Huntsman Lake House

If you happen to be lucky enough to secure a booking at The Glass House, then be prepared to be totally blown away by this sensational architectural masterpiece! Designed by Mecanoo, a leading Dutch based architectural design firm and hidden away on the tranquil Huntsman Lake, within 850 acres of stunning Cotswolds woodland on the prestigious Lakes by Yoo private estate, this glorious property sleeps eight guests in absolute luxury.

The Lakes by Yoo is a fabulous collection of sumptuous private properties and a few select rental villas, the brain child of design collective Yoo Studio, co-founded by none other than Philippe Starck. This magnificent estate boasts several large freshwater lakes, meadows and woodland, a haven for wildlife, in the Gloucestershire countryside. Each of the properties is cleverly screened for total privacy. The Lakes by Yoo is located in the pretty, historic village of Lechlade which sits in an Area of Natural Beauty on the River Thames, just ninety minutes from London. Guests staying at The Glass House and the other exclusive properties can enjoy a fabulous collection of amenities including water sports such as paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking, fly, lure and pole fishing, pond dipping for youngsters, cycling, ziplining, shooting, trapeze, horse riding, dune buggies, paint balling, climbing, numerous workshops, a children’s club and indulgent wellness treatments at the luxurious Orchard Spa with its 17 metre heated swimming pool, gym, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. There are endless walking trails, an arboretum, a vegetable patch and herb garden, a hennery where you can help yourselves to eggs, a bird hide and even a small beach. The Lakes also offer a private dining menu packed with seasonal, local produce, using only the finest ingredients, perfect for long lunches or an evening celebration. The team can take care of everything from decorating to flowers to create the perfect celebration. If you can bare to leave The Glass House and this heavenly estate, many of the Cotswold’s major sights are only a fifteen minute drive away.

The Glass House is absolutely astonishing, a one-of-a-kind, lakefront masterpiece. This superb, contemporary wonder sits within the Huntsman Lake, accessed by a single bridge and surrounded by decking. It appears entirely made from glass, distinguishing itself from all of the other properties. Its striking glass construction offers the unique experience of ‘outside-in living’, wholly connecting its lucky guests to the stunning natural landscapes outside. Your haven of tranquility cleverly blends the natural landscape and astounding contemporary design in perfect harmony. From every corner of this treasure, you will see the lake rippling with the movement of diving birds, ducks and swans. As the sun shines on your decking, you can enjoy refreshing wild swimming or have some fun with kayaks and paddle boards.

Within The Glass House, your hearts will soar when meandering through the mesmerising spaces that are flooded with natural light. Dazzling whitewashed walls are decorated with towering, vibrant, colour pop canvases, starkly contrasting with the stunning, centrally exposed jet black staircase. Enormous, eye-catching sculptures catch your eye as you attempt to compare the internal beauty with the outdoor panorama seen through the floor to ceiling windows. You will feel the zen flow between every expansive, cavernous space. The highly impressive kitchen and dining area is at the heart of the house with every gadget and appliance imaginable. Even the most discerning of chefs will be thoroughly impressed to find six ovens plus tandoori and pizza ovens. The wine fridge can be quickly filled with your favourite selections. Your designer dining table and chairs is perfectly positioned so that you can dine with a view, opening the doors in summer months to listen to the lake’s soundtrack of a gentle hush with the occasional swoop of a bird.  

The dining area is separated from one of the two living rooms by a contemporary glass wood-fired fireplace, a work of art in itself. This living room enjoys a serene ambience with a sunken corner sofa space and a projector throwing your favourite television programmes and movies onto a full height white wall. Your second living space boasts sumptuous velvet chaises, a cosy spot for a read of the Sunday newspapers or perhaps a snug area for tired children to watch a movie.

The Glass House boasts four incredible bedroom suites. The master is simply astounding with 500 sqft of stunning space and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that make you feel as though you are sleeping outside. It offers his and hers walk-in wardrobes, a luxurious bath that sits next to the glass for breathtaking views over the lake, a huge rain shower and the compfiest bed imaginable. The remaining three bedroom suites are also stunning with fabulous interior design, sumptuous furnishings and gorgeous, stylish ensuite bathrooms. Depending on how you use the interconnected open living areas, you could add some extra guests as well as two older children by creatively using the exciting cinema space combined with outsize cushion mattresses to create a den in the leizure zone. The office space is sleek, minimalist and another perfectly positioned spot where you will be captivated by the outdoor vistas.

The basement of The Glass House is the ultimate in relaxation and leisure zones. With its Japanese zen styling and its fantastic array of treats, there may be some members of your groups that you may have to prise away! An enticing jacuzzi and sauna sit on one side together with elegant sculptures and soothing lighting. On the other side, your cinema area offers an altogether different vibe. You will discover a full size snooker table, colourful movie posters and a bar complete with a popcorn machine. No expense has been spared in the luxurious nine seater cinema screening room. You can relax in fully reclining leather electric armchairs and enjoy satellite television, Netflix, Amazon Prime, a selection of blue ray DVD films, professional lighting, a highly impressive sound system and a boom box which adds seat vibration and movement to simulate a 3D cinematic feel when watching big production movies such as Mission Impossible.

The central staircase leads you to the roof terrace which you reach via an electric skylight. The roof terrace is a glorious sun trap where you can enjoy alfresco dining using the barbecue, sun bathe, relax, enjoy your favourite tipples and enjoy the far reaching views over the lake. On the lower deck, you will also be captivated by the extraordinary scenery and enjoy the serenity and seclusion of this spectacular property, enveloped in greenery.