Villa Estel

About this property

This architect-designed villa will impress you with its sense of contemporary space, superb swimming pool and walled garden, just outside the historic town of Sommières and only half an hour to the Mediterranean coast.

It’s incredible to think that the stone partly used to construct this modern abode came from the same Estel quarry as the Pont du Gard aqueduct many years ago. Yet Villa Estel remains very much in the 21st century with its high ceilings, chic furnishings, artwork and floor to ceiling windows opening out to the inviting swimming pool and garden.

The beautiful open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area has been created with sociable living in mind, yet you can always retreat to one of the four bedrooms including a master king-size double and a bunk-bed room in a separate annexe. Every room has doors leading to the garden or swimming pool.

Outside, lounge by the olive trees, cypresses, palms and lavender so typical of southern France, then enjoy al-fresco meals on the terrace, making the most of the wonderful local produce found in local market towns.

One such town is Sommières, just 2.5km away, known for its amazing Saturday morning market and brocante as well as characterful restaurants and shops, not to mention the much-visited Château de Sommières. Admire the town’s ancient bridge, look out for summer canoeing opportunities along the Vidourle River and enjoy riverside walks and cycle rides along La Voie Verte de la Vaunage.

Located almost equidistant between Nimes and Montpellier, other brilliant days out include wine-tasting across the Gard region, visits to the historic towns of Aigues-Mortes and Uzès as well as mountain biking, hiking and horse-riding across the Cévennes, Camargue, Provence or closer to home.

Even the Mediterranean coast can be reached in just over half an hour where you can discover the wild shores west of La Grande-Motte or the seaside attractions of Le Grau-du-Roi and Port-Camargue, both fantastic days out for everyone.

In the Gard department of southern France, Villa Estel is located between Nimes and vibrant Montpellier, a brilliant base for a wealth of activities and just over half an hour from the Mediterranean coast.

Situated just off a country road, you can easily reach the heart of historic Sommières (2.5km) within a short drive. Start off by exploring the town’s bridge that dates back to the first century, then head to the main square where the Saturday morning market has taken place for the last eight centuries. The town’s atmospheric brocante is another must-visit if you have the time and if staying in the height of the summer then it’s great to be able to experience the ambience of the Wednesday evening marché nocturne.

The town is home to the Château de Sommières with its fascinating and long history – look out for activities taking place at the fortress including children’s workshops (in French) and large wooden games set out in the courtyard in the summer. Also very close by is Château de Villevieille, set in a small but pretty village in an authentic setting, and the impressive Château De Pondres, home to a hotel and restaurant.

Find canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the Vidourle River as well as lovely walks by the riverside and cycling along La Voie Verte de la Vaunage, a former railway line which runs as far as Caveirac passing rural landscapes and vineyards (and on to Nimes for more experienced cyclists). The region also offers superb hiking and mountain biking trails straight from your holiday villa whilst wine-lovers have a wide choice of vineyards and wineries near Sommières.

Other fantastic days out include Aigues-Mortes (34km) with its 12th century ramparts, the Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard (52km), now a unesco World Heritage site, the handsome market town of Uzès (42km) and the city of Nimes (30km) with its wonderfully preserved Roman sites, some of the finest in France.

The wild white horses and pink flamingos of the Camargue can also be reached in just over an hour, perhaps combined with a visit to Van Gogh’s beloved Arles (58km), or venture south to discover the natural landscapes around Étang de L'Or (36km). The Mediterranean coast is also just over half an hour away; it’s marvellous to be able to spend the day by the glorious beaches near La Grande-Motte (35km) or Le Grau-du-Roi (38km).

Accommodation

Villa Interiors

-    Open-plan lounge, dining area and kitchen with doors leading to terrace and swimming pool
-    Master bedroom with king-size double bed (180cm) and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom with queen-size double bed (160cm)
-    Bedroom with queen-size double bed (160cm)
-    Bathroom
-    Utility and laundry room

Separate Annexe

-    Bedroom with one set of bunk-beds and open plan shower and sink

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (12x2.7m, depth: 1.4m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to end-September
-    Al-fresco dining terrace
-    Outdoor seating area
-    Boules court
-    Barbecue
-    Walled garden
-    2 x bikes
-    Parking and garage
Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Reversible air-conditioning 
-    Electric heating
-    Cable TV
-    Table tennis
-    2 x bikes