In this section: Spanish Accommodation | French Accommodation | Italian Accommodation
All our breaks take place at carefully selected, exceptional properties. Our aim has been to find the sort of outstanding property that we’d all like to stay in but which might be beyond our means if we were traveling in a small group.
In general, the properties are farmhouses or villas (or castles), decorated to an extremely high standard and located in quiet rural areas all on their own. In most cases, the properties are a few kilometers from the nearest town or village. They typically lie in substantial grounds of their own – often with vines, olives or other farmland on all sides.
Each property sleeps between 10 and 15 in double or twin rooms, most of which have en suite facilities. In those cases where each room is not en suite, then two rooms at most will share one bathroom. There will usually be a choice of several reception rooms to relax in.
All the properties have outdoor dining areas, often a choice of several, and usually with barbeque facilities. And every property has a substantial, private swimming pool and sunbathing area.
An overview of the six properties for our breaks is given below - more detail can be found by clicking the link to the individual property pages
Moorish farmhouse, Tijola, Andalucia, Spain – April 26th to May 17th 2008
Located in Las Alpujarras region of Andalucia, this farmhouse has been completely renovated by its owners who have created a Moorish mini-palace, with an attention to detail that is quite exceptional. Located in the hamlet of Tijola, near Orgiva in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this property is a quiet and peaceful retreat, yet close to Granada and the coast...more
Click here for a map of the property's location
Hacienda, nr Ronda, Andalucia, Spain - May 17th to June 7th 2008
This is a quite exceptional property – a genuine Spanish hacienda in the midst of the plains to the north-west of the Grazelema National Park, and close to both Seville and Cadiz. The property is arranged around three sides of a quadrangle filled with roses and bougainvilleas, and looks out over miles of gently undulating farmland and olive groves...more
Click here for a map of the property's location
The Chateau de Rodie, Dordogne/Lot, France – June 21st to July 5th 2008
This amazing Chateau is an ancient fortress dating from the 13th century which is now the centre of an organic farm set in 134 acres of private nature reserve. It is close to the towns of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Cahors and is the ideal location for exploring the southern Dordogne and northern Lot regions of France...more
Click here for a map of the property's location
La Moliere, nr Saignon, Provence, France – July 5th to July 19th 2008
This renovated farmhouse is located near the popular village of Saignon in the Luberon National Park in Provence. Situated in nearly 50 acres of grounds, with extensive panoramic views over open countryside, it is close to Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Marseille...more
Click here for a map of the property's location
Villa Mignola, nr Perugia, Umbria, Italy – Aug 2nd to Aug 16th 2008
Located in 22 hectares (50+ acres) of olive groves, vines and orchards, this spacious villa is close to the city of Perugia in central Umbria and within a short journey of Assisi and Cortona in Tuscany. It is about 20km from Lake Trasimeno, which is wonderfully warm in the summer months and ideal for swimming and other water sports...more
Click here for a map of the property's location
Villa Treppie, Barberino Val d’Elsa, Tuscany, Italy – Aug 16th to Sept 6th 2008
Located equidistant from the cities of Florence and Siena, this gorgeous villa is the ideal location for exploring central Tuscany. From its prominent position, the villa has views across the hilltop villages and hamlets towards San Gimignano – the famous “City of Towers” – 15 km away...more
Click here for a map of the property's location