Villa Amiral

Description

Just a short walk from a beautiful beach, this artist's home enjoys a privileged position in the north-west of the island, and benefits from a swimming pool and tennis court in its vast and varied grounds.

There's certainly a relaxed vibe across this modern abode with seven bedrooms scattered across the main house and annexes. Admire the owner's creations with sculptures and artwork found in many of the rooms, alongside the home's quirky design and unique style. The spacious living room is the focal point with its elegant corner bar, a perfect spot for a chilled aperitif and there is ample space to cook and dine with family and friends.

Each of the seven bedrooms are individual in appearance and size – from the master bedroom downstairs with doors leading to the terrace and the upstairs double with views as far as the sea to the three simple but lovely annexe rooms with their own entrance. With five bath and shower rooms, it's a great set up for an extended family or group of friends.

In the vast grounds you'll find sunny patios with deck chairs, a superb al-fresco dining terrace with a barbecue as well as an inviting swimming pool and wild gardens. Stroll across the sandy terrain to your very own tennis court, play a game of boules as the evening cools or find a shady spot to lounge and chat, surrounded by summer bursts of colour. This is the place for carefree holidays on this enchanting isle.

Wander out and within a few minutes you will reach the sandy shores looking out towards the Fier d'Ars bay. Plage de Trousse-Chemise is just beautiful, especially at low tide when you can walk far out to Le Banc du Bucheron. In the other direction, head towards the salt marshes of Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve and sample some of the oysters of Trousse Chemise with a glass of chilled wine.

Hire bikes and cycle to the delightful village of Les Portes-en-Re, just under 5km away, and experience the daily summer market, pretty shops and restaurants. Continue on through the pine forests to the exceptional beach Conche des Baleines where surfers ride the waves and stop off to admire the views from the impressive Phare des Baleines.

As well as watersports, golf, horse-riding and incredible walks there are idyllic villages and historic towns to explore, many with colourful markets or lovely harbours. Even with its laid back ambience and slow pace of life, this alluring island offers something for everyone.

#### Features
Villa Interiors (350m2)

Ground Floor

- Large living room with sofas, chairs, fireplace, TV and bar area
- Kitchen, well equipped including dishwasher, oven, induction hobs, microwave, kettle, Nespresso machine, toaster and mixer. Doors lead to al-fresco dining terrace
- Dining room
- WC
- Bedroom (8.5m2) with bunk-beds (90cm each, top bunk only suitable for children aged 6+)
- Bathroom with bath and sink
- Separate WC
- Bedroom (10.5m2) with double bed (160cm)
- Master bedroom (19m2) with double bed (160cm), safe and TV. Bathroom with bath, double sink and WC. Doors lead to terrace

Upstairs (mezzanine level via floating stairs)

- Office area (looking over living room below)
- Bedroom (13.5m2) with double bed (160cm) and shower room with shower, sink and WC

Annexed bedrooms (accessed from outside)

- Independent bedroom with double bed (160cm, tight access) and shower room with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom (10m2) with twin beds (80cm each), no shutters
- Bedroom (11m2) with twin beds (80cm each)
- Shower room with shower, double sink and WC (interconnecting between above two rooms)
Outside Grounds (15,000 m2)

- Heated swimming pool (10.5x3m) with safety rolling shutter. Open approximately April to end-September
- Sun-loungers
- Terrace with BBQ, sink and al-fresco dining area
- Tennis court
- Boules
- Garden and grounds

Facilities

- Internet
- Electric heating
- Satellite TV (TNT)
- DVD player
- CD player
- Tennis court
- Boules
- Washing machine and dryer

#### Location
Close to the beach and just a short bike ride from the charming village of Les Portes-en-Re, Villa Amiral is located in the north-west of beautiful Ile de Re. To reach the island, you first have to cross the 3km-long toll-bridge which connects Ile de Re to the mainland, then it's around a forty-minute drive to your villa.

Set just south of Les Portes-en-Re, you are within walking distance to a beautiful stretch of coastline around Plage de Trousse-Chemise and the tranquil Fier d'Ars bay. As well as vast sandy shores, look out for the incredible Le Banc du Bucheron – when tidal conditions are right you can walk out to the bay.

There's an informal summer beachside restaurant a short walk away (book in advance) or stroll a little further towards the salt marshes and come across a little shack that sells Trousse-Chemise oysters with a chilled glass of wine.

The pretty village of Les Portes-en-Re (4.5km) is a short bike ride away where you will find a small supermarket, some pretty shops selling hand-made products as well as a boulangerie, butchers, daily summer market and a handful of cafes and restaurants. The main village beach has a watersports centre and there are also places to hire bikes – a great way to explore the surrounding area and island.

You will also find a tennis centre plus a volleyball and basketball court in the village whilst horse-lovers needn't travel far to reach an equestrian centre for horse-riding through the wonderful landscapes and along the coast. The island is also well known for its kite-surfing beaches that can be found at various spots, especially at Rivedoux-Plage.

Discover some lovely walks and bike rides through the nearby Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, a peaceful place where you can spot migrating birds and all sorts of wildlife. Cyclists can also ride through the pine forests just north of the village until they reach Conche des Baleines beach, then stop for a picnic whilst watching local surfers ride the waves. Continue on to the Phare des Baleines (8km) and climb the 250 or so steps for magnificent views.

If you are wanting to explore even further afield then there are plenty of pretty villages and historic towns to discover. Both Ars-en-Re (11km) and La Flotte (30km) are classified as two of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages' whilst the main town of Saint-Martin-de-Re (27km), a UNESCO World Heritage site, has historic sights and a lovely harbour.

In the heart of the island, La Couarde-sur-Mer (20km) has a picturesque village centre as well as stunning beaches or head a little further to Le Bois-Plage-en-Re (25km) with its vineyards, sand dunes, woodland and fantastic summer market. Indeed, across the island you will find charming markets selling all sorts of delights and regional produce – look out for fresh sea-food, Ile de Re potatoes and the famous Fleur de Sel.

Also known as ‘La Ville Blanche', La Rochelle (49km) is another amazing place to visit for a wonderful day out – admire its historic architecture, brilliant markets and relaxed city vibe.