Overview
‘Suncatcher’ is a pet-friendly, 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom lakeside retreat, enviably positioned with a sun-kissed balcony, private jetty, and a mezzanine games room for family fun and stunning views.
Tucked away behind a boat store, this contemporary holiday home features a Cotswold stone façade and is just a short stroll to many amenities including Millstone Park tennis courts, Ballihoo Restaurant, and the award-winning Lower Mill Spa. ‘Sun Catcher’ is a hidden gem on the ever-popular Howells Mere at Lower Mill Estate.
One of the few properties on Howells Mere with direct lake access, ‘Sun Catcher’ benefits from its own private jetty to the left of the property. Here you can launch your watercraft, cast your fishing rod, or simply laze in the sun watching the glistening lake.
As you step into this private haven, you will notice classic Cotswold green trim and seasonal photos from around Lower Mill Estate decorating the walls. This cherished family holiday home sleeps up to nine guests with the layout ideal for six adults and three children, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable family escape.
Learn more about this beautiful property in the ‘Accommodation’ section below.
Sleeps 9
5 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
WiFi
Pet friendly
Log fire
BBQ
Lake Access
Shared Outdoor Pool
Childrens Playground
Cot
High Chair
Access to spa and pool
Tennis Courts
Ground Floor
As you step into this private haven, your holiday begins on tiles warmed by underfloor heating – ideal for any season after a day of lakeside adventures or nature reserve explorations.
A family bathroom is located on this floor with shower over bath and neutrally decorated.
The first bedroom across the hall features a beautiful double metal-framed bed with underbed space to stow away suitcases and a chest of drawers to unpack.
Wander further down the hall to discover a king bedroom with en-suite shower room and built in robes. There is a further double bedroom with a chest of drawers and stunning views across Howells Mere. Both rooms benefit from glass sliding doors that lead out onto a large overwater deck.
The deck outside offers a tranquil spot to unwind, with outdoor lounge seating overlooking Howells Mere. Imagine yourself sipping on a nightcap or enjoying late night conversation under the stars as the reeds sway and the birds dip and dive, before retiring inside to bed after a fulfilling day in nature.
On this level, a fourth smaller double bedroom creates an intimate retreat with wall-hung bookshelves and a large chest of drawers – perfect for an older child or teenager.
First Floor
Ascend the carpeted stairs to the first floor, where timber flooring sets the stage.
A kids’ bunk room is located to the right on this floor. Bunk beds with built in bookshelves and a cosy bean bag welcomes up to two smaller ones in your tribe.
The open plan living area sits bathed in natural light, enhanced by a double height vaulted ceiling with full height glazed windows and doors. The beauty of Howells Mere is captured through this stunning backdrop. Relax on the leather sofas perfect for family gatherings, enjoy entertainment on the wall mounted TV, and on cooler evenings kindle the wood burner – the heart of this inviting space.
Step out onto the south facing balcony, where a gas BBQ inspires al fresco cooking, and a small table offers a perfect perch to savour the lake views.
Enjoy hearty family meals at the long glass dining table for up to eight guests which connects the living area with the kitchen. Perch yourself at one of the three stools at the breakfast bar ideal for preparing and entertaining large groups.
This well-stocked kitchen, with its NEFF 5 burner gas cooktop, fan forced oven plus convection oven, Nespresso by KRUPS coffee machine, along with integrated appliances including a fridge freezer, dishwasher and all-in-one washer dryer, is a functional culinary haven for family meals and entertainment.
Mezzanine Floor
Venture to the top floor, where a colourful mezzanine space welcomes natural light and provides an elevated perspective of Howells Mere.
An ideal hangout for kids and those young at heart, this area features a sofa with TV, Yamaha keyboard, Hy-Pro football table and a bookshelf with a small collection of interesting reads, ranging from cookbooks to Cotswold adventures.
‘Suncatcher’ at Lower Mill Estate is not just a holiday home; it’s an immersive experience, creating the perfect retreat for both play and relaxation.
What's included
- Bath and hand towels
- Tea towels
- Bed linen
- Bin liners
- Kitchen pack of cloth, sponge, dishwasher tablets & washing-up-liquid
Property is self-catered. The house is fully equipped with cutlery and crockery
Spa use included but subject to availability (contact Spa directly for opening times). Pool towels can be rented from the Spa, please contact the Spa directly to arrange this. (01285 862640)
On-site restaurant and small market shop with seasonal opening hours. Availability can book up in peak weeks so contact Ballihoo prior to arrival to not miss out. (01285 840181)
Bike and watercraft hire are available at the Activity Hub as well as lessons. Please follow the link for more information: https://lowermillestate.com/activities/
Please be aware that the vegetation surrounding the property is subject to change according to the time of year. This may mean that the views represented in the photos above may vary depending on the season in which you stay with us.
Normal check-in is from 4 pm. Out of peak season, early check-in of 2 pm may be available (at an additional fee). Please contact our office team to enquire.
Check out during off-peak dates is by 10 am on the day of departure. During peak dates (school holidays) check out is at 9 am.
£500 refundable damage deposit is due the week before your arrival. You will be contacted regarding this.
Travel cot and highchair are available for £10, subject to availability. Please advise at the time of booking. Guests to provide their own linen and mattress for the travel cot.
There is an 11 pm noise curfew on the estate.
Habitat Escapes does not accept bookings for hen or stag parties.
There are 3 electric vehicle charging points on the estate that operate on a first come first use basis.
All our properties are non-smoking.
Seasonal Closures
Somerford Lagoon Lake is closed from October – March due to nesting birds. The nearest canoe launch point is located near Mill Village as marked on the Estate Map.
The Somerford Nines (Clearwater 1-9). The private outdoor pool closes after the October half term and does not re-open until Easter.
The Miss Mouse Trail, run by the activity hub closes for the winter months. This is from 1st November to the Easter holidays.
Property specifics:
This property is Pet Friendly
One designated parking space near the property – please use the overflow car park for additional cars or one of the visitor spaces near the property.
Private Jetty down the left side of the property with direct lake access.
If you are looking to book multiple properties with us we have some lovely properties that are close to Suncatcher:
The Summer House - Situated just round the corner from Suncatcher. | Sleeps up to 8
Barn Owl - Situated just a few doors along from Suncatcher. | Sleeps up to 8
Lake Lodge - Situated a few doors along from Suncatcher. | Sleeps up to 8
Juniper House - Situated just along Howells Mere from Suncatcher. | Sleeps up to 8
Please contact a member of our team if you have any questions on booking multiple properties.
The following information will help you to locate Suncatcher upon your arrival at Lower Mill Estate.
Village
Your property Suncatcher is located in Howell's Mere.
Property Number
Howell's Mere 02
Finding your Property
From the Main Entrance where the security hut is positioned, drive through the gate and bear left, drive through the car park ahead, and exit right when you get to a four-way crossroads for Clearwater and Howells Mere properties.
Continue forward over the bridge taking the immediate right towards Howells Mere and Clearwater properties. Continue along this road and you will get to a point where the road splits off either left or right. Bear left and continue along the road passing the Spa and Tennis courts on your right and houses on your left. At the end of this road, you will see a bridge in front of you. Cross over this bridge into Howell's Mere and take the immediate left turning. The parking spot is on your right hand side just past the boat store and is labelled HM02.
To assist you during darker evenings, you would be advised to bring a torch with you as there is no street lighting permitted on the Estate other than low-level lighting.
