The Cotswolds has become one of Britain's most sought-after celebrity enclaves. Sir David and Lady Beckham own a converted barn estate in Great Tew, while Kate Moss, always ahead of the curve, has owned her whimsical 10-bedroom retreat in Little Faringdon since 2004.
Liam Gallagher recently purchased a home near Cirencester, and in 2024 Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi relocated to the region from the US. Of course, Jeremy Clarkson has also helped put the area on the map with Diddly Squat Farm and The Farmer's Dog pub.
A lesser-known destination is Log House Holidays, a collection of eight luxury Finnish-style log cabins set within a private 130-acre nature reserve in Poole Keynes, Gloucestershire, in the South Cotswolds. Each secluded cabin is carefully positioned around a beautiful central lake, offering complete privacy.
We stayed in Moondara, a spacious eight-berth cabin that felt wonderfully indulgent for our party of three adults (I was joined by my husband Barry, and our friend Russell); and our three small dogs (Ted, Jack and Finn).
The property came with everything you could want for a countryside escape: a sunken hot tub built into the decking, a fire pit, a private rowing boat - and its own lakeside beach, where we spent much of our time.
Inside, the cabin welcomes you with a generous boot room - perfect after muddy lakeside walks, before opening into the hallway featuring a hand-crafted wooden staircase and picture window with views across the lake.
The beautifully designed living space blends rustic antiques with contemporary comforts. Plush sofas, soft furnishings and warm timber interiors create an atmosphere that's both cosy and luxurious.
The kitchen is equally impressive: spacious, fully equipped and ideal for relaxed evenings in. During our two-night stay, we never felt the need to venture out for dinner.
My favourite feature was the maple tree that the cabin has been built around. Rising through the heart of the living room - a reminder that you're immersed in nature, even while indoors.
Daily walks around the lake's scenic 2.5-mile perimeter became the highlight of our stay. But the most memorable moment of all was watching Ted learn to swim. By the end of the trip, he was confidently paddling out to catch sticks - and he hasn't stopped swimming since.
Prices at Log House Holidays start from £800 for a 4 night stay in a 4 person cabin. To book and for more information, visit loghouseholidays.co.uk
