Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
With its stone flagging, parquet floors, beamed ceilings and sunny, unoverlooked courtyard, you will love this charming fisherman's cottage and its quiet but central location: just a stone's throw from the quayside cafes, restaurants, antiques stores and boutiques of the lively harbour area in St. Martin. The Maison du Pêcheur offers easy access to the island's 100 km of dedicated bike paths, and is the perfect starting point from which to explore the whitewashed villages and hamlets dotted across the island. Pack up a picnic and spend a couple of hours on the glorious Gros Jonc beach or learn about the island's 'white gold' at the Ecomuseum in Loix. Then there is the medieval market in La Flotte, the Wild Bird Sanctuary at Les Portes and the lighthouse at Saint Clément. And when you come back, treat yourself to a scoop of the most exotic ice cream you have ever tasted - Oysters & Caviar! - from the Ile de Ré's celebrated waterside ice cream stand.
Central but quiet location: cottage is half way up this lane, on the right
Sunny, unoverlooked courtyard
Living room
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12264
The Poitou-Charentes / Vendee / Charente Maritime region
Off the coast at La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime), the Ile de Ré (pop. 12,000) is a narrow stretch of flat land 30 kilometres long, which almost doubles in size at low tide. Of all the Charentais islands, Ré is undoubtedly the most popular. Attracted by the island's beauty, many artists, writers and painters bought salt-workers’ and fishermen’s houses in the 1960s, and the island became fashionable. The villages have retained all their authentic charm with their white lime-washed, green-shuttered houses and narrow streets full of hollyhocks.
In the north, the Fier d’Ars-en-Ré is a patchwork of mudflats and salt marshes, where every kind of wader and bird of prey is to be found. The flat-bottomed boats, the rakes of the salt-gatherers, the oyster beds and the scent of the moorland give the Ile de Ré a romanticism without equal.
The island is famous for its salt, which is collected by salters towards the western end of the island, its oysters and its potatoes, all of which you can enjoy in the many restaurants scattered throughout the island’s villages.
The waters around the Ile de Ré are loved by all watersports enthusiasts – windsurfers, yachtsmen and all sailors. The Atlantic Ocean is much less dangerous here than in other areas of the mainland coast so bathing is recommended for all.
Hire a bike and see the island at your leisure – it is by far the easiest and healthiest way to travel. Over 60 miles of cycle paths link all the main villages and beaches. The island is exceptionally flat, so hard work is kept to a minimum! You can hire bikes and child seats in all configurations from one of the many rental shops across the island.
Ile de Re / St Martin area
St. Martin is the picture-postcard-pretty capital of the island. Its 17th century citadel and ramparts were built by Vauban, architect to Louis XIV, to protect the town from repeated attacks by the Dutch and English. Today you can sit at one of the many quayside cafes, bistros and brasseries and enjoy oysters, clams, shrimps, whelks, sole, skate, lobster and fresh langoustines washed down with a glass of local wine as you watch the world go by and the pleasure boats manoeuvre in and out of the harbour.
How to get there
BY AIR: www.easyjet.com: Bristol to La Rochelle www.ryanair.com: Dublin and London (Stansted) to La Rochelle www.flybe.com: Birmingham and Southampton to La Rochelle
The above airlines also offer low-cost/Saturday flights to the following airports, all of which are within a 2-3 hour drive of the Ile de Ré:
TRANSFER FROM LA ROCHELLE AIRPORT: There is no direct bus service La Rochelle Airport and the Ile de Ré. If you wish, we can organise a taxi to meet you at the airport (costs appprox. 40 euros, including toll bridge).
TRANSFER FROM LA ROCHELLE TRAIN STATION: There is a bus link between La Rochelle train station and the Ile de Ré. The trip takes about an hour. If you wish, we can organise a taxi to meet you at the station (costs appprox. 40 euros, including toll bridge).
BY ROAD: Approx. distances from Caen to Ile de Re: 5 hours, 290 miles Calais to Ile de Re: 7h25, 450 miles Cherbourg to Ile de Re: 6 hours, 320 miles St. Malo to Ile de Re: 4h20, 220 miles Boulogne to Ile de Re: 7 hours, 430 miles
Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Cots (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 4, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Further details indoors: The cottage offers comfortable accommodation for four.
Downstairs - Lounge and separate kitchen, both with bay windows onto private, unoverlooked courtyard.
