lodge
“Larchwood Lodge is absolutely gorgeous – from the minute we arrived we were impressed. Having a luxurious hamper of goodies to greet us with a bottle of chilled champagne certainly eased away the stress of a long drive. Sumptuous interiors, with everything you could ask for from toys for the kids, an impressive cinema screen, molton brown products everywhere, a well stocked kitchen, to up to date magazines to enjoy whilst relaxing in the egg chairs. I want to go back now!
The on-site spa was excellent, our children loved the pool and spent hours in there. All the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Our party of 4 adults and 3 children had a wonderful stay. We hope to return in the summer months and make use of the lake. Many thanks to the owners for a wonderful holiday home.”
Lisa – Larchwood Lodge
“Island Lodge totally exceeded expectations and was such a find. We all totally loved it and between yourself and the owner a real pleasure to deal with which sadly is not common these days. We will definitely be back!”
Chris Stephenson – Island Lodge
“The house was so luxurious, the views spectacular and we were pampered by the Lakes concierge team. Nothing was a problem. We met lovely people and our kids were outside playing with other children all day. The Spa treatments were wonderful. The kids loved the over-lake zip wire. When can we book our next stay?”
Ellie Rae – Glass House
“This is our third stay at Larchwood lodge, and many more to follow! Larchwood Lodge is a perfect place to spend a week or a long weekend with friends and family – you will instantly feel at home! The views from every window are breathtaking, you will never want to leave. Nearby, the lodge is surrounded by some fantastic country pubs and beautiful landscapes. We had fabulous weather with our friends and family. We retuned knowing we were going to have a great holiday with memories that will last for ever!”
Andrew M – Larchwood Lodge
“I can honestly say I was extremely impressed with both the accommodation and standards cleanliness. The whole experience was flawless and i would recommend anyone. Locally there is much to do however given the lakeside accommodation with stunning views there really was little reason to leave!”
Richard G – Larchwood Lodge
“The south facing waterside view across the lake is stunning with a continual stream of bird life to entertain. The wide range of surrounding activities ensured that all ages were happy for the entire stay. The owners attention to detail made sure that we wanted for nothing . A great experience, we would go again!”
Theska – Larchwood Lodge
