Just a stone’s throw away from uninterrupted golden shores and with views over the sea, Villa Ombrelle is a charming property on the island of Île de Ré off the west coast of France.
Composed of two separate houses set in an idyllic garden full of Mediterranean plants, the holiday home is ideal for large families and friend groups looking for a harmonious getaway in a truly unique destination.
Inside, the lovely home is bathed in light thanks to the large bay windows that let the breeze in on hot summer days. The spacious living room, sleek kitchen, dining room and another dining corner are all connected, creating a sense of space perfect for gathering and spending quality time together. A mischievous sense of design uplifts these spaces with eclectic art and underrated colour palette – note the terracotta-hued furniture offsetting the grey furnishings and steel kitchen. The bedrooms are all comfortably furnished with large beds and wood-panelled walls, exuding a typical French country house charm. Additional four guests are welcomed to stay in the cosy annexe equipped with its own little kitchen and living room, as well as a dining-area-meets-winter-garden framed by floor-to-ceiling walls on both sides – perfect for basking in the sun come golden hour.
But the glorious Mediterranean weather can best be enjoyed outdoors on the terrace. Sip your morning coffee together with the rest of the holiday group in the inner courtyard or host al-fresco meals a bit further in the garden – there’s a table with chairs tucked away near the trees offering a truly blissful atmosphere.
It’s just a few minutes stroll to the nearby beach backed by sand dunes, with fishing boats and plenty of wide open space for roaming free. It’s easy to potter around by foot or bike – head further afield to explore the island’ salt marshes and pine forests, and yet more idyllic coastline in the beautiful area surrounding the village of Les Portes-en-Ré.
The largest town on the island, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, is also easily discoverable when you’re looking for more places to eat and relax, while La Rochelle is connected with the island by a long bridge, fantastic for a fun-filled day trip.
The captivating island is an excellent destination for a relaxed summer break spent hiking through charming woodlands, getting sun-kissed on golden stretches of coastline and indulging in idyllic activities such as horse riding, water sports and of course, shopping and dining.
Features:
Villa Interior
Main House (200m2)
- Open-plan living room with sofas, fireplace, TV, dining table and chairs
- Open-plan kitchen equipped with a fridge, freezer, oven, hob, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, microwave, coffee machine and breakfast bar
- Adjacent dining area with a dining table and chairs
- Bedroom with a double bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
- 2 x double bedrooms with double/twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
Annexe (75m2)
- Open-plan kitchen and living room with a fridge, freezer, oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine and bar with bar stools
- Sofa with TV
- Dining room with a dining table, chairs and log burner
- Bedroom with a double bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
- Bedroom with a double bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower (no WC).
- Guest WC
Outside Grounds
- Front terraces with garden furniture
- Inner courtyard with lounge furniture, garden chairs and an outdoor table and chairs
- Garden with a table and chairs
- Back patio with garden furniture
- Outdoor shower
- Barbecue
- Plancha
- Parking for up to 3 cars
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV
- DVD player
- Hairdryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Washing machine
Location:
Situated on the north western side right next to the beach and just a close distance to the island’s salt marshes, Villa Ombrelle enjoys an idyllic location on Île de Ré set to be loved by beach-combing wanderers who want to enjoy all the benefits of island living.
The island is home to several beaches reputed to be among the most alluring in the Atlantic – set to keep the sea-seeking and sandy-footed visitors coming back. Take a relaxing walk to the sandy shores where you can watch boats come and go or plan a wholesome picnic under the twinkling night sky. Right next to Plage de la Loge, there’s the far-stretching Plage de l’Anse du Fourneau great for swimming even a low tide, and a bit further away, the quaint Plage de Trousse-Chemise features a small sandy expanse, clear waters and a lush surrounding forest if you need to escape the heat. The island is fairly small and so easily discoverable by foot, but hiring a bike is highly encouraged.
Cycle along the shores all the way to Phare des Baleines (20 minutes), a stunning lighthouse built from limestone in the mid-1850s with an octagonal tower open to visitors offering panoramic views
Whenever you get hungry, you can walk to the lovely restaurant right next to the beach facing the sea for a romantic meal with nothing but the sound of the ocean around. Alternatively, there’s also a supermarket just a 20-minute walk away from the property if you need to stock up on groceries to whip up a home-cooked feast.
No matter how tranquil your stay is, there’s always the option to visit one of the local villages where you can find restaurants, cafés and little boutiques full of souvenirs and memorabilia. Loix is just a 20-minute drive away, while Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is also nearby and has flower-filled lanes and a market where stallholders come together to showcase artisanal products, fresh fish and vegetables every week. Others worth visiting include La Flotte, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site port town fringed by star-shaped, 17th-century ramparts, with a huge, preserved citadel on the eastern side. Stroll around the busy harbour to find a charming bar or visit the Le Clocher Observatoire clock tower with splendid views over the town. In addition, the Musée Ernest Cognacq hosts an array of artefacts, ceramics and paintings – and you can enjoy the peaceful ambience from one of the benches nestled in the nearby sculpture garden.
Swap the barefoot island life for a bit of hustle and bustle by visiting La Rochelle – a coastal city in southwestern France and capital of the Charente-Maritime department. Start your day by visiting the Vieux Port and the large marina, often filled with street artists and musicians putting on a show. In the old town, you can walk around and admire the half-timbered medieval houses and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches, walk along the cobbled streets lined with ice cream shops and bakeries and soak up the city’s historic atmosphere.
Terms & Conditions:
Arrival time
4.00 p.m.
Departure time
9.00 a.m.
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.
Pets welcome
Not allowed.
Changeover day
Saturday.
End of stay cleaning included
Extra €270, payable at the time of balance payment. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.
Smoking Allowed
Outside only.
Minimum stay
14 nights. All other durations on request.
Tax
French Visitors Tax payable at the time of balance payment (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).
Other Ts and Cs
Villa Ombrelle sleeps 6 guests in the main house and a further 4 guests in the annexe, perfect for groups travelling together.
