Completed in 1990, the Villa Trèfle offers luxury accommodation on one level, and is situated just 500m from the Lac de Sanguinet, (11 x 10km), where you can sail, fish, water ski, cycle the special tracks, or windsurf.

Local hire facilities are available for cycles, windsurfers, sailing and motor boats.

Tuition is available locally for water skiing, sailing and windsurfing.

20 minutes drive will take you to the surfing beaches of Biscarrosse Plage where there is a surf school.

LOCALLY

Sanguinet, just 2km away, is a small pretty village with an Ecomarche supermarket, a tourist information centre and 5 restaurants – 3 of which are open all year. The remaining 2 are at the lakeside and they are normally open from mid-July until mid-September. Children are welcomed at all the restaurants and one of the restaurants at the lake has a children’s play area. The nearest bank, chemist, doctor, 2 bakers and the Post Office can all be found here.

The lake is a freshwater lake, roughly the same size as the island of Guernsey, and it is very shallow around the perimeter, so it retains the heat from the sun – it is also VERY safe for tiny tots. It is possible to swim in the lake from May until October. During the summer months the average water temperatures at the lake are 23°C and 18°C at the ocean.

FURTHER AFIELD

Visit stylish Arcachon and the famous Ville d’Hiver with its amazing 19thC houses or spend a family fun day out at Aqualand – 15 minutes drive away.

Historic Bordeaux (45 mins) is a ‘must see’. Since the recent installation of the modern tram system and the pedestrianisation of the centre, Bordeaux has been declared a World Heritage Site.

The world famous chateaux and vineyards of the Médoc, the pretty medieval village of St Emilion, Biarritz with its associations with the 1930’s ‘jet set’ or the Spanish border are all within a 2 hour drive or less.

** ALMOST UNDISCOVERED BY OTHER NATIONALITIES, THIS AREA IS A FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION FOR THE FRENCH **

THE ACCOMMODATION

The Villa Trèfle is a relaxing base to explore and enjoy the undiscovered region called ‘Les Landes’. It has a completely private and enclosed garden to the front and rear, and the very attractive mature rear garden faces the forest. The garden is professionally maintained and has an integral automatic watering system.

The villa is fully double-glazed, insulated and centrally heated. It was originally detached, but is now semi-detached. The adjoining house is where the owners stay when they are in residence – usually out of season. Both properties are totally private and do not overlook each other in any way.

The attractive and prettily furnished L-shaped lounge/dining room has:

Two sets of full length double french windows leading to the rear garden and terrace
Radio/cassette/cd player
Combi television with Engish Freeview satellite channels
Dvd player.

The kitchen is fully equipped with:

4 ring English electric cooker
Larder size fridge-freezer
Dishwasher
Electric toaster
Electric kettle
Cafétière
Microwave

The bathroom has:

Front loading automatic washing machine
Bidet
Bath with shower over
Washbasin
Separate toilet

There are 3 double bedrooms.

Two bedrooms with double orthopaedic beds, fitted wardrobes, wooden floors and overhead ceiling fans
One bedroom with twin single beds, fitted wardrobes, a wooden floor and overhead ceiling fan

To the rear of the Villa Trèfle

Large terrace has a wisteria shaded pergola, perfect for the long hot days and evenings
Teak garden furniture seating 6
Four modern deckchairs
Barbecue

All are provided in order that you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the rear garden and the forest beyond. There is parking space within the fenced and gated garden.

The integral garage can be used to:

Store bicycles, windsurfers etc

A child’s travelcot, highchair, paddling pool, and a sandpit can all be provided if required and should be requested at the time of making a reservation.

