Sorry - no pets allowed Not suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Maison d'Aquitaine is a superbly renovated authentic Ile de Ré town house. Nestling behind a row of lime trees just opposite the main entrance to the 15th century fortified church, it was probably originally built for use by the church clergy. The house has been lovingly restored by local craftsmen and boasts many of the features typically found in the older island properties: terracotta flooring, exposed beams, stripped floorboards and wood panelling. Just minutes on foot from all the quayside cafes, restaurants, antiques stores and boutiques of St. Martin, Maison d'Aquitaine is a peaceful haven to which you will return with pleasure after a day spent at the beach or cycling through the whitewashed villages and hamlets dotted across the island. In the evening, wander down to the harbour for a drink before enjoying the best of French cuisine at one of the many tempting waterside restaurants. This is a new property from the owners of 8819 in La Couarde and 12264 in St. Martin.
Master bedroom
Living room
View across courtyard to third en suite bedroom
Bedroom two
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/33668
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
Further details indoors: Maison d'Aquitaine offers very comfortable accommodation for six.
Downstairs: Small porch, lounge with open fireplace, shower room with WC, fully equipped kitchen with open fireplace (for BBQs) overlooking flowered courtyard. The first bedroom (with queen size double bed: 62"/160 cm and en-suite shower room with WC) is located on the other side of the courtyard.
Upstairs: Two comfortable bedrooms (one with king size double bed: 70"/180cm, one with standard double bed: 55"/140 cm). Both with separate access to bathroom with WC.
Total living area approx. 110m², courtyard 20m².
Further details outdoors: The small flowered courtyard is equipped with garden furniture, providing a lovely sunny spot in which to enjoy a glass of wine and any of the wonderful products bought at the nearby indoor market.
Parking for unloading is available immediately outside the house. Cars may be left in any of the parking spaces in the area around the church, or at one of the many car parks in St. Martin. Maison d'Aquitaine is ideally located for guests without cars.
The nearest beach for swimming is the Plage de la Cible in St. Martin, about 1.5km from the house. There is a little restaurant by this beach, which is suitable for young children, and you can also hire windsurf boards and catamarans by the hour. Tuition is available.
Further details
Subject to technical availability we can offer you unlimited high-speed Internet access. We also have satellite TV (BBC Prime, BBC World, CNN etc.)
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. Beach towels provided.
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 90 euros.
CLEANING DURING YOUR STAY: Can be arranged at a cost of 20 euros/hour.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Summer 2008
25 Jul 08
30 Aug 08
2600£2,185
0-
0-
1 Week
30 Aug 08
6 Sep 08
2300£1,933
0-
0-
1 Week
6 Sep 08
27 Sep 08
1900£1,597
0-
0-
1 Week
Autumn half term 2008
27 Sep 08
8 Nov 08
1600£1,345
0-
0-
1 Week
8 Nov 08
20 Dec 08
1000£840
0-
0-
1 Week
Christmas 2008
20 Dec 08
3 Jan 09
1900£1,597
0-
0-
1 Week
3 Jan 09
7 Feb 09
1100£924
0-
0-
1 Week
Spring Half Term 2009
7 Feb 09
28 Mar 09
1250£1,050
0-
0-
1 Week
28 Mar 09
2 May 09
1400£1,176
0-
0-
1 Week
Summer Half Term 2009
2 May 09
30 May 09
1650£1,387
0-
0-
1 Week
30 May 09
27 Jun 09
1950£1,639
0-
0-
1 Week
27 Jun 09
4 Jul 09
2350£1,975
0-
0-
1 Week
Summer 2009
4 Jul 09
29 Aug 09
2650£2,227
0-
0-
1 Week
29 Aug 09
5 Sep 09
2350£1,975
0-
0-
1 Week
5 Sep 09
26 Sep 09
1950£1,639
0-
0-
1 Week
Autumn Half Term 2009
26 Sep 09
7 Nov 09
1650£1,387
0-
0-
1 Week
7 Nov 09
19 Dec 09
1100£924
0-
0-
1 Week
Christmas 2009
19 Dec 09
2 Jan 10
1950£1,639
0-
0-
1 Week
171
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Guestbook
"The house was beautiful, the best accommodation we have rented in the past 7 years of visiting the island. Our stay was the shortest yet, but as ever charming. We will certainly return. Jenny was a great host. We would love to return, we would love to "squat" here!" Sue & Adam M., July 2008
"A very relaxing stay in a lovely place. St Martin is lively, with lots of great restaurants - thanks for the recommendations, we tried them all - but we loved the peach of the square, and the fact that we could walk to anywhere in the town. Thanks to Jenny for her welcome and help. We loved the house, by far the best we've ever stayed in." Jackie & Michael E., July 2008
"We have had a wonderful week - by far the best house we have ever rented. We have loved it, and can't wait to come back!" Rob and Caroline M., July 2008
