Our full terms and conditions can be found here.
Our deposits are 20% of the total property cost, before any additional extras are added. Additional extras will be included in the balance payment. All deposits are non-refundable.
We accept most methods of payment. Unfortunately, we cannot accept payments using AMEX.
The remaining balance is required 8 weeks before your stay. If you wish to pay your balance in advance, simply log into our secure online payment system with your booking reference number here.
With our easy flexible payment option, you can split the cost of your stay into manageable payments when it suits you.
Please note that the total cost of your stay must be paid 8 weeks before arrival.
Terms and conditions apply.
We understand things can change. Sometimes a booking may be made in haste, or an unforeseen circumstance may arise. Our terms and conditions provide comfort that we will cancel your booking and refund any monies paid less any unrecoverable commitments made to external suppliers and card surcharges (if applicable).
We would recommend to all our guests to take out separate cancellation insurance.
All cancellations are required to be in writing to Habitat Escapes. On receipt of the cancellation, Habitat Escapes will seek to re-let the Property for the period of the booking. If we succeed in re-letting the property for the whole of the period booked, we shall refund an amount equal to the money paid, less the administration fee per week or part thereof booked. Where Habitat Escapes is unable to re-let the property at all, monies paid by the guest shall be forfeited to Habitat Escapes.
We cater for a variety of group holidays, ranging from 2- to 6-bed properties, sleeping up to 12 guests. If your group requires more than 1 property, our group bookings team will be able to assist in finding you the perfect place to stay. Simply call us on 0333 241 6616 to discuss your requirements.
Our bookings team are on hand to help create the perfect special event or occasion, just send an email to stay@habitatescapes.com with the details or call us on 0333 241 6616.
Whilst many of our properties accommodate larger parties, we do not accept stag or hen party bookings on either of our estates.
Our dedicated housekeeping team will provide each property with a few cleaning and toiletries for your stay. There will be washing up liquid, a sponge, tea towel and a toilet roll per bathroom.
Your welcome pack from Habitat Escapes will contain a small amount of tea, coffee, sugar and milk. Bed linen and towels for the property are provided – these are not to be used at the swimming pools.
Please note, items such as salt and pepper and oil are not provided but may be left in the property by prior guests/homeowners.
All our properties are lovingly kitted out by individual owners so the offering for each house is unique. For any special requirements please contact the Habitat Escapes team.
We offer a range of option extras for your stay, from logs for the fire and BBQ charcoal to necessities your little ones like a travel cot and highchair.
These can be added at the point of booking, alternatively please email stay@habitatescapes.com and we will be happy to add these to your booking for you.
7 days before your arrival, we will email you with the security code for the main entrance gate as well as instructions for the key, which is held at the property in a key safe.
Our check-in and check-out times vary depending on the Estate you're visiting and the time of year.
- Lower Mill Estate:
- Check-in: 1600
- Check-out: 0900 in peak periods* & 1000 off-peak
- Silverlake Estate:
- Check-in: 1600
- Check-out: 1000
Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request. Please contact our team directly to arrange this. Additional charges may apply.
*Peak periods: school holidays and public holidays.
Yes, you can bring your own water sports equipment as long as you have your own liability insurance and your own life jacket/buoyancy aid. It is mandatory to wear a life jacket/buoyancy aid on all our lakes at Lower Mill Estate and Silverlake. Failure to do so will result in being asked to leave the lake.
We want all our guests to enjoy celebrations with us; however, due to the nature of our Estate locations, fireworks, BBQs and Chinese lanterns are strictly prohibited from both Silverlake and Lower Mill Estate.
Please note that while fireworks are prohibited at our Estates, we cannot be held responsible for firework activities in and around the surrounding area. Please bear this in mind when booking your stay during anticipated periods of firework usage such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve, especially when bringing pets.
If you encounter any problems during your stay, please let us know immediately so that we can address the problem and ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing stay.
We offer a 5% discount on stays for our NHS Heroes. Simply book your stay online and email stay@habitatescapes.com from your NHS email within 48 hours of booking and we will apply the discount for you.
Please note, a Blue Light Card cannot be accepted as proof of eligibility. The NHS discount cannot be combined with any other promotional discounts or offers.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a short break. If you require any help or advice on property suitability, please contact us on 0333 241 6616 and one of our friendly team will be able to answer any questions you have.
If you are staying at Lower Mill Estate and require any assistance such as mobility equipment, we recommend Assured Mobility, based in Cirencester. You can call them on 01285 651512 or visit their website here.
You can buy a gift card to the value of your choice by emailing stay@habitatescapes.com or calling 0333 241 6616. Gift cards can be purchased for either Lower Mill Estate or Silverlake Estate and are valid for 12 months*.
