Early season self-catering holidays in Europe

Specialist operator, Vintage Travel is highlighting its selection of hand-picked houses with private heated pools which are an ideal choice for those looking for an early season break.

For example, La Vallée - a four bedroom, four bathroom house sleeping eight situated in South West France has a private heated pool as well as a badminton net and games room with table tennis, table football, darts, boules, cricket and rounders equipment.  In addition, there is central heating throughout the house.

Set amongst 1.6 hectares of lawns and fields, this lovely property is surrounded by meadows and sits at the head of a hidden valley with superb views over the River Aveyron and the surrounding countryside.  Throughout April, a week’s rental is just £595 for a party of up to four, or £695 for between five and eight people.

Turning to Croatia, there’s a private kidney shaped pool – which can be heated – at Campo, a newly built three bedroom (all with air-con), three bathroom house sleeping six which is situated in the traditional stone-built hamlet of Rakovci in central Istria.

Internal features include honey-coloured stone walls, bespoke oak dining table, oak flooring and a sauna, whilst outdoors there’s a covered barbecue area, open and covered terraces and extensive lawns.  A week’s rental costs from £1750 at the beginning of May.

Prices do not include return UK flights and car hire, but these can be arranged on request.

The company also features houses with private heated pools in Tuscany, Catalunya and the Algarve.

For more information and bookings, visit vintagetravel.co.uk.