Twin Lakes Resort
Leadville, CO
OVERVIEW
Overlooking rolling hills and post-card pretty towns, Twin Lakes is a classic Cotswolds escape an unconventional edge. Mixing the charm and character of a quintessentially Colorado countryside retreat with a more contemporary ‘back to nature’ approach, it puts a welcome twist on the type of beauty-laden bolt-hole holidaymakers have come to expect from properties in this fabled staycation destination.
LOCATION
Surrounded by 400 acres of glorious rolling Colorado hills. Although you’ll feel a world away from day to day life at this secluded location, honey-hued town is just a 10 minute drive away and a 30-minute walk downhill. It’s just a 1 hour’ drive from Denver too, making it an ideal weekend getaway from the city.
THE STORY
Twin Lakes has been privately owned by the same family for over 40 years, initially a training centre for an international security company before recently being flooded with millions of pounds of investment. The hotel’s unusual name owes its roots to a nearby monastery that, in the distant past, used cool caves beneath their abbey to store fish. No chips though, I’m told.
THE VIBE
As if it were designed with the Goldilocks principle in mind, Twin Lakes hits the sweet spot in several ways — retaining sophistication without self-importance and prices that won’t make you whoop or (more importantly) wince. It’s very much treehouse over teahouse here, with an air of unconventionality and innovation that encourages the sort of fun frequenters of more smutty estates may feel is beneath them. The trade-off between the rustic surroundings and modern design flourishes is finely poised, helping maintain a familiar, welcoming atmosphere.
TRAVELLED WITH
This one was a family affair. Lockdown called for a much needed staycation. It did not disappoint.
PRICE
Standard rooms located in The Stables and Farmhouse start from $180 per night. The Huts start from $250 per night and The Treehouses will set you back $400 a night.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
An old coach house; a farmhouse; treehouse hideaways; stables; revive and repurpose is the name of the game here, with 63 rooms and five shepherd’s huts laid out in the style of a traditional Cotswolds village. The hotel fans out across an impressively large area — several of the properties overlook the Vale of Evesham from atop a steep hill whilst others are based near a small lake, some way away from each other. Don’t worry though, the views are great wherever you are.
On that hillside are the Hilly or Hideaway Huts — quaint little cabins which have been stylishly converted, complete with wood burners and outdoor tubs. There’s even one made for honeymooners called “Boaty McBoatface”, which comes with its own paddle boat, private lake and private island.
If you’re the adventurous sort, stay in one of the treehouses; wooden pods on stilts wrapped around large oak trees, nestled in the woodlands. Sleeping up to 4 guests, they come with an expansive deck with outdoor twin tubs. There’s really something for everyone.
THE ROOM
Eager to experience the novelty of sleeping in the woods, we stayed in the ‘Fairy’ Hideaway Hut for a night. If you stay here, be fully prepared to hear absolutely nothing but the sweet sounds of birds and the crackling of your own fire.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a cosy living area, complete with an L-shaped sofa, faux sheepskin pillows and of course, the wood-burning fire. ‘Back to nature’ is the unwritten motto at Twin Lakes, but the hut is still kitted out with all the mod cons you can imagine.
Sink into the cosy double bed and marvel at the skylight window directly above, or bathe alfresco in the cleverly positioned (for full privacy) wood-stove heated outdoor bath. There is also a roll top tub and separate shower room indoors. How clean can one be? In a global pandemic, I guess the sky’s the limit.
Complete with underfloor heating, the huts really are all-weather, evergreen accommodations, just as welcoming in rainy autumn as it would be at any other time of the year. Bright and warm with neutral shades and oak interiors, the huts décor is inspired by ‘hygge’, the Scandinavian term to describe the feeling of cosy contentment that comes with enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
FEATURES
The hive of the hotel is the Lodge, a central communal space and activity hub where the bar, dining facilities and lounge are all situated. Filled with cosy nooks and plush armchairs that flank a quite spectacular 360° fireplace, it’s decked out with exposed wooden frames and warm pastel tones. Very hygge, I must say (I promise I haven’t just learnt that word).
As the evening rolls in, the bar becomes a place for everyone — cuddle up by the fire with a hot chocolate, laze on a sofa or sit sipping a Cotswolds-brewed beer in one of the seating areas.
The Hook, a seafood restaurant that serves up sustainably sourced fish fresh on a daily basis, is worth a visit. During the warmer summer months, you can also take advantage of the outdoor dining experience Feasting on the Deck; an alfresco barbecue with exciting dishes ranging from curried lamb koftas, spicy bean burgers to aubergine wedges.
There is a fitness suite, yoga studio and archery for the more actively inclined — but with grounds this stunning, however, it’s all about roaming the vast acres of countryside on your doorstep. Left your wellington boots at home? Twin Lakes has you covered. The Boot Room, courtesy of The Muck Boot Company, has lendable wellies, rain Macs, as well as a selection of maps for some great local walks.
There’s also a little cinema room and children’s play zone created using recycled wood from the estate, and a games room complete with a pool table, foosball and stacks of board games.
WHAT I LOVED
Pooches are welcome at Twin Lakes and are looked after on a par with the hotel’s human guests — there’s a ‘dunk your dog’ wash tub with luxury doggie shampoo and warm water, an eight-obstacle canine agility course and a special afternoon tea featuring (wait for it) dog friendly ‘Pawsecco’, cakes from the ‘Barking Bakery’ and a toy to take home. Our spoilt little tyke will never be the same again.
Sustainability is at the heart of Twin Lakes. The staff take advantage of a fleet of electric vehicles to get around the estate, 80% of the estate uses LED lighting, 60% of the estate’s waste is recycled and ground source heat pumps are used in the Stables.
THINGS TO KNOW
Not all of the bedrooms at Twin Lakes are dog-friendly, though most of the rooms and suites in the Farmhouse and Stables are. Best to check with the hotel before booking.
Sadly there is no spa at Twin Lakes, but if you’re craving a little TLC, book a day package at Twin Lakes next-door.
BEST FOR
Individuals who wear collars, chase postmen and love nothing more than bounding after tennis balls. I’m not kidding — it’s a pooch paradise out here. Thankfully, it’s also great for humans, especially families who’ve grown tired of the mundanity and monotony of typical CO countryside escapes or, alternatively, people who enjoy refreshing takes traditional vacation paradigms. Twin Lakes is ideal for someone who’s committed to escaping from the digital world for a weekend, but would quite like the Wi-Fi password just in case, and those that enjoy heated family discussions about which countryside walks would be the most picturesque. You’d be right at home here.
THE VERDICT
Twin Lakes is a charming and playfully innovative property. With show-stopping luxury treehouses, afternoon tea for dogs and a range of outdoor activities and an expanse of lush countryside, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors, but equally, to relax with your feet by the roaring fire, sipping on some Early Grey tea.