Test drive your villa - don't gamble with your summer holiday - pick your perfect villa on a whirlwind weekend recce
by Nigel Horme
December 2005
The following quote follows descriptions of other villas from other companies which formed part of the weekend recce:
We set off for our final destination, a house among the vineyards and cherry orchards outside Oppède-le-Vieux, on the way to the airport. I was convinced this wouldn't work - I wanted a hilltop location with sweeping views. We would however, be able to see the interior with the keyholder. We turned the car into the drive and it was a coup de coeur - this was definitely where we'd be spending our holidays: a classic Provençal farmhouse with a great pool and barbecue area; a field (ideal for football) stretching forever and village tennis courts just five minutes away. Our inspection of the rooms made it clearer: acres of space and beautifully decorated. A few months later, we enjoyed a fabulous holiday there.
View villa ref PR66 >>
It's time to bag a villa thriller - in low season you will save thousands
by Nigel Horme
September 2005
Artagnan, Auch, France
What you need is a lovely country house with comfy sofas, a log fire and room for all the family, and a Christmas tree, and this is it.
Situated in a hamlet south of Auch, with views of the Pyrénées, where you could go for a day's gentle skiing if it snows enough, the house sleeps eight and the renovated barn sleeps four. Fly to Pau with Ryanair or Toulouse with BA.
View the house and barn ref PY12 >>
Perfect Provence - Finding what's right for you
by Nigel Horme
March 2005
Long lazy lunches... formidable family outings... irresistible rustic villas... Glorious views, fabulous food and a real change of pace: Provence is a holiday-on-a-plate territory - which is why so many of us are either already booked up to go this summer or hunting around right now for places to stay.
Dominique's Villas has a converted farmhouse big enough for two families sharing - it sleeps 11 in five rooms - just ouside Ménerbes.
View villa ref PR66 >>
Heaven Rent
by Casilda Grigg
January 2002
La Belle Gasconne, Lot-et-Garonne, France. Thick stone walls, rough-hewn beams and the murmur of lapping water are the keynotes to this tranquil 14th-century water mill. Set in a medieval village on the Gelise river amid cedars and pines, La Belle Gasconne is comfortable and delightfully authentic. A millstone once used to grind hemp and linen occupies pride of place in the front room, but you'll also find little luxuries such as monogrammed bed linen. The house is owned by a French chef.
View villa ref DL34 >>
