If you want tranquil waters at the bottom of the garden for fishing, kayaking or just dangling your feet in, there is a mini “lake district” on the doorstep of the Midlands that you can buy property around.

Covering 540 acres, Watermark is a private shoreside development around six lakes created from former gravel pits and lying just south of South Cerney.

Businessman Max Thomas came up with the idea some 20 years ago, inspired by the lakes of Norway and house design on the American east coast.

At the top end of the scale are five to seven-bedroom homes, the most expensive of which costs £1,200,000 for the plot and bespoke build.

However, a four-bedroom semi-detached comes in at £495,000 all in. The properties are only available to buy as holiday homes which means it is not possible to stay overnight on Watermark between January 5 and February 5.

New properties are now available and more details are available on 01285 869031 or tap to visit www.watermarkcotswolds.com.