Upstairs - 'Cabin 1' with double bed (140 x 190 cm), 'Cabin 2' with custom-made bunk beds. The top bed is equipped with a sturdy guard for younger children. Bathroom and separate toilet.
Cot, highchair, baby bath: please enquire.
Total living area approx. 60m², courtyard 20m².
Further details outdoors: Car parking: There are two public car parks close by (100 and 300 metres from the cottage). The cottage provides perfect accommodation for those wishing to explore the island without a car.
Bike 'parking': Bikes can be attached, using a heavy duty chain padlock which is provided, to a steel ring cemented into the front of the house.
Further details
Unlimited high-speed Internet access. Satellite TV (BBC Prime, BBC World, CNN etc.) (both subject to technical availability)
Conditions
TO MAKE A RESERVATION: A 25% deposit , payable by bank transfer, is required to secure your booking. The remainder is due 8 weeks before arrival.
TOWELS AND LINEN: All included with the exception of beach towels.
SMOKING: It would be very much appreciated if, for the comfort of other guests, smokers could refrain from smoking inside the house.
REFUNDABLE BREAKAGES DEPOSIT: We will ask you for EUR 250 on arrival which will be returned to you after your holiday providing everything looks to be in order.
END-OF-STAY CLEANING: Guests may opt either to clean on departure or use our cleaning service at a cost of 60 euros.
CLEANING DURING YOUR STAY: Can be arranged at a cost of 15 euros/hour.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
30 Jun 07
1 Sep 07
1350£ 1,071
0-
0-
1 Week
1 Sep 07
29 Sep 07
950£ 754
0-
0-
1 Week
Autumn half term 2007
29 Sep 07
10 Nov 07
850£ 675
0-
0-
1 Week
10 Nov 07
22 Dec 07
650£ 516
0-
0-
1 Week
Christmas 2007
22 Dec 07
5 Jan 08
950£ 754
0-
0-
1 Week
5 Jan 08
9 Feb 08
650£ 516
0-
0-
1 Week
Spring half term 2008
9 Feb 08
26 Apr 08
750£ 595
0-
0-
1 Week
Summer half term 2008
26 Apr 08
31 May 08
890£ 706
0-
0-
1 Week
31 May 08
28 Jun 08
995£ 790
0-
0-
1 Week
28 Jun 08
5 Jul 08
1200£ 952
0-
0-
1 Week
Summer 2008
5 Jul 08
30 Aug 08
1400£ 1,111
0-
0-
1 Week
30 Aug 08
6 Sep 08
1200£ 952
0-
0-
1 Week
6 Sep 08
27 Sep 08
995£ 790
0-
0-
1 Week
Autumn half term 2008
27 Sep 08
8 Nov 08
890£ 706
0-
0-
1 Week
8 Nov 08
20 Dec 08
650£ 516
0-
0-
1 Week
Christmas 2008
20 Dec 08
3 Jan 09
995£ 790
0-
0-
1 Week
151
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. Please note: during the period from 5 July - 30 August 2008 we give preference to 2-week bookings.
Guestbook
"The accommodation is beautiful - immaculate in terms of cleanliness - no noise - the surroundings and amenities are spectacular and access is fantastic." Joanna H., June 2007
" I cannot, in a few words, describe our sheer delight in this property. This was our first visit, but we'll be back every year! In every sense the holiday was perfect. Jenny, the owner, helped build our anticipation well in advance by her helpful e-mails and phone contact. On arrival at the island she talked us through directions once again, welcoming us after a long drive with fresh juice and wine! She cares about making your stay very special and is the most wonderful host. The location of the cottage is wonderful - within 200m of the harbour, shops and daily market, and yet so peaceful and quiet. We parked our hire car on arrival and didn't move it until the end of the holiday - everything is easily reached on foot or by bicycle. You could easily fly to La Rochelle and taxi direct to St Martin - we may do that next time. Jenny has decorated the cottage beautifully and thoughtfully, with natural furnishings from the wonderfully stylish Ile de Re shops and antique markets and quirky original pieces from local artists. Above all, the cottage has an informal, relaxed feel about it - cosy, snug, intimate. Coupled with the magic that is Ile de Re, it's the perfect place to wind down and restore the balance between mind, body and heart." Jo D., May 2007
"What a beautiful house in a fantastic location. Only a very short walk or cycle to the market, shops and port. Everything you could need was provided, linen, towels etc and the kitchen was extremely well equipped. The walled courtyard was perfect for a relaxed meal after a busy day." Sarah H., May 2007
"The cottage was just as we had hoped. Quiet location, close to amenities on foot. warm welcome from owner, very clean, well equipped, cosy, beautiful decor and very comfortable." David C., April 2007
"We have had a wonderful sunny week in your gorgeous cottage - perfect in every way. We absolutely love the house - it has a lovely warm comfortable ambiance and is beautifully furnished. It has been a real pleasure staying here. Thank you for a memorable and very happy holiday!" Claire, Guy and Jack Lane, April 2007
"The cottage is really charming and very well-equipped. The location is superb - in a quiet and pretty lane (which actually appears on picture postcards) but very close to the centre of the village. The owner was extremely welcoming and helpful. Everything was done to make our stay easy and enjoyable." April 2007, Alison B.