*Please note, vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. Vouchers can only be used against properties managed by Habitat Escapes and cannot be used as payment for any of the Estates facilities, spa treatments, shop or restaurant items.
Treatment vouchers are also available to purchase for Lower Mill Estate's Leisure & Wellness Club by emailing leisureandwellness@lowermillestate.net or calling 01285 862640.
We’re proud to support emergency services and NHS staff with a Blue Light Discount. To claim, please register with Blue Light Card, who will provide you with a promotional code to redeem at the point of booking.
Please note, our team is unable to apply this code retrospectively, so be sure to enter it during the booking process to avoid missing out. The Blue Light Card discount cannot be combined with any other promotional discounts or offers.
Our opening hours vary depending on the time of year you’re visiting us.
Leisure & Wellness Club:
High season (bank holidays and school holidays)
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 1000-1900
- Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 1000-1730
Low season (all other times)
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 1000-1730
- Friday: 1000-1900
Please note, last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Ballihoo:
Monday 3rd November – Sunday 14th December
- Monday: 0830-1100 for breakfast, 1200-1500 for lunch
- Tuesday and Wednesday: CLOSED
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 0830-1100 for breakfast, 1200-1600 for lunch and 1700-2100 for dinner
- Sunday: 0830-1100 for breakfast, 1200-1500 for lunch
Monday 15th December – Sunday 4th January 2026
- Monday to Sunday: 0830-1100 for breakfast, 1200-1600** for lunch and 1700-2100 for dinner
**1500 on Sunday 4th January
Christmas:
- Christmas Day: CLOSED
- Boxing Day: 0830-1100 for breakfast, 1200-1500 for lunch
- New Year’s Eve: 1200-1500 for lunch
- New Year’s Day: 0830-1100 for breakfast, 1200-1500 for lunch
Ballihoo bar to remain open in between serving times.
Pizza Shack:
High season (bank holidays and school holidays)
- Monday to Sunday: 1600-2100
Low season (all other times)
- Friday and Saturday: 1600-2100
Please note, the opening times for both Ballihoo and the Pizza Shack are subject to last-minute change. Any changes will be clearly communicated at each location.
Activity Hub:
Monday 3rd November – Sunday 14th December
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: CLOSED*
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 1000-1600
Monday 15th December – Sunday 4th January 2026
- Monday to Sunday: 1000-1600
*Bike hire remains available, our Guest Relations team will arrange delivery to your property. Soft play can be booked via our Guest Relations team, based in The Hub (next to Ballihoo).
Hurricane Spa:
2nd November – Easter 2026:
Monday to Sunday: 1000-1800
Christmas 2025:
Christmas Eve, 24th December: 1000-1700
Christmas Day, 25th December: CLOSED
Boxing Day, 27th December: 1000-1600
New Year’s Eve, 31st December: 1000-1700
New Year’s Day, 1st January: 1000-1600
Hurricane Terrace Bar:
Monday 17th November - Friday 19th December
Monday to Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: 1000-1800
Saturday: 1000-1800
Sunday: 1000-1600
Saturday 20th - Sunday 28th December
Saturday: 1000-2000
Sunday: 1000-1800
Monday: 1000-1800
Tuesday: 1000-2000
Wednesday (Christmas Eve): 1000-1700
Thursday (Christmas Day): CLOSED
Friday (Boxing Day): 1000-1700
Saturday: 1000-1700
Sunday: 1000-1800
Monday 29th December - Sunday 4th January
Monday: 1000-1800
Tuesday: 1000-2000
Wednesday (New Year's Eve): 1000-2100
Thursday (New Year's Day): 1000-1700
Friday: 1000-1800
Saturday: 1000-2000
Sunday: 1000-1600
Pizza Shack
Saturday 1600-2000
Tuesday 23rd and 30th December 1600-2000
Activity Hub
Monday to Sunday: 0930-1530
Opening hours are subject to change throughout the year in line with our peak and low seasons.
Lower Mill offers an award-winning on-site resident’s spa featuring Europe’s first outdoor eco-pool as well as two 20m heated pools – one indoor and one outdoor, steam room, sauna, gym, a restful reading lounge and treatment room.
Ballihoo restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also the Ballihoo Marketplace, providing a selection of essential groceries and sustainable, local items.
If you’re looking for adventure, our Activity Hub has a range of activities on offer.
Lower Mill Estate is ideally situated in the heart of the Cotswolds with plenty for you to see and do. For information on the local area surrounding Lower Mill Estate click here.
Each property includes at least one designated parking space. Please park in your allocated space and ensure your parking permit is clearly displayed in your vehicle. Additional vehicles must use the designated visitor or overflow parking areas, which may be a short walk from your property. It is always best to check the property listing to confirm the number of parking spaces allocated to your accommodation, as these may vary. Visitor parking spaces are limited, so please minimise the number of cars whenever possible and consider car sharing or public transportation.
