Ile De Re, France
The Ile de Re is an island off the west coast of France, north of Bordeaux, connected to the mainland near La Rochelle by a 3 kilometre bridge. Predominantly 18th century, the island has long been a highly sought-after holiday destination for the sophisticated French, and is said to have the best climate in France after the Cote d’Azur. The many kilometres of sandy beaches permit swimming, sailing and wind-surfing in the warmer months, together with wonderful walks and bird-watching out of season.
The House
The house is a historic town property in Saint Martin de Re, the capital town of the island. The house was built in 1764 and is located in a quiet cobbled back street, yet only a minute’s walk from the busy harbour and daily food market. This property was fully renovated in 2007 so as to provide full modern amenities while preserving the 18th century features such as limestone walls, period fireplaces, flagstones, wooden beams, even a well in the façade! It comprises 3 floors and can sleep up to 6 adults. The house includes
- Living space with original fireplace, fully-fitted modern kitchen and dining area
- Private courtyard with full facilities for al fresco cooking and dining
- Ground floor WC and laundry
- First floor master bedroom suite with WC, bathroom and stone fireplace
- Large balcony overlooking the church of Saint Martin
- Study with occasional bed and wi-fi internet access
- Two further double bedrooms, with WC and a shower room.
Access and location:
Being flat, the island’s main form of transport is the bicycle: there are more than 100 kilometres of cycle path and it is not essential to have a car at all. The property has 4 bicycles which can be made available.
The St Martin website is at www.saint-martin-de-re.fr.
La Rochelle airport (only 20 minutes from the house) is easily reached by direct daily flights from the UK (Stansted, Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Southampton). La Rochelle can also be reached from the UK by train (Eurotunnel/TGV via Paris or Lille). The journey by car is almost entirely on new autoroutes.
The Owners say:
“The Ile de Re is a joy in all seasons, great beaches, the prettiest villages and lots of good restaurants. Above all, it manages to be truly relaxing, unpretentious and sophisticated at the same time - a real escape!”
