Over 4 years ago when my son was a baby, we booked a self-catering house in East Sussex where we spent two weeks of our summer holidays with good friends joining in from London with their babies.
The house exceeded our expectations and we truly had a wonderful time in a place where everything was provided for, from a fully equipped kitchen to a room full of toys and stair gates that would keep our little ones from crawling upstairs constantly. This gave us time to sit down and enjoy our time together without being worried.
Finding the right accommodation with small kids is crucial and can change your entire holiday from a nightmare to a relaxing experience. I think all of us parents are very much aware of this. I even know families that prefer staying home but I really think it is important to disconnect and enjoy experiencing new places with the kids so all that matters is choosing the right accommodation.
Here are my favourite self-catering villas for the summer holidays:
1.) THE UMBRIAN COUNTYRY COTTAGES
Situated in a stunning valley, the Umbrian Country Cottages are a magical option for families seeking tranquillity and relaxation in the heart of Italy. Three beautiful stone cottages, sleeping between two and six guests (with extra space for cots) look out over miles of uninterrupted countryside.
The two and a half acre grounds include a great fenced pool from which one can gaze down the endless valley, and a playground equipped with plenty of toys and a playhouse. Guests can help themselves to fruits, herbs and vegetables from the gardens, try their hand at making pizza in the old bread oven or enjoy an alfresco barbecue.
There are also alpacas and a child-friendly dog on site which the kids love. This place is only 15 minutes away by car from Perugia, one of my favourite cities in Italy – we visited this place last year Easter and we all fell in love with it.
Please note cottages can already be booked from 450 Euros per week during low season. Some weeks are already fully booked for this summer but there are still some gaps:
Stable House: 4th – 21st July & 28th July – 4th August & 11th – 18th August (this cottage is perfect for 2 adults plus 1 child).
The Wine Cellar House: 30th June – 7th July & 14th – 21st July (this cottage is perfect for 2 adults plus 2 children).
2.) THE MALLORCAN FARMHOUSE
This recently renovated family finca offers guests all the comfort and style of a contemporary family home, within an authentically rural setting. With five double bedrooms and three bathrooms in the main house, a large fenced pool, ample terrace space, gardens and a separate annexe, there is plenty of space for groups of up to 10 to cook and eat together, yet still find quiet corners to relax in. The owners, who have small children themselves, make toys and games available to families and are more than happy to erect safety barriers where needed.
The large pool includes a shallow area where little ones can play, and both pool and surrounding terrace are fully fenced for safety. Beyond the pool is a small playground where kids can play under the shade of the holm oaks.
The house can sleep 10 adults and 5 children and can be booked from 250 €/night during low season. Please note the house is always fully booked so it makes sense to book in advance (people already book now for summer 2019!). For this year only October dates are left.
3.) THE COSTA BRAVA GARDEN HOUSE
This is a nice four bedroom house which can fit up to 6 adults, 2 children and a baby. There are two double rooms, one twin and one kids room with bunk beds and a cot (the owner has as well extra kids beds she can provide). They provide toys for the kids, bikes, baby cutlery, high chairs and in case you needed anything specific the owner is always happy to help if she can. It is located about 1 hour from Barcelona in Sant Feliu de Guixols and the house is in a residential area where you have a community area (about 2 minutes walking from the house) with a big pool and a small playground. The community area is gated but the pool itself is not fenced as it is not a private pool belonging to the house but it is in an area where the children cannot go alone so there is no danger when you are at the house.
With the car it is about 5 minutes to the beach and to the nearest supermarket. The house also has a great garden where the kids can play and where you can enjoy meals.
The price will depend on how long you would like to stay. Please note usually during high season the weekly price is 2300 Euros. Right now there are still some weeks available in June and July. August is fully booked.
4.) THE IBICENCAN FAMILY VILLA
This spacious family villa is the perfect setting for a sunshine-filled family break, it can sleep up to 8 plus 2 babies. Ideally located within walking distance of the beautiful village (San José) and within 15 minutes drive of several beaches, it makes for a very relaxing stay: days can be spent splashing around in the pool, strolling into the village to pick up fresh bread or barbecue items, visiting nearby beaches, and enjoying the sunset from the roof terrace.
The villa offers a variety of charming outdoor spaces, giving everybody room to find a quiet spot when needed, but also providing ample space to dine, play and relax together.
One terrace, leading off the living room, is equipped with a dining and seating area, ideal for outdoor breakfasts. A lockable gate leads to a fully fenced pool and deck, equipped with sun loungers, which is prettily illuminated by fairy lights at night. A further sunken garden area includes a barbecue, large dining table for ten, and a little chill-out area decked out with beanbags. Guests are welcome to pick lemons from the tree and herbs from the gardens for their culinary or cocktail creations.
This villa gets also booked in advance and it makes sense to enquire early in the year to make sure summer weeks are not taken yet.
Availability for Summer 2018: 2nd-16th June / Weekly rental in June: 2650 Pounds
For enquiries and tips on how to travel with babies and toddlers, please contact me anytime, I am more than happy to share our travel experiences with you.
Happy travelling!