THE HOWELLS ESTATE....A private villa.

Howells Estate is the most exclusive property on Lower Mill Estate set in approximately six acres behind gates designed by contemporary artist Alexander Baynes.

The star feature is the elegant modernist steel-and-glass Hide cantilevered over the largest lake on the estate and surrounded by nature. The “HIDE” has been voted Britain’s best small building in 09, standing in spelendid isolation, surrounded by the waters of Somerford Lagoon, the hide is romantic master beddroom suite with shower-room, private kitchen, central log burining fireplace and private lounging area. You will not want to leave it!

An avante-garde restoration of an 1830s Cotswolds barn by Charels Mador Architects, the main house sleeps eight (in 4 bedrooms, one with ensuite bath and dressing room, the second with a private bathroom but not ensuite and the two bedrroms on the third floor sharing one bathroom.

There is a fun kids-only den adjacent to the grown-up house accommodating a further six in futon style floor mattresses..

Within Howells’ grounds, there’s even an original, rock star-style 1966 Airstream where four more can stay.

And immediately adjoining Howells, another modernist structure, four-bedroom Reid Villa is also available to rent for guests needing still more space.

Surrounded by nature to the south and east and with the village of Howells Mere to the west, the mini-estate has hundreds of acres of adjoining private nature reserve to roam. Howells Estate includes a heated pool, an eco-garden, a paddock, boats for use on the lake and an optional concierge service (and extra we’re afraid!).

Read on to learn about the ultimate in 21st Century rural luxury holidays.