Local Area

The Lakes is set in the heart of the Cotswolds, between the towns of Lechlade on Thames and Fairford.

With classic British countryside on your doorstep, the estate provides access to a simpler rural life that revolves around charming local pubs, antique fairs and village fetes.

It is a food lovers paradise, a region where local produce is literally grown on your doorstep. Weekends spent browsing local farmers markets and farm shops replace the supermarket run and fresh produce can be delivered directly, probably by the butcher or cheese maker themselves.

Community

The local community are integral to the fabric of rural life and this is no different at The Lakes, where we collaborate with the very best suppliers. Contact us today regarding our holiday homes in the Cotswolds.

Meet the locals

Local Pubs
Local pubs within walking distance include The Swan at Southrop. Look out for Richard and Emma Keene’s Cotswold Premium Lager, sold by the keg to a handful of local pubs. Like most of the fantastic local produce here, the Keenes like to keep their lager seasonal – wheat beer in the spring and a darker ale for the winter months.

Farm Shops
The nearest farm shop, and one of the areas best butchers is called Foxbury, just north of The Lakes.

Daylesford Organic, a few miles away, specialises in everything that is fresh, seasonal, local and organic; handmade cheeses, bread, pastries, chef’s dishes and kitchen garden produce. Locally produced organic apple juice is available to buy from Benson’s Farm which can be delivered by the case.

Trout and smoked fish products are available in nearby Northleach, where Col Valley Smokery still uses bespoke traditional methods and brick kilns and supplies top retailers including Harrods. Of course we also have our own smokery near the fishing hut.

Local Crafts
Nearby Bamford Barn sells luxurious homeware and contemporary clothing, whilst Cotswold Woollen Weavers in Filkins have their own looms producing traditional tweeds – suits, jackets, and hats in bespoke colourways, plus a garden and cafe attached. Their quality is renowned and Olga Polizzi, sister of Rocco Forte uses them to supply blankets for their hotels.

Antiques hunting will take you right across the country, though some of the best dealers are concentrated in Burford and Stow on the Wold. Visit Cirencester for traditional crafts including glass blowing, pottery, and one of the Cotswolds’ oldest saddle makers, Sydney Free (sculpture image by Caroline Sharp, exhibiting at The New Brewery Arts, Cirencester).