Stay at Fleece Lodge at Chad Lakes - A Cotswolds Countryside Retreat

Fleece Lodge at Chad Lakes

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 for a movie night in surround sound or a game on the PlayStation 5 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.

A Perfect Base for Foodies and Festivals

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, Burford, 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.

The Interior & Amenities

Fleece Lodge is designed for effortless relaxation, offering a spacious and well-equipped home-away-from-home. Whether you’re returning from a brisk walk by the lakes or a day of shopping in Stow-on-the-Wold, the lodge provides everything you need to switch off.

Living & Entertainment 

The heart of the lodge is the bright, open-plan living area featuring large windows with views across the surrounding farmland.

• Entertainment: After a day exploring the Cotswolds, unwind on the comfortable sofas with a 55-inch Smart TV, surround-sound system and complimentary Netflix 4K (ad-free). For gaming enthusiasts, a PlayStation 5 with two controllers and PlayStation Plus Premium provides access to hundreds of games.
• Connectivity: Stay connected with high-speed 100 Mbps Wi-Fi, perfect for streaming or planning your next day's Cotswold adventure.

The Bedrooms 

The lodge comfortably sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups.

• Master Bedroom: A restful room featuring a comfortable King-size bed and an en-suite shower room
• Bedroom 2 & 3: Two additional twin bedrooms, each with two single beds, providing flexible sleeping arrangements and with a family bathroom with a shower bath
• Amenities:  Tea, coffee, milk, towels, shower gel, shampoo and toilet paper are provided.

Outdoor Living & Private Grounds

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.

Fleece Lodge is a single-level detached lodge, making it easy and comfortable to move around during your stay. Guests have access to a washer, dryer and dishwasher, with laundry and dishwasher pods provided for convenience - ideal after countryside walks, muddy dogs or longer stays exploring the Cotswolds.

For security and guest safety, exterior security cameras are positioned around parts of the wider Chad Lakes grounds and entrance areas only, with no cameras inside the lodge or private guest spaces.

• The Decking: Step out onto the spacious private deck, featuring ample seating designed for slow mornings and soaking in the views of the surrounding farmland.
• Kadai BBQ & Firepit: Embrace the full country experience with our authentic Kadai fire bowl. It serves as a high-quality charcoal BBQ for summer feasts and transforms into a cosy fire pit for gathering around once the sun sets.
• Space to Explore: Beyond your private deck, you have access to five acres of private grounds at Chad Lakes. Take a short, scenic stroll down to the water’s edge to enjoy the tranquillity, wildlife and lakeside views. The lakes are also managed as part of the Chad Lakes carp fishery, so access around the water and any fishing are controlled to protect fish welfare, wildlife and the peaceful setting.
• Ample Private Parking: No need to worry about narrow lanes or village parking. We provide generous private parking directly at the lodge for 6 cars, making arrivals and departures completely stress-free.
• Brook: Please note that a small, scenic brook runs next to the lodge; while beautiful, we ask that children and four-legged friends be supervised at all times.

Fishing at Chad Lakes

Fleece Lodge sits within the private grounds of Chad Lakes, an established carp fishery. We welcome both non-angling guests looking for a peaceful Cotswolds stay and experienced carp anglers who may wish to combine their stay with time on the lakes.

Fishing is not included automatically with an accommodation booking. It must be requested in advance and is strictly subject to availability, fishery rules, fish welfare requirements, suitable conditions and owner discretion.

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

Approved anglers must follow the Chad Lakes fishery rules at all times and must use the fishery’s own unhooking mats, landing nets and weigh slings. Permission to fish may be refused, limited or withdrawn where necessary to protect the fishery, wildlife or the proper operation of the lakes.

Existing Chad Lakes fishing members receive preferential rates or arrangements where available.

Nature, Wildlife & The Lakes

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.

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.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please send a message, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Lakeside Tranquillity & Managed Carp Fishing: A short walk from your front door leads you to our two peaceful lakes. Chad Lakes is an established private carp fishery, and the lakes are carefully managed for fish welfare, wildlife and the enjoyment of the setting. Non-angling guests are very welcome to enjoy the lakeside views, birdlife and quiet countryside atmosphere. Experienced carp anglers staying at Fleece Lodge may request permission to fish, but fishing rights are not automatic and are strictly subject to prior approval, peg/lake availability, fishery rules, fish welfare requirements, use of Chad Lakes’ own mats/nets/slings, and owner's discretion.

Meet the Locals: Our grounds are teeming with Cotswold wildlife, and you’ll also find some of our own feathered friends wandering nearby As well as resident swans, geese, ducks, and a heron, you might be greeted by Wendy the Chicken, our most famous resident, who will be very happy if you hand feed her!

A Natural Haven: From the abundant birdlife to the rustle of the trees, the estate is a haven for nature lovers. It’s the perfect place to start your morning with a walk or end your day watching the sunset over the nearby farmland.

What this place offers

About your Hosts

We are Damion and Harumi! Having spent 20 years living and working in Tokyo (where we first met), we decided to trade the city lights for the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to embrace a slower pace of life with good food, weekend markets, and local walks with our cockapoo Bella.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there parking available at Fleece Lodge?

Yes, we provide ample private parking directly beside the lodge. There is plenty of space for multiple cars, making it easy to unload luggage and explore the surrounding area by car.

2. Is the lodge pet-friendly?

Absolutely! We are a dog-friendly Cotswold rental. We allow well-behaved dogs, though we ask that they are kept on a lead around the lakes to protect our local wildlife and Wendy the Chicken. We do not provide a dog basket but clean dogs are welcome to sleep on the sofa or on the living room rug.

3. Can I go fishing during my stay?

Fleece Lodge guests may request permission to fish at Chad Lakes, but fishing is not included automatically with an accommodation booking. It is only available to experienced carp anglers and is strictly subject to prior approval, peg/lake availability, fishery rules, fish welfare requirements and owner discretion. Approved anglers must use the fishery’s own unhooking mats, landing nets and weigh slings. Non-angling guests are very welcome to enjoy the lakeside setting, wildlife and countryside views by arrangement..

4. How close is the lodge to Daylesford and Stow-on-the-Wold?

We are perfectly located in the "Golden Triangle." Stow-on-the-Wold is just a 10-minute drive (2.5 miles) away, and the famous Daylesford Organic Farm Shop is only 7-minutes away by car.

5. What entertainment is provided in the lodge?

We offer fast 100 Mbps Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, together with a 55-inch Smart TV and surround-sound system for movies and entertainment. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to Netflix 4K (ad-free), while gamers can make use of the PlayStation 5 with two controllers and a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, providing access to a large library of games for both adults and children.