English Country Cottages

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Self-Catering Self-Catering British Isles English Country Cottages 

	English Country Cottages
Spring Mill, Earby, Barnoldswick, Lancs, BB94 0AA			MAP
tel: (08700) 789 789; brochures (0870) 585 1111

Another arm of the Holiday Cottages (Cendant) group, targeting the top of the market with a 436-page brochure on England alone and operating with a network of 23 regional managers, responsible for keeping standards up to scratch.

No of Properties

Around 2,500.

Location

East Anglia, South of England, West of England, The Cotswolds and Chilterns, Central England, and North of England, Wales, Scotland and the South and West of Ireland.

Style

Varies from simple through characterful to luxurious. Kitchens may be plain or with microwave, washing machine and tumble dryer and in 65% dishwasher and freezer. Colour TV is standard and many properties in Scotland also offer stereo, video and possibly a phone. 62 sleep 10-plus. Almost a third of properties are around complexes with pool, games room etc.

Linen

Generally included though in around 5% of cases will be extra charge of around £5 per person. In 40% of properties no towels.

Heating

Included at around 30% of properties or paid for by meter reading or standard charge.

Facilities

80% of properties offer a cot or travel cot for children under 2 only, and 30% high chairs. A handful offer baby-sitting on request.

Extras

At around 25% of properties babysitting can be arranged. There are children's play areas at around 10%.

Short Breaks

Available at certain properties in summer and at most between November and March.

Sample Price

For a two bedroomed property for the May Bank Holiday week around £505.