"...the charm of the Ile de Ré and the attractive style of the Maison d'Aquitaine both made their mark on us. Being central to a lively, bustling port is a major factor in the house's appeal - as well as the tranquility of our own particular square." Hugh & Ann H., June 2008
"A lovely house and perfect home for our holiday week. Comfortable and lovingly thought out. Good to be so close to everything for this, our fourth visit to the island." Linda & Peter E., June 2008
"A simply delightful holiday property - stunning in every way from stylish decor through to fabulous location - a true gem, and one we'll be recommending to our friends for a long while. Ile de Ré is as beautiful as ever..Jenny's attention to detail and welcoming touches were the icing on the cake. We'll miss the beautiful, spacious bedroom and luxuriously huge bed!" Rachel & Tim J., June 2008
"What a fabulous house. We were overwhelmed with the stylish decor and thoughtful touches everywhere. It is so comfortable - a real home from home - and with the beautiful weather, the bike rides and beaches have made it a really memorable holiday for both of us and our 2 year-old daughter. We will come back!" Liz & Michael E., June 2008
"Lovely, comfortable house in a perfect position. Loved the island, especially when exploring on two wheels, saw so much more. Favourite bar, Le Bistrot Marin. Fabbest boutiques... Where to start? All I know is our car is full to bursting. Many thanks for a lovely week." Stephanie & Richard L., May 2008
"Our last day at this beautiful house. Have had a wonderful time on the island and in the surrounding area, travelling through the Vendée and countryside. But also very nice to come back to what I call home (the house no. 3!). Just like home from home, very tasteful and very comfy." Alf & Chris A., May 2008
"This is our second visit to the island, and I know there is going to be a third. Ile de Ré has still not lost its magic, and Jenny's organisation and helpful support always make the holiday go well." Derek & Daniela A., April 2008
"We all had a wonderful week and really loved the house. Our 5-year old daughter enjoyed all the cycle rides and spent most days saying hello to the donkeys aound the island! We will definitely be back! Thank you Jenny". Ruth, Mark & Molly M., April 2008
"We have had a fabulous holiday. We love the house and Jenny has been very helpful. We loved all the walking and cycling. St. Martin is very magical. We've already fixed to return next year". Felicity & Martin S., March 2008
"The photos on the website do not do justice to what is a beautifully appointed house. The decor is stunning. The house is fully equipped. The beds are very comfortable and the house cosy and warm off season. It is peacefully situated and the house is on the best square in the town within a few hundred yards of the port. Could not rate it more highly. We will be returning." Catherine H., November 2007
"This really was a perfect holiday in every sense. The propery was beautiful, as was the island, and the weather. I would highly recommmend Jenny's property and the island as a holiday destination. Jenny went out of her way to assist us - with transfers to and from the airport, restaurant recommendations and other tips that really make a holiday special." Kate S., October 2007
"Thank you for an unforgettable stay in your beautiful new house. It is lovely: light and spotless with fabulous linens. We will return next time with the whole family, who will enjoy as we did the endless biking along the ocean." Charlotte C., USA, October 2007
"The house was beautifully renovated with stylish interiors appropriate to the island, as well as all the home comforts necessary for a lovely holiday (fully equipped kitchen, private courtyard for meals, ADSL, comfy bed, good shower...). The location is perfect - nice and quiet but minutes walk from the lovely marina with bistros, cafes, ice cream and sunset. I can't recommend the property highly enough." Amanda R., September 2007
"The property was perfect - clean, comfortable and very stylishly decorated and furnished. It is opposite the town church so you do hear the church bells - but it didn't disturb us at all due to the double glazing (the bells don't ring at night, by the way). It is right in the heart of Saint Martin and seconds away from the shops, market and restaurants." Helen P., September 2007
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/33668
Contact details for home 33668
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Jenny Rogers-Sohler
Tel:
+33 (0) 679 804 687
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: Please phone me if your email remains unanswered.
Advertiser joined: 20 Jan 2006 This property added: 20 Jul 2007
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