Self-Catering Holidays in Atlantic Aquitaine, South West France - Villas, Cottages & Apartments

Accommodation :

Villa Fontaine is one of several new villas on a lotissement development near the village centre. Each property is different to the next and it looks as though the owners have had some fun designing their homes.

Villa Fontaine is particularly impressive when viewed from the rear (see main photo). The owner has certainly kept the local glazier in business; the ample use of glass has created an incredibly light home. The luminous feeling is especially apparent in the open-plan séjour where a double-height ceiling employs glass from floor-to-ceiling. There is a contemporary feel throughout.

There are some other touches of individuality too. The owner has dispensed with the idea of a conventional back garden and constructed a tiered decked terrace instead which incorporates an 8x4m swimming pool.

Much quirkier was the decision to located the first floor bathroom in between the two upstairs bedrooms - on an open mezzanine. The advantage is that from the bathtub you can look out to the lotissement's ornamental lake.

There are 4 bedrooms in total - two downstairs (with either a private balcony or access to the terrace), two off the mezzanine level upstairs.

The ground floor living area is open plan and incorporates lounge (fireplace, CD player, TV & DVD player), dining area and kitchen (including washing machine and dishwasher). The kitchen is fully equipped and a large breakfast table provides ample seating for guests. Access to the terrace is provided from the dining area.

Two bedrooms are on the ground floor and these share a bathroom and wc. There is a very handy cloakroom for storing coats and shoes, etc. From the living area is an open-tread wooden staircase leading to the mezzanine bathroom and two first floor bedrooms.

The villa is built overlooking a small lake, adding to the feeling of relaxation when one is sitting on the balcony or terrace. Garden furniture and sun-loungers are provided. Outside, to the front, there is ample parking.

This is a popular villa for groups of friends and families with older kids but in our opinion it is unsuitable for toddlers and children who are not swimmers. The swimming pool has a security alarm in accordance with the new regulations. It is guests' responsibility to turn it on.

The owner asks guests not to smoke in the house.

Please note:
The villas are relatively close to one another which means if you want to sit out on the terrace until late without fear of disturbing neighbours then we would suggest more secluded alternatives.

There is an independent basement studio apartment below one wing of the villa. It is separately accessed, and is inaudible and barely visible from the villa. It may sometimes be occupied during rental by the owners or their caretaker - they are on hand to look after the pool and answer any questions, but will otherwise leave you will be left in complete privacy.