La Vendange, Child Friendly Gites : Gardens (home)

The fortified farm layout at La Vendange provides a uniquely safe and secure environment for families with young children. The large central lawned area is surrounded by the cottages and former farm buildings. The whole area is fully enclosed and there are only two access gates.

There is plenty of space to run around in and the playground area contains swings, slides, a trampoline, a large covered sandpit, a wendy house, and general play equipment for children of all ages.

While the children play within sight, the adults can relax in their own private garden areas, or on the communal hammock, swinging sofa or benches. The two exits from the garden are both protected by childproof gates. Syrah, Chasselas and Verdhello cottages are accessed only from the main lawn, while Colombard cottage has views over this area from the lounge room. (Click here to see a site plan)

The barn is accessed from the garden by another childproof "magnalatch" gate and has table tennis and other toys and games.

Every summer we hatch new chicks for the enclosure in the corner of the garden. Guests are invited to reduce their contribution to the local landfill by feeding them leftover food. (See FAQ for recycling policy)

Our hens are in a separate, gated area near the barn and provide delicious eggs which the children can collect.

We also keep quail in another separate enclose and the manager will bring them out from time to time so that the younger children can pet them. The quail lay tiny speckled eggs which the children can collect. The free range hen and quail eggs taste much better than the shop-bought equivalent. Several families who visited us went home and set up with quail and hens themselves !

The heated swimming pool at La Vendange is in a completely separate, secure area on the far side of the car park.

Beyond the barn there is separate field for sports (e.g. football matches, see photo below right). Click here to see a full layout of the property

Click here to see the barn and field at night. Great photo taken by one of our guests, photographer Jordan Cummins