At our nature reserve, we are dedicated to preserving the beauty and integrity of our natural landscapes. To help us in this mission, we kindly ask that all guests refrain from parking on grass verges or any other unauthorised areas. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility and unauthorised parking may result in a fine, which will be deducted from the lead guest's security deposit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
All Habitat Escapes properties have access to the Leisure & Wellness facilities. Please pre-book your swim session in advance by contacting the team in the morning of your intended session. Please note: our Mill Village pool does not require any pre-booking.
To book treatments, please click here or contact the team on +44 (0) 1285 862 640.
Opening hours are subject to change throughout the year in line with our peak and low seasons.
Due to safety restrictions about water temperature, water sports equipment is not available for use between November and April.
When going on the water in your own craft, it is a safety requirement that all water users wear a certified and correctly fitted buoyancy aid. You will also need to have proof of appropriate third-party liability insurance, to a limit of £1 million.
For more information, please click here.
Whilst the lakes are open you are welcome to swim in them. As we do not have any lifeguards on duty, these will be at your own risk and you will be required to wear a buoyancy aid whilst you swim.
For more details on free swimming in the lakes, please visit the team at the Activity Hub or give them a call on +44 (0)1285 719960.
Our locations are ideal for you and your furry friend! Both our estates have a great range of dog-friendly accommodation. For more ideas on dog-friendly activities and things to do nearby, visit here.
Our onsite restaurant Ballihoo is all on one level and offers indoor and alfresco dining as a well-disabled toilet. The Spa have mobility aids so all guests can enjoy the facilities; please get in touch with the Spa Team for further information.
Given the nature of the estate, the footpaths can often be uneven and undulating, however, most paths around the estate have a smoother surface. If you have any specific requirements, please contact us as we will be happy to help.
There is a Co-Op less than a 10-minute drive from Lower Mill Estate. There is a Waitrose and a Tesco extra 12 minutes miles from our site. Lots of local supermarkets also deliver to the estate.
For rental guests smoking is not permitted in any of our properties, communal Estate buildings such as the Spa and Ballihoo restaurant, or outdoor pool side.
Bus routes and train information is subject to change so we recommend taking a look at the service provider’s website to confirm your final travel arrangements.
The nearest station to Lower Mill Estate is Kemble, it is a 10-minute drive from the estate.
Yes, of course. However, we kindly ask that you avoid scheduling deliveries during check-in times, as this is typically a busy period. Please also ensure you allow enough time after your arrival to be present to receive your shopping.
Yes, we offer several communal EV charging stations (22kW) located in the Millstone and Water Gardens car parks. These are paid charging points, simply download the Monta Charge app and follow the instructions using the codes displayed at each station. Please note that some individual properties also feature private EV chargers outside the property.
As all our properties are privately owned, only some include enclosed gardens. We recommend checking the individual property listings or contacting our team for details on a specific property.
Yes. For bookings of four or more guests, we may request a valid credit card number to confirm your reservation. Unless we specifically mention a refundable deposit, your card will not be charged unless there is a no-show without prior notice, a cancellation made less than 24 hours before your booking or a last-minute reduction in guest numbers that you haven’t informed us about. In the case of a no-show, a charge of £10 per person will apply. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice or fail to notify us of changes to your party size, your card may also be charged.
By making a reservation and providing your contact details, you are opting in to receive marketing communications from us. If you would prefer not to receive these, simply reply to the email we send and include “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.
All Habitat Escapes bookings at Silverlake Dorset now include bike and water sports equipment hire. Other session-based activities are chargeable and require booking in advance.
Simply visit the Activity Hub between 1000-1100 to collect your equipment. Please note, all equipment must be returned between 1400-1500. Each guest is allowed one piece of equipment at any one time and is subject to availability.
For more information or to speak to a member of the team, please email stay@habitatescapes.com.
Our swimming pool no longer needs to be pre-booked, but it is advisable to check with our spa staff to see how busy the pools are on arrival.
To book treatments for the spa, please email hurricane@silverlakedorset.com or call +44 (0)1305 819 909.
Opening hours are subject to changes throughout the year in line with our peak and low seasons.
Our locations are ideal for you and your furry friend! Both our estates have a great range of dog-friendly accommodation. For more ideas on dog-friendly activities and things to do nearby, visit here.
At Silverlake, the on-site resident’s spa – Hurricane Spa features an outdoor 20m heated pool, roof terrace, sauna and gym, along with relaxation lounge and treatment rooms, where you can pamper and indulge yourself to your heart’s content.
Our Hurricane Terrace has far-reaching views across the estate and serves a selection of drinks, light bites, and cocktails. There is also an outdoor pizza shack, serving hand-made pizzas on Saturday evenings.
