villas in spain

[jinna]

we are planning to go to spain with another family (10 of us in total) in early july - we would like to rent a villa with a pool - we have heard some horror stories ( rats and stuff) - so was hopeing some one could recommend one or where we could find out about good villas
Also which part of spain would be good to go to - we have two boys 5 and 1 whilst the other family have two boys 15 and 13
thanks

Try a company called Something Special. We booked through them last year and they have very nice big villas. We went to France but I am guessing they also do Spain. We booked about a year before we went and still had to settle for third choice as the best ones go very quickly.

I'm going with DP, DS and a few friends to a villa in spain with pool for 2 weeks in June, I can't wait. We found it on www.holiday-rentals.com, good easy to navigate site, just specify you want self-catering with private pool.
BTW the site was recommended to me by friends, I can let you know how I get on in June, might be a bit late for you this year though.

In Magic of Spain they have some townhouses around a pool. Looked like there were maybe five or six and right on the beach. I thought they would be good for a couple or more families going away but wanting their own space. IIRC, they had two bedrooms and two bathrooms each.

Sadly I've thrown the brochure away now but they have a website - google Magic of Spain.

i can really recommend rustic blue website. They are a spanish company all speak fluent english really helpful and have some great properties in andalucia. have a great time!

thanks for all the info - MrsS the holiday-rental site was brilliant
has anyone had any bad experiences of renting villas
we are flexible at the moment so may look at other european options - maybe portugal

We wnet on holiday with another family for three weeks in a villa.

We regualrly spent long days at the weekend with them and had known them for ages. DD was almost two and their children were about 8yo and 10yo.

Although we had a good holiday, I wouldn't share accommodation with another family willingly again. There were too many minor conflicts which wouldn't have arisen with separate accommodation e.g. quiet time whilst child napping/children wanting to scream and shout and play in pool; older children leaving doors to pool open which meant toddler if escaped could tumble into pool; differences over meals and day trips. Friction within family becoming more obvious because 'outsiders' there, etc.

But separate rooms/space/villas/flats would suit me fine. And an understanding that although you are on holiday together, you don't have to spend all your time together.

HTH

jinna, SueW's point about leaving pool gate open is very important - assume your 1-yr-old will be under constant supervision but don't know if your 5-yr-old can swim at all???

We have just spent 2 weeks sharing with another family, but our boys are aged 14 and 10 and their boy is also aged 14. The age gap could be a problem for you. (You said 10 in total, who are the extra 2?)

I'm looking for a villa to rent in or near Estepona for a week or two from 20 September. It's for me, dh and ds (3). Any ideas? Have tried a few websites but not much around in that area.

Many thanks in advance

Whereabouts is Estepona? I can highly recommend Vintage Travel , but they may not cover the area you want.