"This was all round excellent. Mrs. Rogers went out of her way to make us feel comfortable without being least bit intrusive with many extra touches. We expected the cottage to be small, but it was well laid out and light with every comfort and of exceptionally high standard of furniture, fittings and linen. Cleanliness, surrounds, amenities all A1. I would certainly recommend" March 2007, Angela T.
"This old fisherman's cottage is gorgeous - cosy and inviting and beautifully decorated. It's the perfect base for exploring the Ile de Re and so close to the market and the port with so many lovely restaurants. We enjoyed wandering around St Martin and then heading "home" to the cottage for an aperitif, in all the comforts of home. The courtyard is perfect for breakfast - there's no-one overlooking it and even in March it was great to be able to sit outside and enjoy our croissants in the sea air. Highly recommended!" March 2007, Elaine C.
"We have enjoyed our short visit to the Ile de Re and this cottage very, very much. We are island people and have found this isle as exceeding our expectations. We are so pleased with the cottage, and the warm hospitality of Jenny, which added to the comfort factor. Our son has loved bicycling and exploring the ramparts and fortifications, and darting around the alleys and lanes of St. Martin with neighborhood children. The cottage is beautiful! and warm and cozy and inviting! All in all, we loved it and hope to return to the cottage and the island in a different season, perhaps". December 2006, Andrea, Charles & Duncan H. (Pohnpei, Micronesia)
"Our third visit to this stunning island did not disappoint, helped in no small way by the glorious warm weather of the past ten days (October 2006) and, of course, the charm of this lovely cottage. Thank you, Jenny, for the warmth of your welcome. We so appreciated the cosy calm of this well-equipped base à deux pas from all the liveliness of the port..." October 2006, Joy and Roger C.
"Thank you, Jenny, so much for renting us your pretty cottage in such a fantastic spot on the island. We have all had a wonderful time on the Ile de Re...everywhere we have been we have found charm and beauty. We hope to visit the island again." October 2006, Sophie, Wally & Lola H.
'We have felt very much at home here, and will be sorry to leave. The cosiness, refined style and central location of the cottage are a winning combination, and we will definitely recommend it to family and friends. As regular immigrants to the Ile de Ré we can never get enough of the salty air, huge skies and sparse beauty that make this wonderful island so special.' September 2006, Anya and Jules H.
'We have enjoyed every minute of every day on beautiful Ile de Ré. After being out on our bikes exploring it was just wonderful to return to this delightful and lovely cottage, we have been so happy here. We have so many wonderful memories to take back with us. Thank you, Jenny, for helping to make our visit so special, we really appreciate it. We are already planning our return trip next year!' September 2006, Gemma, Ken & Luke C-C.
'What a joy to be here for such a relaxing week. Ideally situated cottage just minutes from the lively ambiance of St. Martin. Beautiful beaches and great friendly atmosphere. We didn't want to go home! Such a personal and friendly touch throughout our stay made all the difference. Thank you, Jenny, for a wonderful cottage and a wonderful holiday'. August 2006, Geoff and Jessica d.M.M.
'We had such a lovely holiday and really enjoyed staying in such a modern fisherman's cottage. Saint Martin was the perfect place for a relaxing week.' August 2006, Tess R.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12264
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12264
Contact details for home 12264
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Jenny Rogers-Sohler
Tel:
+33 (0) 679 804 687
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Languages:
Contact Notes: Please phone me if your email remains unanswered.
Advertiser joined: 20 Jan 2006 This property added: 20 Jun 2006
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