Oak Frame Lakehouse Retreat
design, build & installation
Great Moor Lake
Set beside a tranquil lake in the Cotswolds, Great Moor Lake is a beautifully crafted contemporary oak framed guest house designed as a relaxed retreat for family and friends. Combining traditional oak craftsmanship with contemporary architectural details, the building provides additional living and entertaining space away from the main property, with expansive glazing, open-plan interiors and a striking exposed oak frame at its heart.
- ArchitectHelyer Designs
- Builder
- LocationCotswolds
- Crafted byThe Green Oak Carpentry Team
A peaceful retreat by the water
The vision was to create a welcoming lakeside retreat where family and friends could relax, stay and spend time together, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cotswold countryside.
Designed to feel connected to its peaceful setting, the guest house brings together generous open-plan living, dining and kitchen spaces with comfortable sleeping accommodation. The layout makes the most of the lakeside position, creating a versatile space for entertaining, overnight guests and quieter moments away from the main house.
Traditional craftsmanship, contemporary design
The design centres around an impressive double-height living space, where exposed oak beams and a vaulted roof create a wonderful sense of openness. A fully glazed, south-facing gable draws natural light deep into the interior, framing views across the lake and connecting the living spaces with the landscape beyond.
The handcrafted oak frame is a defining feature throughout. Sandblasted oak timbers bring warmth and texture, while white-painted roof boarding, glass balustrades and distinctive blue steel detailing introduce a contemporary contrast.
A sculptural steel spiral staircase leads to the upper level, where a glazed walkway connects the bedroom and sleeping loft. The open mezzanine arrangement allows the intricate oak roof structure to remain beautifully visible, maintaining a sense of space and light throughout.
Designed to belong
Externally, wide-sawn larch weatherboarding and cleft spruce roof shakes give the guest house a natural, understated appearance that sits comfortably within its rural surroundings.
An oak balcony, accessed from the sleeping loft, provides an additional outdoor space to enjoy the peaceful setting, with the possibility of sleeping beneath the stars.
The result is a characterful lakeside retreat that brings together traditional oak framing, contemporary design and a close connection to nature. By day, natural light fills the open-plan interior; by evening, the illuminated oak frame creates a welcoming glow across the water.
Are you looking to add extra space to your home?
Whether you’re planning a bespoke oak framed home, guest accommodation, garden room, pool building, or a kitchen extension, our team can help bring your ideas to life.
At Green Oak Carpentry, we combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and engineering to create beautiful timber buildings that are designed around the way you live.
Explore our range of oak framed outbuildings and discover how we work, or get in touch to discuss your project.
