Maison Alouette

About this property

Create memories at this lovely family home just a short walk from a sandy beach, near Les Portes-en-Ré in the north-west of this alluring island.

Maison Alouette is a true gem, not just because of it’s quiet setting near the pine forest backed beach, but also due to its welcoming ambience. Step inside and appreciate the spacious interiors of the main house with its open-plan living space, light-filled dining area and traditional kitchen with everything you may need. Pretty touches create a warm and homely abode and wide windows frame the beautiful garden views.

There are four bedrooms in the main house, two delightful en suite doubles and two pretty twins that share a shower room. Wander across the patio to an annexe with a second living area and small kitchen as well as two further bedrooms, each with their own shower room. This set-up makes the home ideal for a holiday with extended family or a small group of friends wanting to appreciate the maison’s charm and its wonderful location.

The mature gardens are a joy with century-old trees, picturesque terraces and a covered al-fresco dining area and barbecue. There is lots of space for children to run around whilst you relax in the sun admiring the colourful flowers and plants. Step outside your home and a path will take you down to a wonderful sandy beach, only 400m away.

As well as scenic sandy shores and a beachside restaurant so close, you are also near a nine-hole golf course as well as a tranquil nature reserve, home to a number of migrating birds and wildlife. Hire bikes and cycle up to the pretty village of Les Portes-en-Ré with its flower-filled lanes and daily summer market or cycle further to idyllic villages across other parts of the island such as Ars-en-Ré, La Couarde-sur-Mer and Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

Hike through woodland, discover beautiful stretches of coastline and a wealth of watersports, ride horses on the beach and explore historic towns and colourful markets – the captivating Ile de Ré is the perfect destination for relaxed summer holidays in glorious surroundings.

In a quiet residential area, Maison Alouette is located in the north-west of the island, just south of the village of Les Portes-en-Ré, around a forty-minute drive from the 3km-long toll bridge that connects Ile de Ré to the mainland of France.

Step out of your gardens and join a path that takes you down to the beach, around 400m away. Backed by pine trees, this sandy stretch of coastline is beautiful. There’s a beachside restaurant serving good food in an informal setting looking out towards the bay (book in advance) and if you stroll a little further you will reach Le Banc du Bûcheron where you can walk out far into the bay when the tidal conditions allow you to.

Most locals and tourists alike cycle around the surrounding area and island – the nearby Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve is a great place to bike or walk, admiring the salt marshes and fascinating wildlife, or head north to pretty Les Portes-en-Ré, just 4km away. Here you will find both useful and charming shops (including a boulangerie, butchers and small supermarket), a handful of restaurants and cafes as well as a daily market in the summer where you can pick up all sorts of locally grown produce as well as the region’s famous Trousse-Chemise oysters.

There’s a place to hire bikes in the village as well as volleyball and basketball courts, a watersports centre on the main beach and tennis just a little further inland. An equestrian centre can be found a short drive or bike ride away and even closer is a picturesque nine-hole golf course near the nature reserve.

There is so much of the island to explore whether you are wanting to discover yet more idyllic beaches, hike through stunning natural landscapes or visit pretty markets in lovely villages and towns. Ars-en-Ré (11km) and La Flotte (30km) both host bustling markets and are classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ whilst La Couarde-sur-Mer (20km) and Bois-Plage-en-Ré (25km) are delightful villages with outstanding beaches close by.

The historic town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré (27km), a unesco World Heritage site, is great for a day out whatever your interest with its fortresses, lively restaurants, lovely harbour and famous ice-cream parlour.

If you have the time, head back over the toll-bridge to the city of La Rochelle to discover its historic beauty, charm and relaxed ambience – be sure to bring back yet more regional treats from one of the many wonderful markets.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors (220m2 across two parts)

Main House (split-level)

-    Open-plan living room with fireplace and TV lounge
-    Open-plan kitchen-diner and separate back kitchen, well-equipped with dishwasher, electric oven, ceramic hob, microwave, pressure cooker, fridge-freezer, toaster, cafetiere, electric kettle and mixer
-    WC with sink
-    Bedroom (20m2) with double bed (160cm) and bathroom with bath, bidet, sink and WC
-    Bedroom (10m2) with twin beds (90cm each)
-    Bedroom (10m2) with twin beds (90cm each)
-    Shower room with shower and sink
-    Bedroom (20m2) with double bed (160cm) and open-plan bathroom with bath, sink and WC

Separate Annexe (80m2, split-level)

-    Open-plan living-dining area with fireplace and kitchen with ceramic hob, small fridge, dishwasher and microwave
-    Bedroom (15m2) with double bed (160cm) and shower room with shower, sink and WC
-    Bedroom (15m2) with twin beds (90cm each) and open-plan shower room with shower, sink and WC
-    Separate WC

Outside Grounds (3000m2)

-    Covered al-fresco dining terrace
-    BBQ
-    Sun-loungers (x4)
-    Garden
-    Swings
-    Private parking (outside garden)

Facilities

-    Internet access
-    Telephone
-    Heating
-    TV
-    Hi-Fi
-    Washing machine