Villa Estel
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Overview
This architect-designed villa will impress you with its sense of contemporary space, superb swimming pool and walled garden, just outside the historic town of Sommières and only half an hour to the Mediterranean coast.
It’s incredible to think that the stone partly used to construct this modern abode came from the same Estel quarry as the Pont du Gard aqueduct many years ago. Yet Villa Estel remains very much in the 21st century with its high ceilings, chic furnishings, artwork and floor to ceiling windows opening out to the inviting swimming pool and garden.
The beautiful open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area has been created with sociable living in mind, yet you can always retreat to one of the four bedrooms including a master king-size double and a bunk-bed room in a separate annexe. Every room has doors leading to the garden or swimming pool.
Outside, lounge by the olive trees, cypresses, palms and lavender so typical of southern France, then enjoy al-fresco meals on the terrace, making the most of the wonderful local produce found in local market towns.
One such town is Sommières, just 2.5km away, known for its amazing Saturday morning market and brocante as well as characterful restaurants and shops, not to mention the much-visited Château de Sommières. Admire the town’s ancient bridge, look out for summer canoeing opportunities along the Vidourle River and enjoy riverside walks and cycle rides along La Voie Verte de la Vaunage.
Located almost equidistant between Nimes and Montpellier, other brilliant days out include wine-tasting across the Gard region, visits to the historic towns of Aigues-Mortes and Uzès as well as mountain biking, hiking and horse-riding across the Cévennes, Camargue, Provence or closer to home.
Even the Mediterranean coast can be reached in just over half an hour where you can discover the wild shores west of La Grande-Motte or the seaside attractions of Le Grau-du-Roi and Port-Camargue, both fantastic days out for everyone.
What you should know…
- The villa sleeps a maximum of 6 guests across three double bedrooms and two additional older children /teens in the bunk-bed bedroom which is situated in a separate annexe.
- Air-conditioning is featured throughout except in the bunk-bed bedroom.
- The discreet yet helpful owners live next door to Villa Estel.
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
Villa Interiors
- Open-plan lounge, dining area and kitchen with doors leading to terrace and swimming pool
- Master bedroom with king-size double bed (180cm) and en suite shower room
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed (160cm)
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed (160cm)
- Bathroom
- Utility and laundry room
Separate Annexe
- Bedroom with one set of bunk-beds and open plan shower and sink
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (12x2.7m, depth: 1.4m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to end-September
- Al-fresco dining terrace
- Outdoor seating area
- Boules court
- Barbecue
- Walled garden
- 2 x bikes
- Parking and garage
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Reversible air-conditioning
- Electric heating
- Cable TV
- Table tennis
- 2 x bikes
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa EstelIn the Gard department of southern France, Villa Estel is located between Nimes and vibrant Montpellier, a brilliant base for a wealth of activities and just over half an hour from the Mediterranean coast.
Situated just off a country road, you can easily reach the heart of historic Sommières (2.5km) within a short drive. Start off by exploring the town’s bridge that dates back to the first century, then head to the main square where the Saturday morning market has taken place for the last eight centuries. The town’s atmospheric brocante is another must-visit if you have the time and if staying in the height of the summer then it’s great to be able to experience the ambience of the Wednesday evening marché nocturne.
The town is home to the Château de Sommières with its fascinating and long history – look out for activities taking place at the fortress including children’s workshops (in French) and large wooden games set out in the courtyard in the summer. Also very close by is Château de Villevieille, set in a small but pretty village in an authentic setting, and the impressive Château De Pondres, home to a hotel and restaurant.
Find canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the Vidourle River as well as lovely walks by the riverside and cycling along La Voie Verte de la Vaunage, a former railway line which runs as far as Caveirac passing rural landscapes and vineyards (and on to Nimes for more experienced cyclists). The region also offers superb hiking and mountain biking trails straight from your holiday villa whilst wine-lovers have a wide choice of vineyards and wineries near Sommières.
Other fantastic days out include Aigues-Mortes (34km) with its 12th century ramparts, the Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard (52km), now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the handsome market town of Uzès (42km) and the city of Nimes (30km) with its wonderfully preserved Roman sites, some of the finest in France.
The wild white horses and pink flamingos of the Camargue can also be reached in just over an hour, perhaps combined with a visit to Van Gogh’s beloved Arles (58km), or venture south to discover the natural landscapes around Étang de L'Or (36km). The Mediterranean coast is also just over half an hour away; it’s marvellous to be able to spend the day by the glorious beaches near La Grande-Motte (35km) or Le Grau-du-Roi (38km).
