No.4, La Vieille Grange – 2 bedroom gite sleeping 4

Anyone who has been on holiday and wanted to stay forever may be a little envious of Emerald Coast Gites owners and hosts Simon and Lesley Willis who did exactly that. The Willis’s fell in love with the gite lifestyle on holiday in Spring 2005 and moved to France 3 months later! No mean feat with toddler Sam in tow.

What was once a run down farm complex is now home to seven fantastic 1-4 bedroom gites sleeping 2-8 plus cots. As Simon and Lesley are parents of young children themselves (Sam’s younger sister Evie was born in 2006) it’s unsurprising that the gites and surroundings have been designed very much with the needs of little ones at the forefront.

Each gite has a selection of toys and books, stairgates; blackout blinds crockery and cutlery, plus a comprehensive list of extras that can be arranged in advance (see grey box below). The grounds are kiddie heaven with adult and toddler heated swimming pools (both enclosed). Under 3s will be in their element with swings, slides and ride-ons plus an under cover soft play centre (coming in 2010).

Older kids have the multi-activity play centre with swings, slides, and a climbing wall. If that doesn’t exhaust them try the mini football pitch, basketball hoop and trampoline. There’s also an indoor games room with pool table, table tennis table, table football, electronic dartboard (with plastic safety darts) and a Nintendo Wii for evenings or when a break is needed from the sun.

Mums and dads feeling a little worn out reading through that list of activities will be relieved to hear Simon and Lesley’s ethos that parents need a holiday too! Catering to this ethos is the positioning of the well stocked bar which overlooks the play area! The bar is also a great place to mingle with other parents and sports fans will be delighted to know all major sporting events are screened here, particularly with World Cup 2010 fast approaching!

No.4, La Vieille Grange – Is a pretty cottage with 2 bedrooms, 1 double and 1 twin. There is a family bathroom with bath and overhead shower and a open plan living and kitchen area. Outside there is a private garden ideals for little ones to play in or for adults to enjoy a glass of wine or a spot of dinner in the evenings. Plus there are communal laundry facilities on site.