Peaceful Cotswold Retreat at Chad Lakes, Stow

Hidden away within the private grounds of Chad Lakes, Fleece Lodge is a peaceful countryside retreat in one of the most beautiful corners of the Cotswolds. Just a few minutes from Stow-on-the-Wold, the lodge sits among rolling farmland, wildlife-rich lakes and open countryside, offering a quieter and more private side of the Cotswolds away from the busy tourist crowds.

Life here moves at a slower pace. Mornings begin with mist rising across the water, birdsong drifting through the trees and swans gliding silently across the lakes. Sheep and cows from the neighbouring fields often wander over to the fence to say hello, while our resident heron can usually be spotted watching quietly from the water’s edge. Guests may also meet Wendy, our friendly chicken, who spends most days roaming the grounds looking for treats and attention.

Fleece Lodge is designed for guests who want to experience the countryside in comfort - whether that means long walks through the North Cotswolds, slow afternoons beside the fire pit, food-filled weekends with friends, cosy family gatherings, romantic countryside escapes, or simply curling up on the sofa with a new Netflix series on the 55-inch Smart TV screen after a day outdoors.

Although wonderfully secluded, the lodge has fast broadband throughout, whether you are planning a cosy evening streaming films or quietly catching up on work between countryside walks and long pub lunches.

The North Cotswolds has become known for its food scene, beautiful villages and relaxed countryside luxury, and Chad Lakes is perfectly placed to enjoy it all. Daylesford Organic, The Wild Rabbit, Soho Farmhouse, The Kingham Plough, Diddly Squat Farm Shop and The Farmer’s Dog are all nearby, together with some of England’s most loved villages including Stow-on-the-Wold, Kingham, Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water. Whether you are visiting for Big Feastival, a long weekend with friends or simply a slower escape to the countryside, Fleece Lodge offers a calm and comfortable base to return to at the end of the day.

Sleeping up to six guests, the detached lodge combines relaxed countryside living with modern comfort. The lodge includes three bedrooms - one double bedroom and two twin bedrooms - together with a spacious open-plan living and dining area overlooking the surrounding farmland and lakeside grounds. Large windows fill the space with natural light, creating a calm and welcoming place to relax throughout the seasons.

Outside, guests can enjoy private seating with a BBQ and Kadai fire pit, perfect for long summer evenings, dark Cotswold skies and slow mornings with coffee overlooking the countryside. As night falls, you may hear owls calling across the fields, and deer are often seen wandering quietly through the grounds while guests cook, eat and relax outside.

Chad Lakes sits within more than five acres of private countryside in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to two lakes, abundant wildlife and a variety of birdlife throughout the year. The peaceful surroundings make the lodge especially suited to guests who enjoy nature, walking, photography, fishing and slower countryside living.

Chad Lakes is an established private carp fishery, giving the property a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from a typical Cotswold cottage stay. The lodge is equally suited to guests seeking a peaceful countryside retreat and to experienced carp anglers wishing to stay on site and, where approved, fish during their visit.

The lakes remain part of a carefully managed working fishery, with access and fishing controlled for fish welfare, wildlife protection and operational reasons. Guests are welcome to enjoy the setting and lakeside views during their stay, and we are always happy to help arrange suitable access where possible.

Fishing at Chad Lakes

Fleece Lodge guests may be permitted to fish at Chad Lakes during their stay, although fishing is not automatically included with accommodation bookings and is strictly subject to prior approval, lake availability, fishery rules and owner discretion.

Fishing is suitable only for experienced carp anglers familiar with specimen carp fishing and safe fish handling practices. It is not suitable for beginners, casual fishing or unsupervised children.

Any guest wishing to fish must contact us before their stay. Permission may occasionally be limited or unavailable due to fish welfare, spawning, weather conditions, maintenance works, wildlife considerations or existing bookings.

Approved anglers must comply fully with the Chad Lakes fishery rules at all times, including the use of the fishery’s own landing nets, unhooking mats and weigh slings.

We respect our guests’ privacy completely, but we are always available if needed and happy to help with local recommendations, walks, restaurants and making the most of your stay in this special part of the Cotswolds.