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport
(38km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Nîmes Alès Camargue Cévennes Airport
(38km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Nîmes
(30km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
In and around Sommières
(Within 2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Lidl/Carrefour Market
(1.5-2km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Sommières
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Nimes/Montpellier
(30km/39km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Nîmes Campagne
(34km) |
||
Region
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of those areas of France where you can feel like you’re totally cut off from the rest of the country. Commercial tourism has been very slow to capitalise on the region, meaning you can still enjoy a slice of authentic French rural life at its finest. A mixture of landscapes also makes it a great place to visit, with a good stretch of coastline offering a totally different experience to more bucolic interiors. Whatever you’re looking for, our range of villas and chateaux in Languedoc means you can get exactly the kind of holiday you want with accommodation that’s perfectly tailored to you, your friends and your family.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesVilla Estel is only 2.5km from historic Sommières, home to the fascinating Château de Sommières. As well as visiting the castle, check what other events may be taking place during your stay such as child-friendly workshops (usually in French) and large wooden games that are often set up in the courtyard in the summer – the château also hosts a couple of summer evenings dedicated to family games.
You will be able to find summer canoeing/kayaking along the Vidourle River near Sommières whilst there are some wonderful walking, cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding opportunities close by. Families will adore La Voie Verte de la Vaunage, a former railway line between Caveirac and Sommières which is ideal for pleasant family walks and cycle rides passing rural landscapes and vineyards. Back in Sommières, come across the river beach which is very popular in the summer.
There are tree-top adventures, ziplines and stand-up paddle boarding at Roc de Massereau (4km) usually open every day in July and August (and seasonal weekends in spring and autumn).
Heading towards the coast, there is a wide range of beaches around Le Grau-du-Roi and La Grande-Motte, just over half an hour away. In Le Grau-du-Roi other family attractions include the Seaquarium and Amigoland amusement park on summer evenings as well as regular jousting displays on the canal.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Watersports
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Bicycles Provided
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
Services Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Maid Service Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Extra cleaning
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €1200 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation by OT one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1200 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation by OT one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Extra €150 payable to Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment. This is for a standard changeover clean. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The villa sleeps a maximum of 6 guests across three double bedrooms and two additional older children /teens in the bunk-bed bedroom which is situated in a separate annexe. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 4th 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £1,063 | £1,417 | £1,771 | £2,480 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Jul 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £2,851 |
| Jul 1st 2024 - Sep 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £3,595 |
| Sep 1st 2024 - Oct 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £2,851 |
| Oct 1st 2024 - Jun 1st 2025 | - | - | - | £2,480 |
| Jun 1st 2025 - Jun 30th 2025 | - | - | - | £2,851 |
| Jun 30th 2025 - Aug 31st 2025 | - | - | - | £3,595 |
| Aug 31st 2025 - Sep 30th 2025 | - | - | - | £2,851 |
| Sep 30th 2025 - Nov 5th 2025 | - | - | - | £2,480 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
When did you become the owner?
2 years ago
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
Its fantastic architecture & building material (stone...
Owner Profile
When did you become the owner?
2 years ago
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
Its fantastic architecture & building material (stones/glass/ironwork) and its ideal location (with Camargue, Cévennes and beaches & see around)
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The villa has been designed by a French architect that was inspired both by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and the architecture of South of Spain (Granada Alhambra, Alcazar,…). He decided to use only three materials : stones from Pont du Gard for its beauty & history, glass for sunlight & transparency and ironwork for purity & durability
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
A famous Welsh actor considered the villa as his private place of residence during a film shooting
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
- Must do?
Horse riding in Camargue to watch pink flamingos and bulls, trekking in Cevennes (Pic Saint-Loup, Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert), swimming in Mediterrannee sea (at Plage de l’Espiguette/ le Grau-du-Roi)
- Must eat?
Olive tapenade, fish of the day from Grau-du-Roi (Sea bass, sea brem, tuna,…), Camargue bull stew, Fougasse d’Aigues-Mortes (pastry)
- Must see?
Discover middle-age cities of Aigues-Mortes and Uzès and/or antique monuments in Nimes (arena and “maison carrée”) and Pont du Gard.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Guests who stayed in our property tell us that they are pleasantly surprised with the villa vs the pictures they have watched when they booked it. The location is perfect whatever you’re looking for, according to your desires and hobbies : see & mountain, fauna & flora, cities & countryside, relax & activities, etc…
Reviews
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Immaculate
The house was simply immaculate!!!
