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THE CANDIDATES: Ben, Aoife (30s) and baby Cian
THE CHALLENGE: a late-deal getaway in late August/early September for a family, somewhere in Europe
THE REQUIREMENTS: a last-minute villa holiday where the family can live in a home from home. Aoife writes: ‘‘We desperately need some sunshine, but package deals are my idea of hell. A place in the countryside, or by the sea, where we can relax and feel at home, please!”
OPTION ONE - LOIRE VALLEY
Le Grenier in the Loire Valley is a two-storey villa which is an extension of a main farmhouse building dating back more than 200 years. All the chateaux of the Loire and Anjou regions are within easy reach, and the historic towns of Saumur and Angers are only 20 minutes and 45 minutes drive away. Ben and Aoife can take daytrips to towns and beaches along the coast, or take cycling tours in the Loire national park and its vineyards. The villa itself features a spacious lounge with an original fireplace and wood-burning stove, a fitted kitchen and dining room, two bedrooms (one en suite) and a large bathroom.
There is also a balcony/terrace and a private garden. The surrounding gardens have garden furniture and a barbecue, and there is a children’s playground close by. The surrounding area offers facilities for fishing, horse-riding, mountain-biking and walking.
Cost: flights from Dublin to Nantes cost from €148 from August 18 to 25 with Ryanair. Le Grenier costs €550 for one week for the same dates.
Contact: www.ryanair.com for flights, Holiday Homes Direct on 01-2354490 for details of villas.
OPTION TWO - COSTA BLANCA
La Marineta is a two-bedroom villa in Denia on Spain’s Costa Blanca. It is in a small development of about 21 properties, with a communal swimming pool and toddler’s pool. The master bedroom has a balcony and stairs to a roof terrace with views of the Montgo mountains. The nearest beach is an eight-minute walk away, and the surrounding areas offer fishing, a golf course, horse-riding, tennis courts, watersports, sailing, mountain biking, diving, swimming, walking, surfing, waterskiing and windsurfing. One of the most visited tourist attractions of Denia is the castillo (castle). Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, it offers a view around the sea, the city and the backlands. Within the castle, you will find the Palau del Governador and a museum. Ben and Aoife could also do some shopping along the main road of Calle de Marques de Campo, which also features many bars and little restaurants. They can try some of the excellent cakes and sweets of the local confectionery and bakery shops for which Denia is famous.
Cost: flights from Dublin to Alicante cost from €143 in August and September. La Marineta costs €550 per week from August 29 to September 21.
Contact: see contact details above for Ryanair and Holiday Homes Direct.
OPTION THREE - THE ALGARVE
Quinta dos Brejos is a two-bed duplex in the Albufeira region of Portugal. The area is famous for its beaches, and for the countless shades and tones of its rocks and cliffs. Just a few miles inland, the green of the countryside is dotted with almond, fig, orange and pine trees in picturesque fashion. Albufeira has a distinctly Moorish feel and the food on offer is exceptional.
Ben and Aoife can sample the popular shellfish and meat dishes that are famous in the region. The local wines are also superb. Vilamoura is just ten minutes away and is a golfing and yachting paradise. The largest shopping centre in the Algarve is also only ten minutes away, in Guia village. The complex has everything - cinema, ten-pin bowling, restaurants and all the main high-street shops. Lisbon and Fatima can also be seen on a day trip by train from Albufeira station. The outside area at the Quinta dos Brejos is landscaped with plenty of greenery. The village is also landscaped with orange, lemon and lime trees. There is a big adult pool and a small children’s pool.
Cost: flights from Dublin to Faro cost from €152 with Ryanair in August. The Qunita dos Brejos villa costs €700 a week in August.
Contact: see above for Ryanair and Holiday Homes Direct.
Click here to see all Holiday Homes Direct Late Deals!
Sunday Business Post, 12 August 2007
By Linda Maher