A true gem of a villa, Villa Écarlate is a stylish abode situated just a short walk from the beautiful sandy beaches of Île de Ré, an island off the west coast of France known for its unique landscape full of salt marshes and sand dunes.
All the ingredients for a dreamy island stay are here – think contemporary interiors boasting modern comforts that offer pleasure for the eye, a decked-out terrace with a pool and an abundance of space for al-fresco soirées.
Bathed in light all day thanks to the large bay windows that don’t obstruct the views, the holiday home accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms spread out across one floor. Pale interiors pair harmoniously with Moroccan rugs and textured furnishings, with the occasional blue lending a refreshing pop of colour to the otherwise pared-back space. Cook your meals in the state-of-the-art kitchen superbly equipped for any budding chef, and enjoy precious downtime over a glass of wine in the dining room or on one of the terraces outside.
The outdoor spaces create a sense of relaxation, with a sleek pool and wooden deck fringed by palm trees and typical Mediterranean greenery. Here you can truly forget the sense of time as you lounge and work on your tan. On balmy afternoons, curl up on the snug roofed terrace or escape the crowd by finding a quiet space to read in the inner courtyard. When you’re ready to go exploring, all it takes is to hop on one of the bikes provided by the property to start ticking must-see places and attractions off your list.
You’re in the heart of Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, a small seaside village full of charming cafés and cobbled streets excellent for sunny strolls. The closest beach can be reached in just 10 minutes on foot and hosts a lively beach club and abundant space for relaxing in the sun.
On other days, head to one of the neighbouring villages, such as La Couarde-sur-Mer or Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, offering a change of scenery. The historic town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is excellent for a day out with its fortresses, buzzing restaurants and a lovely harbour while being only a 10-minute drive away.
Alternatively, hop in the car to explore the coastal town of La Rochelle with its picturesque old harbour and a colossal marina, as well as an old town decorated with mediaeval houses and Renaissance architecture.
Features:
Villa Interior (150m2)
- Living room with sofas, armchairs, TV and fireplace
- Kitchen equipped with a fridge, freezer, induction hob, dishwasher, oven, microwave, kettle, toaster and coffee machine
- Dining area with a dining table and chairs
- Bedroom with a double bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
- Bedroom with a double bed and doors opening to the terrace
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Bedroom with twin beds and en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
- Bathroom with a shower/bath and WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (8m x 4m). Open approximately May to September
- Pool terrace with sun loungers, bean bags and garden furniture
- Outdoor dining table and chairs
- Covered lounge area with lounge furniture, chairs and fireplace
- Jacuzzi with a hang-out area with chairs
- Inner courtyard with garden furniture
- Outdoor shower
- Barbecue
- Plancha
- Parking space for 1 car
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV
- Sound system
- Hairdryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Washing machine
Location:
In a quiet residential area, Villa Écarlate is just a short stroll away from the pretty local village Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré and equally far away from Plage des Gollandières with its vast, sandy shores made for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing. The French island of Île de Ré is famed for its beaches and salt marshes, with this location being perfect for exploring all the hidden and not-so-hidden gems.
Step outside to follow a path down to the beach, where you can stretch your legs in the honey-hued sand and enjoy moments of well-deserved relaxation. Alternatively, hire paddle boards to explore the coast from the opposite side or bicycles to travel swiftly and more comfortably around the island. Luckily, other iconic strips of sand, such as Plage des Prises, are just a short stroll away, offering more amenities and picturesque views.
You’re also just a 10-minute walk to the village’s lovely central square and streets filled with small boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Here you can also find a supermarket to stock up on groceries, while a local bakery can be reached in just 5 minutes on foot – ideal for picking up fresh pastries with your coffee in the morning.
Your trip to this stunning little island should include visiting its salt marshes on the west coast. These unique natural pools are composed of three main basins: the mudflat, the evaporation reservoir and the marshland. These basins were expertly carved into the natural clay so that water could flow through them by simple gravity. While there’s a museum dedicated to this local natural heritage, Maison du Fier, there are also tranquil strips of sand, such as Plage du Petit Bec, waiting to be discovered. A little bit further, Conche des Baleines is a white sandy beach with a lighthouse and sands dunes, popular for swimming and thrilling water sports. From here, you can take a scenic walk to the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, built from limestone in the mid-1850s and climb to its octagonal tower offering far-reaching views.
If you’re happy to swap harmonious island life for a bit of the hustle and bustle, head to La Rochelle – a coastal city just across a bridge on the mainland. Only 30 minutes away by car, this sunny seaside city offers plenty of opportunities for an enjoyable day trip. Its maritime past is reflected in its Vieux Port (old harbour) and huge, modern Les Minimes marina. In the old town, you can admire the half-timbered mediaeval houses and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches. A couple of museums will save the day in case of bad weather, although it barely ever rains here, and there is an abundance of restaurants, cafés and bars where to sample the local cuisine too.
Terms & Conditions:
Arrival time
5.00 p.m
Departure time
9.00 a.m
Minimum stay
7 nights – all other durations on request.
Changeover day
Saturday – all other changeover days on request.
Energy costs included
Yes during May-September. Extra cost, payable locally, during October-April.
Linen & towels included
Bed and household linens can be hired on site for an extra cost of €47 per person per week, payable prior to arrival.
Pool opening dates
The pool is open approximately May to September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.
Pool heating charge
Included. The pool is heated from approximately May to September. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.