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Fantastic Vacation
First of all, we had an incredible stay at this villa in the South of France! We had a family get together with 5 adults and 2 kids. The villa's prime location made it easy to explore the charms of the South of France, from quaint villages to vibrant markets. The property is located next to Sommiere, a very cute historic town and within a driving distance of 30-45 min. You can visit cities like Montpellier, Nimes or visit the Camargue and the Provence, so many great places to see.
The moment we stepped in, we were captivated by the stunning design that perfectly balanced comfort and elegance. Specially the height of the ceilings in the living area and the huge windows are remarkable. The bedrooms were a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration. The beds and as well the bed linens were very comfy. -
Superb
A beautiful house which did not disappoint. And very helpful owners on hand to help and advise.
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A memorable stay
Thank you to the owners for their welcome. Your house is really great, whether for the location, the equipment, the decoration. A memorable stay that the whole family enjoyed. We will come back with friends next year!
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A week of rest and pleasure
A week of rest and pleasure in this very pretty, beautifully decorated house. The children loved diving in the pool after the days of sightseeing. The house is very well located and allows many visits without traveling too many kilometers. A big thank you to our very welcoming and available hosts.
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Gorgeous
Our family week went wonderfully! The host was responsive to answer my questions before arriving and added games for the children. We were warmly welcomed there. The house is even more beautiful in real life than in the photos! Sublime, the spaces are spacious, the layout of the rooms is such that all have a view and direct access to the swimming pool. And what about the bedding? Absolute comfort. The swimming pool is perfect for doing laps and nothing is missing to spend good afternoons playing in the water and outside with the family! The host prepared a guide for us with everything there is to do nearby! The area is perfect, about 30 minutes from everything (Nîmes and its arenas, Montpellier, the beaches at Grau du Roi, or the Grande Motte and Palavas, Aigues Mortes, etc.) And without moving, the village of Sommieres where you can located the accommodation is very beautiful, favorite, we will come back!
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Magnifique
Nous sommes partis 3 nuits avec des amis . Le logement proposé était au dessus de nos attentes, une maison d'architecte magnifique disposant de toutes les commodités ! Le contact avec la hôte est très fluide et simple !! Un séjour parfait !
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Pleasant in every way
Thank you to the hosts for their great welcome. They were very flexible and accommodating with our arrival and departure times, and above all made this family stay easy and pleasant in every way. The villa is even more beautiful than in the photos, spacious and tastefully decorated. Not to mention the swimming pool! Everything was also very clean and well equipped. We will come back with great pleasure! Thanks again.
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We will gladly come back
We thank this charming couple for welcoming us to this superb stylish house, tastefully decorated. Every detail is carefully thought out. A welcome basket kindly offered to introduce us to some flavours of the region upon our arrival. Outside a pretty swimming pool surrounded by a pleasant landscaped garden. We were delighted with our stay in Sommières. We will gladly come back.
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Very beautiful
The host is very welcoming. The house is very beautiful and conforms to all the photos. We spent a pleasant weekend in this region, we will definitely come back!!
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Amazing
At Villa Estel, everything is done to make you feel at home, from booking to welcoming. As soon as we arrived, they were able to put us at ease and ensure that we could get our bearings and therefore make our stay an exceptional memory. The house has incredible architecture, all the rooms are on one level, which allowed us to enjoy the living rooms as well as the outside, where there is a beautiful swimming pool with a huge green plot. We were able to enjoy the barbecue and the equipment without difficulty in total comfort for the whole family with multiple activities for children such as Ping Pong, pétanque field etc.... Nothing is missing in this accommodation, because all the services are high quality. In short, we congratulate you on this wonderful stay that we had with our friends, as well as our children in a warm, spacious and welcoming setting... well done!
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Unforgettable stay
It was the end of 2022. We stayed in this magnificent architect-designed house whose bay windows overlooked the garden and the swimming pool and let in a beautiful winter sun. Unforgettable stay with exceptional hosts. If you like cycling you will be delighted - consume without moderation!
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The welcome is top notch, in conclusion we will come back!!
We stayed in September 2022. It was warm, so we were able to enjoy the beautiful swimming pool, lunch on the terrace, table tennis in the evening. We visited the small town of Sommières and its castle. We went to dinner in the city center of Nîmes which is nearby. We had a very good night's sleep thanks to the air-conditioned rooms. The welcome is top notch, in conclusion we will come back!!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