Facilities

Property Type:	Villas
Nearest ferry port:	Santander to Sanguinet 379km, St Malo to Sanguinet 538km
Nearest restaurant:	Five bistro type restaurants within walking distance A 2km stroll along the tranquil shores of the Lac de Sanguinet, far from roads and traffic, will take you to 3 lakeside restaurants 1 of which is open all year. The remaining 2 are open from mid-July until mid-September, and 1 of them has a special children’s play area. There are 2 more restaurants, both of which are open all year round, which can be reached by a further short walk into the village centre. Take-away meals are available during high season at the local campsite (500m) and there is a take-away pizza booth in the village
Location and activities:	Cycling There is a specially constructed cycle track around the lake at Sanguinet, and it is possible to cycle on different graded tracks (map from tourist information centre) through the forest around Biscarrosse Ville and Biscarrosse Plage. Cycle hire is available in the village. Tennis Can be played by using the facilities at the local tennis club Water skiing, Windsurfing and Sailing Tuition for all 3 activities is available at the lakeside in Sanguinet. If you do not wish to have tuition, you can hire a windsurfer or a sailing boat. Further afield on the lake at Port Maguide, it is possible to hire a motor boat and to experience parascending Golf A stone’s throw from the lake at Navarrosse lies the Biscarrosse 18-hole golf course, set amid the pine forest and the dunes Karting 4km from Sanguinet lies a specially constructed karting circuit, complete with a café for the onlookers Canoeing This may be done on the lake, but canoes can also be hired for an exhilarating day out on the River Leyre Fishing A permit is required, but this can be obtained from the fishing shop in the village. Species available are pike, perch, carp, tench, bream, roach, gudgeon, eels, trout and bass Jet Skis Are allowed on the lake at Sanguinet from Monday to Thursday inclusive, during the hours of 15.00 and 19.00 only. All jet skis must be used only within the permitted zone. They can also be hired at the Navarrosse side of the lake Bird-Watching With the varied local habitat of forest, lake, ocean and river estuaries, a wide variety of species can be observed in the area. Sanguinet lies on one of the main migration routes, and a visit to the local ornithological park at Le Teich is a must Kite Surfing Is allowed on the lake at all times, providing it is done within the permitted area Surfing and Body Boarding Biscarrosse Plage is the place to go where there is also a surf school. The coast from Lacanau to the Spanish border is famous for its surf and many world championships are held here. Most beaches have life guards, complete with helicopters and amphibious vehicles, so it is wisest to stay within the designated areas and to take advantage of their local knowledge Table Tennis The garage at the Villa Trèfle has a full size table tennis table which guests are welcome to use Walking A map may be obtained from the tourist information office. There are many shady forest tracks to explore, some of them by the lake itself. When it is very hot, it can be sheer bliss to meander in these cool shady places and to enjoy the fragrance of the pines Paddling Pool and Sandpit Can be provided by prior arrangement at no extra cost.
Bedrooms:	There are 3 double bedrooms all with wooden floors, fitted wardrobes and overhead ceiling fans. Two of the bedrooms each have a double orthopaedic bed and the third bedroom has 2 single twin beds. A cot can be provided on request
Bathrooms:	An automatic front loading washing machine is installed in the bathroom, which also houses a full size bath with a shower over, a bidet and a washbasin. There is a separate toilet
Kitchen:	The kitchen is very well equipped with an English electric cooker, a larder size fridge-freezer, a microwave, cafétière, electric kettle, wok, large pasta pan, electric toaster and a dishwasher. A set of plastic beakers, plates, bowls, and cutlery is provided for the tinies
Dining:	The dining area has an antique pine dresser with a matching table and 8 chairs and a view of the rear garden through the 2 sets of double french doors
Living area:	Comfortably furnished with a matching 2 seater and a 3 seater settee and an armchair, plus a coffee table and a tea trolley. There are 2 sets of french-style double doors which lead onto the huge terrace and the rear garden overlooking the forest. The combi television can receive English Freeview channels and English radio, and there is also a dvd player and a radio/cassette/cd player. The 2 bookcases have a very good selection of both hard and paperback books which are suitable for most ages including children. Playing cards, puzzles and games are provided, together with a selection of videos and dvds
Entertainment on-site:	An assortment of body boards, beach toys and garden shuttlecock/tennis etc which guests are welcome to use. Indoors, the usual pastimes of reading, watching television/dvds/videos, playing cards/games and completing jigsaw puzzles, have all been catered for. There is also a full size table tennis table in the garage
Outside:	The garden at the Villa Trèfle is fully fenced and gated and will detain all but the most determined toddler or pet from escape. It is professionally maintained with an integral watering system. The large terrace has ceramic tiles with a special non-slip surface and a wisteria shaded pergola offering respite from the sun at the hottest times of the day. The provision of a barbecue, teak garden furniture and modern deck chairs all help to make the garden a quiet area to relax, eat, drink or play. Parking is available within the garden area, and there is also a garage which can be used for storage of bikes, windsurfers etc
General:	If you are looking for a quiet retreat in an area which can provide some stimulating and varied activity to suit all ages, then look no further than the Villa Trèfle, Sanguinet and Les Landes! If you have small children then the lake is the perfect place for toddlers to play in safety, with the minimum of supervision. Not only is the water grade ‘A’ listed for water quality, but it has soft sandy beaches (of which there are many different ones at Sanguinet, 2 with supervised bathing areas), and it is very shallow for a long way out from the beach. Ample shady lakeside parking is also very useful at times. If you have older children or teenagers they can participate on one of the many and varied sporting activities, whilst the adults will enjoy the food, the wine, the tranquillity and the many different delights provided by the towns and villages within close proximity, including the shopping at the local markets and in stylish Bordeaux and fashionable Arcachon
Suitability:	Unfortunately, the Villa Trefle is not suitable for the disabled. Even though the accommodation is all on one level, there are steps into the property at both front and rear

Owners Recommendations

Eating Out

'Chez Flo, Hotel du Centre, Parentis en Born'
"Flo is short for Florent, a young chef who is very innovative and talented. There is a shady terrasse at the front of the restaurant, overlooking the pedestrianised area in front of the church, where you can sip a cooling aperitif at midday and enjoy one of Flo's excellent midday 3 course menus for around 11 euros. In the evening the menus start at 17 euros, consist of four courses - at least one of which is always a delightful surprise."

