8 minute read
Family Getaway
The Rise of the Multi-generation Holiday Trend
Multi-generational holidays are trending and growing rapidly in popularity. Taking time out from busy lives, reconnecting with family and exploring new territory are major factors in seeking a holiday away with loved ones. Working parents rarely have much free time, the children’s lives also being filled with activities, parties, and school, and grandparents, while potentially being retired, also have lives of their own that may not be in close proximity to their family. So taking a break all together sounds like a great opportunity for everyone to get what they need out of a respite from reality, as well as time connecting with one another.
Children need constant entertainment and attention, teenagers may request the opposite, parents of said children probably need a well-earned rest, and the grandparents want quality time with all of the above. How on earth do you fit all that into one holiday?
Renting a stunning villa or country house may sound extravagant, but when sharing the cost across the generations, it doesn’t work out much different to a regular hotel room. This way allows you to have the whole place to yourselves to cook meals together, share living time in a neutral, beautiful, specificallytailored-to-your-needs space whilst still having plenty of room and privacy when required. How about trying one of the following ‘something-foreveryone’ destinations curated by specialists in multigenerational vacations within the UK and France. As recommended by award-winning, well-respected and experienced travel organisers, Oliver’s Travels, compromise and flexibility are key to the success of such a trip, and a little bit of luxury lends a helping hand! None of the locations are long-distance, access is easy, and there are no complicated travel plans to tackle. All the houses are spacious and lend themselves to entertainment for the whole extended family. So here are the top five for you to take your pick or simply get an idea of what a multi-generation holiday could look like for you and your family.
First, we take you to the Cote d’Azur, or the French Riviera as it is fondly known, to Villa Jolie set just below the stunning hilltop town of Grasse (famous worldwide for perfume) and its magical surrounding landscape. Only 30 minutes drive from Cannes, and 45 minutes from Nice, there are plenty of coastal beauty spots to explore if you feel like getting out and about.
The four-bedroom, four bathroom stone-cottage style villa has a private lagoon-shaped pool, luxurious outdoor lounging areas, pizza oven, a gym. All rooms are air-conditioned and have ensuite bathrooms. Beautiful open-plan interior and exterior spaces provide plenty of room for all the family to play, relax, socialise or snuggle up in a nook and read. Gorgeous high beam-lined ceilings, spotlights, plush soft-furnishings and decadent yet comfortable decor all serve to make this a delightful home from home.
Stunning countryside views surround the pool area, and shaded seating amongst the indigenous plants and vines provides a dappled light for afternoon tea or sundowners. Airy interior dining, grand bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully stocked wine cellar, spoiltfor-choice terrace lounging/dining, outdoor bar and bbq area, top-of-the-range modern kitchen, plus children’s play area, what more could you want from your multi-gen family holiday home?
8 From: £111 per person per night.
Dyrham House, Cotswolds
A closer-to-home ‘stay-cation’ could take you to this delightful country home in the Cotswolds. Dyrham House boasts a quintessential British countryside setting, with extensive green lawns rolling down into an on-site river, and a gorgeously decorated property with light-filled spacious bedrooms and living areas, featuring some classic English pieces, stand-alone baths, kitchen range, open fireplaces, old leather luggage trunks and original wood flooring. It is cosy and feels like home with an air of luxury and prominence. With six bedrooms and three bathrooms, there is plenty of room for the whole family to have their own space and at the same time come together and enjoy their time away.
Just a short drive away are the wonderful cities of Bath and Bristol, which have plenty of amenities for the whole family should you wish to get out and explore.
Chateau Lignol, Brittany
Now we head back to rural France, and your very own chateau tucked neatly behind Breton farmland and grandeur with gold embellishments. only five minutes from the bustling village of Geumene Sur Scorff. Chateau Lignol The garden is immaculate and features a heated is quite simply magnificent. You will be hard-pushed swimming pool, and there is an endless supply of not to completely relax here, take in the peaceful indoor games to entertain the entire family. surroundings whilst swanning around the majestic chateau. If this isn’t enough to keep everyone busy, the neighbouring village offers a weekly market, cinema, The house is an incredible 14th-century hunting lodge and some incredible boulangeries to feast on all the with a grand, plush, yet cosy interior. You will feel regal local pastries café-au-lait, and cakes. with a touch of familiarity as you roam the rooms, the country kitchen, white-washed beams, and hints of 10 From: £36 per person per night.
County Meath Castle, Ireland
Our next adventure brings us back to our Irish roots, immerse yourself in Celtic culture at County Meath Castle. It may not be swimsuits and sunshine holiday every day, but the castle and its grounds will not disappoint for adventure and ambience. A historically rich region overlooking the famous Lough Sheelin and its brown trout, grab a rod and try your luck. More suited to slightly older children - only as they will have more opportunity to enjoy the activities and outdoors - clay pigeon shooting anyone? Or how about a spot of horse riding across the fields?
After all the fresh air and adventure settling down by the roaring fire, finding your own cosy corner and truly relaxing in style will be a welcome retreat. The traditional six-bedroom, five-bathroom castle sleeps up to fifteen guests and offers an antique-rich interior with clear links to the owner’s love of hunting!
L’Oustal Des Fleurs, Languedoc
And just like that, we are back in France - specifically the major wine-producing region of Languedoc (you’ll find two complimentary bottles on arrival!). Here you will be very pleased to see L’oustal Des Fleurs, a highly charming villa in an authentic rural French village. The aptly-named home boasts gardens surrounded by a vast array of flowers and a lot of delightful places to relax - you’ll find hammocks dotted around the outdoor patios, sun-loungers just where you need them, and a sumptuous interior with a harmonious pallet. The villa is exactly what you picture when you think French country cottage; throw in a little luxury imagination, and you’re at L’Oustal Des Fleurs.
The owner is an interior designer, and it shows, the style is comfortable, combined with style and panache.
The neighbouring park (one minute walk away) offers tennis courts, a beautiful rose garden, a children’s play area, and a wildlife-filled pond. You can venture into the neighbouring village of LacJouarres and participate in some more active water sports and absolutely beautiful surroundings. The villa itself is situated in a beautiful village offering all the traditional fare of France, boutique shops, restaurants, cafés, but does not feel as though it is immersed in town life. It remains blissfully tranquil in its countryside settings with a view of the old church from the lounging patio. There is a stone BBQ and comfortable outside dining area and covered pool to offer year-round swimming.
Sleeps: 8 From: £35 per person per night.
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