CZECH HOLIDAYS - RENTING HOLIDAY COTTAGES

IntroductionThere is a long tradition of second-homes in the Czech Republic. The Czechs have a great love of nature and getting away from the bustle of city and town life, which dates back to the days of the Communists, when people lived for the weekends and holidays spent in their country home (to some extent they still do). They can vary from the extremely basic to the luxurious.

Types of cottage:

a) the old family farmhouse – often with barns and other outbuildings, Czech farms are to be found both in villages, clustered around the village green and/or pond, and as separate buildings in the countryside. b) chaty – these are recreational cottages, some purpose-built and some traditional cottages – these are often made of wood. You will find often find these in beautiful countryside – sometimes on their own and sometimes in a small village of chaty. c) chalupy – traditional country cottages, again to be found both in villages, clustered around the village green and/or pond, and as separate buildings in the countryside.

One thing you will often find, in all three types, is that the bedrooms are often in an attic area with sloping roof. This is traditional in many Czech areas.

Some things to consider:

• Some chaty are in the wilderness, so be prepared to drive along a track to get to them, it's worth it for the setting and peace and quiet. This is not a problem in the summer, but during the winter when there's snow on the ground you may wish to consider hiring a four-wheel drive car.

• Czech décor and furnishings – these can differ from British ones. Czech beds are usually harder than British ones. Some Czechs have a liking for hunting, so you may find trophies on the wall.

• Heating in chaty and chalupy is often via a wood-burning stove/s. Czech buildings are built around a central chimney which ensures that the heat from the stove is captured and distributed through the house.

• Some chaty and chalupy (often because of their remote nature) do not have all the mod cons, eg there may even an earth toilet or water pump in the yard. But if it's a back-to-nature holiday you want then this may be what you want.

When to go:Czech weather is very similar to British weather – although in the summer it tends to be slightly hotter and in the winter colder usually with snow. The main Czech summer season, when prices are at their highest, is in July and August. But that reflects school holidays not whether a Czech cottage holiday is suitable out of those months. Spring and Autumn in the Czech Republic are usually lovely and can be warm. But also consider a Czech cottage for a snowy winter break - a number of our cottages are near winter sports areas.

We have a selection of holiday cottages available, to find out more about renting a Czech cottage, visit our website http://www.czechholiday.co.uk

Czech Tours Ltd, email admin@czechtours.couk