'La Cote Sud, Biscarrosse Plage'
"Known affectionately as 'the tent' by all who dine there regularly - the original building was burnt down some years ago and was replaced with a marquee. This has been replaced by a very substantial and solid temporary construction on the dune itself at Biscarrosse Plage. Eat the best moules frites and sardines frites in the area here - and watch the spectacular sunsets at the same time. And when you have finished, any further portions are free - or 'a volonté' as the French call it."

'The Restaumer, Biscarrosse Plage'
"Famous throughout the area this is 'the' fish restaurant, where you can be certain that all the seafood is fresh that day. Attached to the restaurant is a wet fish stall where you can also buy cartons of freshly cooked sardines, calamars etc. Take these onto the beach with a baguette and a cool bottle of rosé wine.........delicious."

Local Area and Activities

'Bicarrosse Plage'
"Body boarding and surfing heaven! Surfing lessons are available. Sandy beaches with lifeguards in the main season - and the fantastic sunsets are free. Summer sea temperature is 18C° - and above. "

'Bordeaux'
"The centre of Bordeaux has recently become pedestrianised, and there is an excellent tram system in place. This beautiful city is a 'must see', especially at night when the buildings are floodlit. Some critics have compared its beauty to that of Vienna. In the daytime Bordeaux has some very stylish shopping arcades and streets, whilst in the evening the large town squares are filled with the contented chatter of people eating and drinking at the various pavement cafés which cater for all budgets and tastes."

'Cycling'
"There are specially constructed cycle tracks throughout the area, round the lake and through the forest. In the forest there are also circular tracks which have been graded according to difficulty. Explore further afield inland, where many of the tracks cut through the forest and avoid the roads. Cycle hire is easily available."

'Fete Champetre & Dancing on Stilts'
"In Sanguinet there are some wonderful evenings organised by various charitable organisations whereby the tourist and locals alike eat and drink together at long tables in the open air. The menu is local, varied and suits all tastes - but the entertainment is free. Dancing on stilts. In the last century the land was very boggy and the farmers wore stilts to enable them to herd their sheep. They now dance on them - and very energetically too. "

'Sporting Activites'
"There are so many to choose from...windsurfing, body boarding, fishing, parascending, tennis, archery, horse riding, diving, roller skating, golf, sailing, water skiing, karting - the list is endless. Tuition is also available for many of the sports mentioned."

'The Lake'
"Measuring 11 x 10km, this freshwater lake has a summer water temperature of 26C°! There are so many different sandy beaches it is difficult to choose. Ample shady parking at the lake, plus a specially built cycle track round the lake and through the forest. "

'Toro-Piscine'
"Not to be missed! A sort of bullfight with cows and a large inflatable pool filled with water. A really hilarious evening with audience participation."

'Wine-Tasting'
"Easy access to the wine producing areas of Bordeaux (1 hour) - also the Medoc and St-Emilion (1.5 hours). If you love wine, then exploring these areas you will find that you have seen the name of every village on a wine bottle. Many châteaux have free tasting, where you can also buy the wine. The châteaux of the Médoc are particularly grand and beautiful, this is where you will find Château Margaux belonging to the Baron de Rothschild."

Markets and Shopping

'From Carrefour to the Local Markets'
"There is something for everyone in this area. Street markets by day and also by night during the main tourist season. The main hypermarkets such as Carrefour, Auchan etc can all be visited by car in less than an hour, but you can also shop at Decathlon, (sports wear of all kinds), Casa (unusual stylish household items) Fly (along the same lines as Ikea, but smaller), Michigan where you can always find a bargain and many more. And if you are too exhausted to cook or eat out, visit Picard and treat yourself to a superb ready-made meal. Even M & S could learn something here."

'Parentis Market'
"Held on Thursday morning, this is the main local market where you can buy all types of fresh produce, local fish and oysters, cheese, sausages, wonderful spit-roasted corn-fed chickens, foie gras, and of course - wine. "

Rental Rates

Villa Trèfle - Sleeps: 6, Bedrooms: 3

Rental from £355 pw low season to £825 pw high season

Special Offers

Short Breaks Available - Outside Main Season

3 day break (Friday Saturday and Sunday night)
4 day break (Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday nights) – 4 nights for the price of 3

Please ask for prices

Contact Details

To book this property use the contact details below quoting Holiday France Direct ref: AL001425.

Contact:	Anne Hodges
Postal Address:	3 Sea View Haverigg Millom West Cumbria LA18 4ER
Telephone:	07092 312648
Fax:	07092 312648
Email:	Email the Owner »
Owner's website:	coastrentals.org.uk
Shortlist:	Click here to add this property to your shortlist
Listing last updated:	01 Dec 2008