From The Warminster Official Guide And Souvenir 1928 (penned by Victor Strode Manley):
Shearwater
“A quiet spirit-healing nook, Which all, methinks, would love.â€
A sylvan paradise is here breathing soft magic of tranquillity. Only two and a half miles from the town, it is so well known as to scarce warrant a description. Forming part of the Longleat Estate, the public have free access to it, a privilege only conditioned by a request to refrain from wanton destruction of the flowering shrubs. No motors are allowed in the grounds and, unless picnicking, it is advisable to refresh at the inn close by where there are admirable tea gardens. Permission for boating and angling may be obtained from the      Longleat Estate Office in Portway, Warminster.
The lake (38 acres) is a perpetual beauty, with water of crystalline clearness in which the play of light and vividly coloured reflections on the glistening surface become increasingly lovely the longer one dotes on the scene. The surface is constantly rippled by leaping fish, mallards with iridescent plumage skim over it, the shy dab chick in sombre black paddles in odd corners contrasting with the white,    supple-necked swans among the water lilies.
There is a placidness in the chequered shade from over-hanging trees which roof the paths with the loveliest green tracery, sheltering mossy banks with delicate ferns and bracken rising out of a carpet of larch needles. Nature in her gayest mood lies pictured in a mirrored lake.