Helpful Holidays

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Self-Catering Self-Catering British Isles Helpful Holidays 

	Helpful Holidays
Coombe, Chagford, Devon TQ13 8DF			MAP
tel: (01647) 433 593

A company established in 1980, which prides itself on being child-friendly. There is a policy of regular inspection and at least one senior member of staff is reported to have personal knowledge of each property so can answer queries about child suitability.

No of Properties

450-plus.

Location

Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

Style

From basic "little or nothing that is new or smart but may well have charm", to five-star "exceptional" like a country house overlooking the River Dart in Devon. Increasing numbers of large properties for family gatherings, including a fort. Lists properties with swimming pool, with beach, with games room etc.

Linen

Provided in around 70% of properties, 40-50% offering towels for an extra charge.

Heating

At 70% of properties charged by meter reading, at 30% included in the price.

Facilities

Cots at 90% of properties, high chairs at 80%, free. There is a babysitting service at around 50% of properties, arranged with home owners direct at around £5 per hour. To ensure that this is available, a number of home owners report they have several sitters they can call on.

Extras

There service of pre-ordered groceries is offered at around two-thirds of properties as are evening meals which may be with a professional catering service, brought to you, or in the owner's home, or cooked meals left to heat. Quality local produce can be delivered to properties direct by sister company Westcountry Foods Direct (www.westcountryfoodsdirect.co.uk). For larger groups maid service can sometimes be arranged along with professional catering. A number of properties are on working farms and owners are asked to provide family games and books for young visitors. Information on good family things to do contained in every cottage.

Short Breaks

Offered mainly between the end of October and early April. At 125 properties there are Weekend standby offers, subjec to availability.

Sample Price

For a two bedroomed property over the May Bank Holiday week, around £330.