recommendations for extended family group holiday (6 bedrooms) self catering?

[WhiffyBiffer]

We're going to attempt our first extended family group holiday. We'd like to go no more than 3 hours from Hampshire so Dorset, somerset etc.

We're going to need 12 beds so probably 6 bedrooms. Could also be split over two cottages.

My Dad is covering some of the cost and wants something quite nice, ideally with facilities like indoor pool on site.

Any ideas or recommendations? I don't know where to start!

Initially we thought may half term but I doubt we'll find anything at this point, so are now thinking October half term 2016.

Should say, we'll be 8 adults, 5 kids 4-8yo and 2 babies/toddlers about 18 months.

look at cottages 4 you. About ten years ago they used to give mumsnetters a ten percent discount, they dont anymore, but have some fabulous places listed. I can reccommend spekes retreat in north devon, but it doesnt have a pool.

We've had very successful family holidays at lower mill estate in the Cotswolds. Indoor and outdoor pool, play area, tennis courts, pubs within walking distance.

www.habitatescapes.com/

There are several specialist sites that you should look at
groupaccommodation.com
bigholidayhouse.com
groupstays.co.uk

all of them specialise in either large properties or clusters of properties. you might get lucky with may half term but it is likely to be more expensive than October.

Thanks for your suggestions, I'm checking them out. Any other specific recommendations gratefully received!

We stayed at Doles Ash Farm in Dorset. It's small cottages with an indoor swimming pool.
Try English Country Cottages. We've booked through them several times. There's another one we've stayed at near Lyme Regis which also has a swimming pool which we booked through them. Just can't remember the name of it.

Thanks for your suggestions. Doles ash farm looks good, I've emailed them.

I would honestly book three smaller cottages on an estate/complex with pool for the sake of sanity and privacy.

Yes. I think it could be good to have own space. The downside of booking multiple smaller ones is that we're unlikely to find large enough communal areas for us to all eat together and hang out in the evening.