Where would your dream holiday home be?
Our search for a French house - again! and some lovely escapes lost in nature. #39
This weekend we are off to France to visit some properties between Bordeaux and La Rochelle.
We decided more than a year ago to purchase a holiday home in France as it was important for me to get closer to my family and have a base in my country. As for Mr Bigg, like many Brits, he has this romanticised view of life in France, nurtured by endless shows, films and articles about “why the French do it better”!
You may think that we had a head start because I am French but in truth, looking for a property from abroad is really difficult and we are not as daring as some English couples who just buy something after one virtual visit! We worked with 3 property hunters last year and ended the collaboration when their very regional sales guy lacked subtlety and put me off them.
So I am doing it on my own in 2023. We realised that we have to get our asses there and come once a month to visit properties, even if on paper they are not perfect. We are seeing three this weekend. I’ll let you know how it went if you are interested!
Where would your dream holiday home be?
On the blog
Villa Madonna, Piedmont
Despite its name, this is not a holiday home to rent but a very charming hotel in Italy. When I first saw photos of that hotel, I was really seduced. This is due to Swedish sisters Marie & Annica Eklund who have imprinted the boutique hotel with their sense of style, which they term as ‘casual luxury’. Read more.
Extra finds
Domaine du Castellas, France
From £350 per night - Check latest prices & availability
This domaine in Provence is a large 18th century farmhouse which extends over more than a hundred hectares. It features amazing views across the Lubéron valley. There are ten suites, with warm but refined decoration, an outdoor pool exclusive for residents and a Bio Sauna.
Mas les vignes, France
Nightly rate 585 Euros (minimum 2 nights), weekly rate 3500 Euros - Check latest prices & availability
Mas Les Vignes is an authentic Cévenol farmhouse dating back to 1757 and set in beautiful nature. The farmhouse includes two houses, connected by an inner courtyard overlooking the garden with many terraces. Both house 2-4 people, or they can be rented all together. There is a natural pool set within the rocks.
1900 Hotel, Greece
From £786 for minimum 3 nights - Check latest prices & availability
A renovated 19th century neoclassical mansion right on the seafront on Symi island with high painted ceilings and walls bursting with vibrant colours. Two honesty bars, one on each level of the villa, add an extra touch while the main rooms of the house have been transformed into four elegant suites. The top floor consists of two more suites, 1903 and 1904, and the most amazing terrace overlooking the harbour.
Montimerso, Portugal
From £192 per night - Check latest prices & availability
Covered by a blanket of stars, Montimerso is in the Darksky® Alqueva Reserve - the first UNESCO-certified starlight tourism destination in the world. The whitewashed walls, an ode to Alentejo’s original housing, are combined with Montimerso’s own modern, minimalist character. Among the various facilities of this property are a bar, a shared lounge and a garden. Rooms have a patio and there is an outdoor pool.
Can Casi House, Spain
Rooms from 280 Euros per night, house from 880 Euros per night - Check latest prices & availability
Can Casi House in Parlava is a B&B and house to rent. The decoration is inspired by the countryside with Provencal style. Offering 4 luxuriously comfortable en-suites ,the simplicity of rural life mixes with the comfort of natural linens, warm woods, art and antique vintage furniture. There is an outdoor saltwater pool, gym room and bicycle routes.