In a superb setting just a stones throw from the heart of charming Les Portes-en-Re, Maison Pluvier is a smart holiday home with its own swimming pool and pretty garden, a great base from which to explore this alluring island. With four bedrooms and sleeping up to six guests, this contemporary abode offers space, comfort and style. The large open-plan living room with its woodburning fire offers ample space as it opens up to a modern kitchen and lovely dining area. In warm weather, slide open the large windows that lead straight out to the decked terrace and garden. There is ample choice of bedrooms for everyone from two en suite doubles in the main house to a poolside 2-bedroom annexe with another double and two sets of bunk-beds which are sure to delight older children. White-washed walls and simple yet bright decor make each of the four bedrooms inviting and comfortable - ideal for carefree summer holidays in wonderful surroundings. Sip chilled wine from the vineyards of Le Bois Plage-en-Re as you relax on the decked terrace by the olive tree, looking out at the picturesque garden and 12m long swimming pool. Enjoy al-fresco meals under the shady awning as kids splash around in the pool or laze on a sun-lounger. Colourful summer plants add to the restful ambience in this delightful garden. Its just a few minutes stroll into the heart of Les Portes-en-Re with its flower filled lanes, daily summer market, charming shops and a handful of places to eat. Its easy to potter around by foot or bike – the amazing sandy beach is also a short walk away or head further afield to explore the pine forests, salt marshes and yet more idyllic coastline in the beautiful area surrounding the village. Further afield, food-lovers will adore the Farmers markets in gorgeous villages such as Ars-en-Re and La Flotte or discover horse-riding along the vast beaches, golf in spectacular settings and a wealth of watersports from sea-kayaking to kite-surfing. Enjoy picnics on the sand dunes or leisurely lunches in harbour villages and towns watching fishermen pass by. This is a place for laid-back and carefree holidays in this special part of France. #### Features Maison Interiors (99m2) - Open-plan living room with wood-burning fire and TV. Doors open to terrace and swimming pool - Open-plan kitchen and dining area, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge-freezer, electric oven, induction hobs, microwave, cafetiere, Nespresso machine, juicer, toaster, mixer and electric kettle - Laundry room - Guest WC - Bedroom (17m2, via steps) with double bed (160cm) and computer screen. Doors leading to terrace and swimming pool. Bathroom with bath, shower, sink and WC - Bedroom (9m2) with double bed (140cm) - Shower room with shower and sink Poolside Annexe (accessed from outside) - Bedroom (9m2) with double bed (140cm) and sliding doors leading to garden and swimming pool - Shower room with shower, sink and WC - Bedroom (8m2) with two sets of bunk-beds (80cm each) and sliding doors leading to garden and swimming pool Outside Grounds - Heated swimming pool (2x12m) with safety cover. Open approximately April to end-September - Outdoor shower - Raised decked al-fresco dining and lounge area - Garden - Bike storage area Facilities - Internet - Heating - Internet TV - Washing machine and dryer #### Location Ile de Re is a wonderful place for relaxing holidays, making the most of the long stretches of coastline and beautiful natural scenery. The island is accessed from the mainland via a 3km long toll bridge then drive another half an hour to Les Portes-en-Re in the north-west of the island. In a residential and central setting, Maison Pluvier enjoys being close to the amenities that Les Portes-en-Re has to offer – just a few minutes stroll down the road and you will find a selection of shops including a bakery, butchers and small supermarket as well as a handful of cafes and restaurants. Its a pretty village with white-washed houses, flower filled lanes and a sense of authenticity and charm. In the other direction you can walk to the villages main beach in under ten minutes with its vast sandy shores and watersports centre offering wind-surfing, sailing and sea-kayaking amongst other activities. Follow the coast south and come across incredible beaches such as Plage de la Loge (1.5km) and Plage de Trousse-Chemise (3km) as the scenery becomes even more wild and beautiful. Enjoy a special meal at the beachside restaurant looking out towards the bay or discover the little shack that sells the areas famous Trousse Chemise oysters, both a cycle ride away. Lovers of nature and keen bird spotters will appreciate walking or cycling through the salt marshes of the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve or cycle through the pine forests to the north of the village until you reach the remote Conche des Baleines beach. To the far-west of the beach the 19th century lighthouse, Phare des Baleines (5km), offers amazing views of the island if you can manage the 250 or so steps to the very top. There are many other parts of this enchanting island to discover. Close by, one of Frances ‘Plus Beaux Villages Ars-en-Re (8km) is a lovely morning out, especially on market day (twice a week) when all sorts of regional produce is on display. The historic village of La Flotte (28km) has a fantastic market held every day and the delightful La Couarde-sur-Mer (15km) is also a joy to explore. Jazz lovers shouldnt miss the August festival in Ile de Res main town, Saint-Martin-de-Re (25km) or visit at any other time of year to appreciate its historic charm and picturesque harbour. If you feel like a day away from the island, why not visit the city of La Rochelle with its brilliant markets, historic sights and relaxed city ambience.