Thanks everyone for the suggestions. One of the couples we're going away with think they have found somewhere, but will be sure to check these all out if there's no availability. We tried babyfriendlyboltholes, but the one we wanted on there was not free the week we were going. Great website though! Love the fact you can hire a villa for a week with toys and baby equipment included - means you can actually use some of that luggage allowance for yourself!

Have you looked on www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk? They have loads of properties.

Hi, we have a four bed converted barn in the Charente - see www.lagrangedechille.com that might suit you. There are four large bedrooms there one is en-suite but the others all have a kind of bathroom complex (separate bath, shower and toilet) that means that people don't get in each other's way in the morning. The house is very secure (tall gates to fence off the swimming pool and gates to fence of the garden and patio from the outside world.

We only have one cot there but might be able to borrow more from friends in the area for the time you are there. There is also one high chair, but again we could try and borrow more for you.

We can provide some toys and there are plenty of DVDs to keep kids happy in the evening.

Call me if you want to discuss further, the number is on the web site.

Les Limornieres was fantastic and the owners are brilliant. It might not be quite the area you're looking at but not far, I think. We went last summer with our two-year-old. There are three cottages, all surrounding a lovely garden with BBQ, etc., and a separate area with playsets and trampoline. I'd think they could accommodate your group nicely. There were loads of toys and books for all ages, inside and out, and all in lovely condition, etc. There's no pool, but there is a swim complex in the town about 2-3km away, with a kids' pool and main pool. About 15min away is a five-pool complex with water slides. Ping me an email if you want more information.

http://www.franceholidaycottage.com/

Hi, currently struggling to find a baby / toddler friendly villa in the S W of France (Dordogne, Acquitaine or Gascony preferably) for next summer, that accomodates 6 adults and 3 little ones (6 months, 12 months and 20 months). All the places we agree on seem to be booked up well in advance!!

Anyone have any recommendations? Ideally we want something with a heated pool, at least 3 double bedrooms with en suite, and lots of baby / toddler equipment (including safety gates and a secured area in the garden for the eldest 2 to run around in). My friends are travelling from HK and Dubai, so we want to avoid having to bring as much stuff with us as possible as it's not very practical!

Would love to hear where you have stayed and whether you'd recommend it - thanks!