Big Cottage Company - By the Sea, Dorset
Bournemouth
The Fosters have made sure that your family holiday, in one of their stunning properties will be about fun and freedom. There are two wonderful houses in Dorset (four others in the Cotswolds); each within it's own grounds and with it's own facilities. You'll find big spaces to enjoy, both inside and out. Whether it's relaxing in the pool at the Lindens or in the grounds, relaxing in Middle Chine Manor's giant home cinema or enjoying the novelty of your own private beach hut - in either case you have a treat in store.
The Lindens is a stunning 18th century manor house a few miles inland from the breathtaking natural scenery of Lulworth Cove - part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. There are 9 bedrooms, sleeping 18, and huge, beautifully furnished reception spaces. Outside there is the heated pool open from 9am to 7pm each day from May to September, an all weather tennis court, 4 acres of woodland and gardens, a playground and a spacious games room.
Middle Chine Manor is an enormous, characterful house, set in large secluded gardens and combines the best of traditional features with state of the art modern equipment. There are 12 bedrooms, sleeping 24-30, and big reception rooms including the giant home cinema room on the top floor. Just eight minutes walk down to Middle Chine's sandy beach and your private beach hut, you'll have fine views over to the Isle of Wight and Studland. Otherwise take a fifteen minute stroll along the promenade to Bournemouth pier and the town centre attractions and facilities.
Surfing, sailing and all watersports are readily available close by as is the ability to simply enjoy a day building sandcastles on the safe Blue Flag beach.
There is a clear awareness that if the kids are happy everyone get's a chance to "holiday". Hence there are lots of things to do for all ages - adults, teenagers, children and toddlers alike.
So, facilities - a Baby and Toddler Pack has thoughtfully been supplied with high chairs, cots and stair gates to keep little ones contained as necessary. Fire-guards protect from the log-burning stoves, electrical sockets have plug protectors and baby monitors ensure you hear the kids wherever you may be. Even mealtimes are easy - not only can you work to your own timetable but you can order food in advance to cut down on shopping. Beakers, bowls, plates and cutlery ensure there's no panic about plate smashing.
Cupboards are stuffed with toys and board games suitable for all ages, including Brio, Lego and dressing-up clothes. There are places to explore indoors with dens to be built in hidey holes. Ride-on toys and swings are waiting outdoors for play-time; the adventure playground helps burn off energy as of course does the decadent heated outdoor pool.
The games room provides space for older kids to take themselves off and keep out of mischief with their own pool table, table tennis and table football to keep them occupied - it's still within striking of the distance of the house so that you can keep an ear out and they can raid the cupboards!
Wi-fi is available in the house at no extra charge. Additional treats to consider include: getting in a well known local chef to produce fully catered meals for you; having beauty therapists visit you at the house for a pamper treatment or a personal trainer and the housekeeper is available for cleaning during your stay. Babysitting can be provided by a CRB checked and first aid trained nursery nurse.
Attractions and Days Out
For a fun-packed day out, you are spoilt for choice. Top attractions include: strolling pier to pier along the promenade, from Bournemouth to Boscombe, enjoying the pier, gardens, shops and restaurants in Bournemouth, taking a steam-train ride to Corfe Castle, visiting the beautiful Purbecks, Paultons Park, Monkeyworld - home to over 240 primates of all kinds - The New Forest, where ponies (and pigs) roam freely in the woods and the beautiful Moors Country Park where you'll find Go Ape and age-suitable play areas - all provide fantastic days out.