NESTLED amongst 850 acres of bucolic Gloucestershire countryside, sits The Lakes By YOO. While I’m loath to describe anything as ‘experiential’ (too Gen Z, too 2023) it’s fitting for this ambitious, impressive collaboration between property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and legendary designer Philippe Starck.
Swimming Pool
Bedroom
Luxury property (available to buy, and thankfully for us mere mortals, also to rent) blends seamlessly in its natural environment, while feel-good countryside activities, a world-class spa and relaxed lakeside dining, fuse to create the ultimate stealth-wealth escape.
Design-led cabins, apartments and lodges provide the perfect respite from 24/7 London living, and with Starck’s meticulous input, each property is the epitome of contemporary interior style.
Our spacious 3-bedroom apartment gives way to breathtaking lakeside views on its vast balcony, providing instant tranquility. A sense of light and space fills each of The Lake’s 165 residences, even on cloudier days.
Experiences are at the forefront of Lakes By YOO – my brood are quick to make use of the complimentary bikes, the best way to explore the 11 pristine lakes, and acres of rolling meadows and woodland.
My Fortnite-obsessed nine year old spots a unique commissioned sculpture by legendary graffiti artist KAWS, while celebrated works by Yoshitomo Nara and David Hockey delight the discerning, cultured crowd.
KAWS – Gone 2020
Canoein, zip-wiring, fishing and raft-building will set pulses racing among outdoorsy-types, whilst little-ones will love the bushcraft sessions, teddy-bears picnic and Cool Kids Cook-Out.
For those in need of serious R&R, Lakes Spa & Wellness Centre beckons. Featuring a state-of-the-art gym, 17 metre indoor pool, and bespoke treatments from cult wellness brands COSMOSS, Wildsmith Skin and Dr Barbara Sturm, the aim is recovery, repair and rejuvenation.
Forest bathing and mediative nature trails underscore this message of recuperation and self-care.
The Lakes by YOO Restaurant
The Lakes Cabin
An exciting new addition to The Estate is The Lakes Bar and Kitchen, on the banks of the picturesque Sailing Lake. In keeping with the community’s quiet luxury flex, two conjoined tipis’ create a wilderness oasis for chic, casual all-day dining, with the focus on thoughtfully prepared informal dishes, using locally-sourced ingredients.
A pitch-perfect kids menu, build-your-own ice cream sundaes, friendly, relaxed staff and an outdoor adventure playground next to the restaurant, takes the hassle out of family mealtimes, leaving parents to enjoy their sundowners in blissful peace.
A mere 90 minute hop, skip and jump from Central London, The Lakes By YOO is the ultimate escape for frazzled high-flyers.
by Thea Lewis-Yates