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La Vendange Child Friendly Gites HOMEPAGE "Fantastic location and superb facilities for young children." (Urquhart family, JULY 2007) For Children La Vendange has been set up as a fun, relaxing base for exploring the lovely coast and countryside of Poitou-Charentes. We consider that the accommodation and facilities are most suited to families with children aged under about 12 yrs. To see the layout of the property click here. Childrens' Safety The pool area (approx 250m2 including lawn and terrace) is fully enclosed (min 1.8m high wall or fence on all sides). Access is from the drive via a sprung gate closed with a childproof "Magnalatch". We are certified to the 2004 French standards for pool safety and the pool is fitted with an alarm. We are well away from busy roads. The property is on a very small rural side road on the very edge of a small village about 10 mins drive from the nears town. The comings and goings of our guests make up most of the daily traffic. One of the reasons that La Vendange is so popular with young families is the fortified farm layout means that the 500m2 central courtyard (now a lawn and childrens' playground) is large enough for childen to have a sense of freedom, but is fully enclosed and within clear view of the cottages and most of the private outdoor dining areas. The idea is that adults can put their feet up with a book and a cool drink with the knowledge that their children can't wander off. Stair gates are supplied as standard in all the cottages. Most baby/toddler equipment is available FOC on request. Please note that a cot sheet is provided but not blankets. Low windows are fitted with padlocked chains or safety catches. There are smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and first aid kits in every cottage. There is also a large first aid kit located in the garden. Breakages and Security Deposits We don't charge a security deposit as our cottages are well-equipped and comfortably furnished, but devoid of breakable knic- knacs, antiques or expensive high tech equipment. We want adults and children alike to relax and have fun on their holidays. Childrens' Fun In each cottage there is a box of toys, children’s books and a portable CD/MP3/SD player with a 1GB SD card full of children’s songs, stories and kids dance music for parties! Outside on the fully enclosed main lawn we have a large (shaded) sandpit, a paddling pool and small slide for younger children; plus 2 sets of swings, a 10 foot "Orbounder" trampoline with safety net, badminton, table tennis and table football in the barn We also have a soccer field for the older children (and parents ...) As we have four cottages, we often find that we can manage to get a good team together. During high season we usually host weekly matches on our field against the "other place". Our village is an ancient sleepy farming community and there are usually lots of animals (ducks, chickens, cows, sheep etc.) to see during an evening stroll. A walk through the village to feed Rebecca the donkey is a popular activity with the younger children. We hatch several broods of chicks ourselves during the summer and the children love to pet and feed them (the young chicks are kept in an enclosure in one corner of the garden). About 5km away is the leisure park at Les Touches de Perigny. The park has a large children’s playground, crazy golf and a fishing lake. There are loads and loads of fun things to do with children in the surrounding area (see "places to visit" section or click to see our previous guests' top 30 things to see and do ). Horseriding can be organised with the local riding school near Aulney (about 10 mins North) Further afield, the Useful link: Tiny Tots Away.com Travel resource for families with young children *Note: Columbard outdoor dining area is on the opposite side of the buildings to the main lawn, but Columbard lounge overlooks the playground and there is also a bench seat next to the lounge window. All text and photos are Copyright 2007. La Vendange Child friendly Gites. |
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