About us
A happy place, overflowing with love and laughter.
We wanted to create a holiday home that was a happy place, overflowing with love and laughter, safe but filled with adventure. A place that would be special for someone of any age. Whether still feeding from a high chair, learning to dive or swim a width for the first time, climbing a tree fort, exploring the woods, sunbathing, reading, walking, cycling or canoeing, or simply drinking fine wines and tasting gourmet local cheeses.
We designed our holiday homes like this because we knew that as our family grew we wanted it to be the place each person could look forward to returning to the following year. A place where memories could be created, where the photos are simply aide-memoires to the joyful experiences shared together.
What’s in a logo?
Two girls, a tree, a late afternoon.
The logo used for Child Friendly Holidays is a detail taken from a painting we commissioned from Penny Milner while we were ourselves on holiday, not far from our French property at St Pompon near Domme in the Dordogne.
Our two girls, then just four and seven, were loving playing outdoors in the clean warm air. Their hair had been bleached particularly blond in the glorious sun and everyone was relaxed and cheerful. There was a simplicity and innocence in their play. Laughter was easy and lightly held in the air. Both were exploring, climbing a tree. It was fun.
There was a richness and fullness in the colours of the late afternoon sun, rewarding us though we did not deserve it. We were blessed. We remain blessed.
Your hosts
A reflection on what makes a good holiday
With five children of our own we have learned a thing or two about what kids like. And even though they are getting older by the day (parents too), we don’t forget what it is like to go on holiday with the whole family, from babies to grannies. We even know what it is like to have twins.
We know too what parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents like, and hope to have a mixture of activities and hideaways to please everyone.
To generalise, there are three things true of family holidays. Kids like dynamic activities the most: the zip wire, trampoline, swings and slides and of course the pool. Parents are happiest when they can relax, assured that their kids are safely having fun. And grandparents are happiest when they are around their family but have a quiet place they can escape to.
We hope that whichever of our cottages you visit, in France or in Kent, you have a wonderful time and your holiday is truly memorable.
Book early for school holidays
The summer weeks fill first, often the year before. Send us your dates and we will confirm availability straight away.