Villa Caligo

About this property

In the north-west corner of the island, set between the vast sandy beach and charming shops of Les Portes-en-Ré, Villa Caligo is a wonderfully appointed holiday home with its own heated swimming pool and pretty garden.

This white-washed villa is a delight for care-free holidays on the alluring Ile de Ré. Guests are sure to feel at home in the light-filled living-dining room, perfect for lazy days relaxing whilst the smart open-plan kitchen is brilliantly equipped. The sunny courtyard is the perfect spot for a quiet glass of chilled local wine followed by al-fresco meals by the barbecue.

Each of the five bedrooms are bright with pleasing décor and nice furnishings alongside pretty touches to give each room a homely feel. The master bedroom downstairs leads straight out to the decked terrace whilst upstairs there’s a romantic double under the eaves of the characterful ceilings. Four modern bathrooms, some of which are en suite, add to the overall comfort of this fantastic abode.

The south-facing terrace is another place for feasts with family and friends as you look out towards the pool and garden which has been fenced off, ideal when travelling with the youngest of guests. Laze on the sun-loungers, play on the little lawns, swim in the heated swimming pool or just relax in the summer sunshine.

Villa Caligo is perfectly located in a residential area just a ten-minute stroll to the heart of the pretty village where you will find charming shops, cafes, restaurants and a summer market. It’s also just a short walk to the vast sandy beach and its watersports centre whilst sport enthusiasts will also appreciate the tennis courts and golf course close by.

Live like the locals and French tourists alike and hire bikes to explore the island. Cycle through the salt-marshes of the nearby Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve or discover wild beaches backed by sand dunes and pine forests. Sample the freshest Trousse Chemise oysters that this area is so well known for or visit one of the delightful markets in idyllic villages such as Ars-en-Ré and La Flotte.

Historic Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the home of summer jazz during its festival in August and look out for events taking place at the impressive lighthouse, Phare des Baleines, which is worth a visit at any time of year. Climb up the 250 or so steps and enjoy mesmerising views over this captivating island, an enchanting place for so many reasons.

Les Portes-en-Ré is located in the north-west of the island, just over half an hour from the 3km-long toll bridge that connects the city of La Rochelle on the mainland with Ile de Ré. It’s a superb spot for relaxing holidays with family or friends who love vast sandy beaches, wonderful food, spectacular natural scenery and cycling.

Villa Caligo enjoys a very convenient setting in a central residential area just a few minutes walk from the little shops and restaurants. Just wander up the road and you will be in the heart of Les Portes-en-Ré with its boulangerie, cafes, butchers and other pretty shops as well as the central square where a market takes place every morning in the height of the summer. There is also a small supermarket just a short walk away. As you explore the surrounding lanes, admire the charming houses, colourful flowers and authentic charm of this picturesque village.

The coastline is also nearby, around ten minutes by foot, where you will find a magnificent sandy beach and watersports centre with sea-kayaking, wind-surfing and more. Continue walking further down the coast until you reach the equally magnificent Plage de la Loge (1.5km) and Plage de Trousse-Chemise (3km). Near the southern-end there’s a seafood restaurant with amazing views or continue towards the salt marshes and you will come across the little hut that sells the well-known Trousse Chemise oysters.

The Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve can also be visited by bike or foot – a paradise for wildlife lovers as you spot migrating birds across the salt marshes and wetland. Another superb place to cycle to is the long beach at Conche des Baleines, just beyond the pine forest. Surfers can often be found riding the waves and it’s also the home to the 19th century lighthouse, Phare des Baleines with its museum and tower. Climb to the top and be rewarded with outstanding views of the island and beyond.

The lovely village of Ars-en-Ré (8km) is also a must to visit, it’s one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with good reason – market day (twice weekly) is a particular delight. La Flotte (28km) also has a wonderful old market and pretty architecture whilst the island’s main town Saint-Martin-de-Ré is well loved for its history, charming harbour and annual jazz festival in August.

Back on the mainland, the city of La Rochelle, also known as ‘La Ville Blanche’, is a great day out with its limestone architecture, bustling markets and historic sights.

Accommodation

Villa Interiors (150m2)

Ground Floor

-    Open-plan living area with fireplace
-    Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge-freezer, electric oven, microwave, induction hobs, Nespresso coffee maker, kettle and toaster
-    Laundry room
-    Bedroom with double bed (180cm) and doors leading to garden. Bathroom with bath, sink and separate WC
-    Separate WC
-    Bedroom with double bed (160cm) with shower room and sink
-    Bedroom with twin beds (90cm each)
-    Bedroom with twin beds made up as double (180cm)
-    Shower room (interconnecting the above two bedrooms)
-    Separate WC

First Floor (via narrow stairs with no handrail)

-    Bedroom with double bed (160cm) and shower room with shower, sink and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Heated salt-water swimming pool with cover, fence and safety gate. Open approximately April to end-September, heated approximately June to September
-    Poolside terrace
-    Courtyard with al-fresco dining area and BBQ
-    Garden
-    Parking (2 cars)

Facilities

-    Internet connection
-    Telephone
-    Heating
-    Satellite TV (TNT)
-    DVD player
-    CD player
-    I-Pod dock
-    Washing machine and dryer