Enjoy visiting Florida, and stay at our luxury 5-bed 5-bath Orlando Lakefront Villa with private pool and spa, on the lake at  the Windsor Hills resort near to Walt Disney World in Florida.
 

Only 2 miles to Walt Disney World main gate, and within easy reach of Universal Studios and Sea World, our luxury lakefront villa home is close to family restaurants and shopping. With all the facilities of a vacation resort, our lakefront villa is a great place for a family vacation in Orlando.
 

Laze in the private pool and spa of our villa on the lakefront, overlooking the lake and conservation area. Relax in the comfort of our luxury villa with two master bedrooms, three twin bedrooms, and all the conveniences of home. Our luxury pool home lakefront villa accommodates family groups of 4 - 10 in comfort.

Thinking of a holiday in Florida? If so, take note of the region's fastest-growing trend - renting a private home. Some 1.4 million British visitors head for Florida each year, and of those nearly 30 per cent opt for a villa instead of a hotel.

The figure is climbing. British Airways Holidays has already increased its supply of villas to meet the expected demand. And many operators now devote separate sections in their brochures to holiday homes. So what is the appeal of a home from home in the Sunshine State?

For a start, staying in a private home gives you more freedom. And unlike France or Italy, where romance and atmosphere often have to compensate for antique plumbing, Florida's villas are modern, with three to seven bedrooms and all the latest labour-saving gadgets. No wonder tour operators list them as "private homes".

Price, of course, is also a consideration. The pound may be strong against the US dollar but accommodation still makes a large dent in any budget.

Brochures are full of options but, when comparing the costs of hotels and villas, you have to set like against like.

For a family of four, a two-week holiday in a three-star hotel means squashing into a single hotel room; book two rooms and the price jumps.

For comfort in a villa, the price gets you bedrooms, bathrooms, sitting room, kitchen and - most important for most Britons - a private swimming pool.

As important as price, however, is convenience. Dishwashers, microwave ovens, coffee machines and barbecues are de rigueur.

No one needs to slave over a hot stove when supermarkets are piled high with takeaways and dozens of fast food outlets will deliver to the door. Just stock the oversized fridge with milk, juice and fruit for breakfast, bottled water for days out and beer and wine for the evening. And with the large washers and dryers, families can travel light and return home with clean clothes.

As with Orlando hotels, the closer you are to Walt Disney World, the more you pay.

However, opting to stay a 30- or 40-minute drive away can be a false economy. After all, how much fun is a car full of fractious children at the end of a hot, tiring day at the theme park?

So, before booking, study maps as well as brochures.

Large villas suit two families or three generations holidaying together. This is known as "togethering" in the tourism industry. The cost for eight or 10 people of five-bedroom villa can be as low as £10 per person per night.

You can pay more to be in a gated community, with a pool that is not overlooked, as well as extras such as a games room and a Jacuzzi.

Many people book their own flights and villas on the internet. By dealing with British owners (of which Florida has many), they can take up references from British holidaymakers.

House checklist

When was the villa built?
After five years, villas can become run down; also ask when the property was last decorated or refurbished.
Location?
Make sure you are not too far from what you want to see to avoid a long drive at the end of a day out. Car hire is essential - nowhere is within walking distance.
Bedrooms
Check whether bedrooms have doubles or twins.
Avoid late booking
The later you leave it, the more limited the choice.

from The Sunday Telegraph, 7 Aug 2005, by Paul Wade