If you’re looking for adventure, our Activity Hub has a range of activities on offer.
Silverlake, Dorset is ideally situated near the Jurassic coastline offering plenty for you to see and do. For information on the local area surrounding Silverlake click here.
Our onsite restaurant Hurricane Terrace is on the first floor, but there is a lift from the Spa for access. Offering both indoor and alfresco dining, it benefits from stunning views across the estate. The Hurricane Spa has mobility aids so all guests can enjoy the facilities; please contact the Spa Team for further information.
Given the nature of the estate, the footpaths can often be uneven and undulating, however, most paths around the estate have a smoother surface. If you have any specific requirements, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to help.
There is a Co-Op and Premier shop a few minutes’ walk from Silverlake. There is a Tesco superstore 6 miles from our site. Lots of local supermarkets also deliver to the estate.
Feel free to relax in your property and order a takeaway from a local eatery. Not all restaurants will deliver to the estates, so please check
Don't forget to order our delicious stonebaked pizzas from Hurricane Terrace
For rental guests smoking is not permitted in any of our properties, communal Estate buildings such as the Spa and Hurricane Terrace Bar, or outdoor pool side.
Bus routes and train information are subject to change so we recommend taking a look at the service provider’s website to confirm your final travel arrangements.
The nearest station to Silverlake is Moreton, it is a 5-minute drive from Silverlake.
Dorchester South and West is just a 15-minute drive from Silverlake.
Yes, of course. However, we kindly ask that you avoid scheduling deliveries during check-in times, as this is typically a busy period. Please also ensure you allow enough time after your arrival to be present to receive your shopping.
We’re pleased to offer two communal EV charging stations:
- Beaumont Village – Visitors Car Park, maximum of 3 hours per day
- Baxters Rise – Visitors Car Park, maximum of 3 hours per day
In addition, a number of properties at Silverlake feature private EV chargers outside the property. Availability varies, so please check the property details or speak with our team for more information.
As all our properties are privately owned, only some include enclosed gardens. We recommend checking the individual property listings or contacting our team for details on a specific property.
Due to safety restrictions about water temperature, water sports equipment is not available for use between November and April.
When going on the water in your own craft, it is a safety requirement that all water users wear a certified and correctly fitted buoyancy aid. You will also need to have proof of appropriate third-party liability insurance, to a limit of £1 million.
For more information, please click here.
Whilst the lakes are open you are welcome to swim in them. As we do not have any lifeguards on duty, these will be at your own risk and you will be required to wear a buoyancy aid whilst you swim.
For more details on free swimming in the lakes, please visit the team at the Activity Hub or give them a call on +44 (0)1285 719960.
When we are setting up your property to be listed on our website, we ask our homeowners to notify us via email of any dates they wish to use themselves. If during the year you wish to release any dates for guest bookings or if you wish to book any further available dates for your own use you can do so by emailing our owner’s services team via owner@habitatescapes.com or by telephoning us on 0333 241 6616.
Accidents happen, so we take a £500 security deposit against each guest booking. Our housekeeping team completes an in-depth departure check after each booking and notifies us of any damages that are new to the property. We can then charge the guests for any relevant damages. We have a recharge threshold where we only charge guests for damages over £25.00 + VAT. Any breakages below this are considered general wear and tear of the property.
As outlined in our guest booking terms and conditions in the event of any cancellation made by the guest, Habitat Escapes will seek to re-let the property for the period of the booking. If we successfully re-let the property for the whole of the period booked, the original guest shall be refunded less an administration fee of £40.00 plus VAT per week or part thereof booked. If we are unable to re-let the property, the guest shall forfeit all monies paid to date.
If a guest booking is made before an owner booking request is made, the original guest booking takes priority.
Habitat Escapes manages the customer service for all your guest bookings making sure to keep them hassle-free for you. As the owner, your contact will solely be with Habitat Escapes. Any feedback we receive, positive or negative, we will discuss directly with you.
When a booking is made you are sent an automated booking confirmation email with the booking reference, arrival and departure date. Each month we also send you a forward booking report alongside your monthly owner statement.
The amount varies based on a few factors, most notably the style and size of the property, the quality of the furnishings, the time of year etc. If you would like to find out more about how much your property may achieve on the rental market, please contact us at owner@habitatescapes.com where one of our owner specialists will be happy to discuss this with you.
Your facilitation fee also depends on the style and size of your property. Please contact our owner’s team and we can visit your property to discuss this with you.
Gas Safety Certificate, Fire Risk Assessment
PAT Testing of electrical items over 12 months only
EICR (Electrical Installation Certificate Report)
Electrical Safety Certificate
Annual Boiler Service
Air Source Heat Pump (if applicable)
Chimney Sweep (if applicable)
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Landlord Holiday Rental Insurance
