On the enchanting island of Ile de Re, near charming shops and vast sandy beaches, Maison Troglodyte is a fine family home for carefree holidays in this wonderful part of France. Set in a quiet street a short walk from the heart of Les Portes-en-Re, in the north-west corner of the island, this typically French home has a warm ambience about it. The spacious living and dining room features homely touches, a perfect place for relaxed feasts and cosy evenings whilst the modern kitchen is well-equipped to prepare meals, perhaps with ingredients brought back from one of the many Farmers markets scattered across the island. Four simple but pretty bedrooms can be found on both floors – three bright bedrooms upstairs, one with a TV and another with an en suite bathroom whilst on the ground floor a delightful en suite double has doors leading out to the garden. Indeed, the glorious gardens are a real highlight of this lovely holiday home – relax in privacy on the sunloungers surrounded by splashes of summer colour, lay a picnic rug out on the lawn by the characterful stone walls or enjoy al-fresco meals by the barbecue and covered terrace. Its a wonderful place to spend time with family or friends in the warmth of the spring, summer or autumn sunshine. Wander into Les Portes-en-Re, explore its shops selling regional produce and look out for the daily market in the height of the summer. There are some nice places to eat – make sure you try the renowned Trousse Chemise oysters with a glass of chilled white wine. Stroll along to the vast sandy beach just a short walk away or hire bikes to explore further afield – follow the trails through the pine forests to the magnificent Conche des Baleines beach or cycle to the salt marshes and wetland of the incredible Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve. As well as hikes and bicycle trails across the island, theres also kite-surfing, wind-surfing, sea-kayaking and horse-riding alongside historic sights and incredible nature. Listen to jazz on warm summer evenings in August in Saint-Martin-de-Re, explore the wonderful Farmers market in Ars-en-Re, one of Frances ‘Plus Beaux Villages, or be inspired by the beauty of La Couarde-sur-Mer with its idyllic port – there is so much of this alluring island to explore. #### Features Maison Interiors (150m2) Ground Floor - Living-dining room (50m2) with fireplace, TV and dining area for up to 8 guests - Kitchen (7m2), well-equipped with dishwasher, fridge-freezer, electric oven, microwave, gas hobs, electric cafetiere, Nespresso machine, mixer, kettle and toaster - Bedroom (13m2) with double bed (180cm), TV and doors to garden. En suite bathroom and WC - Guest WC - Bike garage - Laundry area First Floor (via spiral staircase) - Bedroom (11m2) with twin beds made up as double (160cm) and shower room - Bedroom (14m2) with twin beds (90cm each) and TV - Bedroom (8m2) with twin beds (90cm each) - Bathroom with bath and double sink - Separate WC Outside Grounds - Garden - Al-fresco dining area - BBQ - Sun-loungers (x4) - Outside shower - Garage for bikes Facilities - Wi-Fi - Heating - TV x3 (TNT channels) - DVD players x2 - CD player - Books - Stair gate - Washing machine and dryer #### Location Ile de Re is a wonderful place for relaxed holidays at a slow pace with delightful villages, stunning scenery and vast beaches. The island is reached by crossing the 3km long toll bridge, Le Pont de Re, which connects the French mainland to the island. In a residence on a quiet road in Les Portes-en-Re, Maison Troglodyte is just a few minutes walk away from the villages shops and restaurants and only 1km from the beach. In the village itself you will find a boulangerie for your morning pastries plus other useful shops such as a butchers, patisserie and grocery store as well as charming places selling local products. In the summer months look out for the daily market in the main square for more regional delights, including the areas famous Trousse Chemise oysters. Les Portes-en-Re is the type of village where you will receive a warm welcome from the locals as you wander around the flower-filled lanes. Its easy to explore both by foot or bike – look out for cycle lanes around the village and across the island (bike hire is available in many places). There are some stunning beaches close to the village, the nearest being just 1km away, and wonderful walks to reach more remote stretches of sandy coastline. Watersport enthusiasts can take part in a wealth of activities such as windsurfing and sailing at the local beach as well as kayaks, stand-up paddle boarding and kite-surfing. There is a picturesque 9-hole golf course just south of the town and horse-riding is also a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of the island. The natural landscapes surrounding Les Portes-en-Re are incredible – discover beautiful forests and explore the magnificent Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve with its salt marshes and wetland that can be visited by foot or bike. Its a true paradise for lovers of nature and wildlife, especially birds, and there are many guided tours available. Of course, there are so many other parts of the island to explore – Saint-Martin-de-Re (20km) is the main town with its historic charm, bustling restaurants and markets. In August look out for the jazz festival with open-air concerts taking place on warm summer evenings. If you can bear to leave the relaxed pace of island life, then drive back to spend a fascinating day in La Rochelle with its fantastic daily market, many historical sights, a pretty port and interesting marina.