Domaine De La Tour | 7-Bedroom Villa with Tennis Court in Loix

Fourteen guests, seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a 16th-century stone estate that feels like stepping into French coastal memory. This is what a luxury villa rental in Ile de Re actually delivers when you choose Domaine De La Tour in the quiet village of Loix—a property that refuses to shout about itself, preferring instead to let the salt-marsh light, the hum of the courtyard, and the simple fact of space do the talking.

Inside Domaine De La Tour

Domaine De La Tour sleeps 14 guests across 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, split between a restored main residence and a separate annexe that gives multi-generational groups and large families the breathing room they actually need.

The main house spans 350 square metres and anchors itself around a kitchen that functions at the emotional centre of the property. This is not a galley kitchen squeezed into a corner. The open-plan space stretches wide, fitted with an induction hob, full-size oven, microwave, and paired Nespresso and De’Longhi machines—the kind of kitchen setup that transforms reluctant cooks into volunteers. A breakfast bar runs alongside, and a substantial dining table seats twelve, though the real overflow happens outdoors. Washing facilities are thoughtfully positioned nearby with both machine and dryer available.

Moving through the main house, the living room reveals a fireplace pit arrangement—a focal point for evening gatherings—complemented by two generous sofas, lounge seating, and integrated sound system. A mezzanine lounge with desk access provides respite for those needing separation from the main flow of activity.

The bedroom configuration spreads across the upper levels. Three king-size beds (180cm x 200cm) each occupy their own en suite bathroom with shower and WC. One additional bedroom contains a queen-size bed (160cm x 200cm) paired with a full en suite featuring both shower and bath. A fifth bedroom provides a foldable double bed for flexible sleeping arrangements. The sauna sits as a standalone amenity within the main house structure.

The annexe—a separate 100-square-metre wing accessed from the courtyard—operates independently with its own open-plan kitchen (oven, microwave, induction hob, fridge-freezer, Nespresso machine), sitting room with fireplace, and dining area. Two additional bedrooms sleep six: one with a king-size bed and one with twin singles. A bathroom with shower and separate WC complete this self-contained section, allowing extended family or friends to gather while maintaining privacy.

Wi-Fi runs throughout the property. Board games, puzzles, children’s books, a cot, and highchair provide structure for younger guests, while eight bicycles stand ready by the entrance.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds stretch across 4.5 acres—a scale that matters when multiple families converge. The inner courtyard garden spans 900 square metres and shelters beneath four ancient linden trees, their canopy creating natural cooling and a sense of enclosure that protects gatherings from wind. This is the assembly point: where breakfast happens, where evening aperitifs take hold, where the day’s plans form and dissolve.

Terraced spaces face west toward sunset. A substantial outdoor dining table accommodates twenty guests, flanked by sun loungers for the hours between lunch and late afternoon. An OFYR barbecue and plancha sit ready—serious cooking equipment, not decorative features. The fig, pear, and plum trees in the adjacent orchard produce seasonally, a small luxury that makes picking fruit from your own garden a real possibility rather than a fantasy.

A dedicated tennis court occupies its own corner of the estate—a genuine court, not a cramped backyard novelty. For those who prefer watching the island while remaining stationary, the west-facing terrace delivers unobstructed light during the crucial evening hours when Ile de Re’s soft glow intensifies. A private car park ensures guests never navigate external village navigation for parking logistics.

Location: Loix and the Surrounding Area

Loix sits on the eastern side of Ile de Re, a working village rather than a tourist resort. The property’s position places Loix port just 300 metres away—close enough to watch fishing boats but far enough that working harbour noise remains manageable. The village’s salt marshes surround the estate in three directions, creating a landscape that photographers and nature-watchers describe in terms of light and silence rather than attractions.

Plage de la Conche beach lies 1 kilometre south. Plage de la Massone sits similarly close, favoured by families with younger children due to shallow water and manageable tides. Neither requires navigation through traffic or parking arguments. The beaches here feature exposed sand at low tide and gentle gradients—French Atlantic coast characteristics that make them suitable for swimmers of varying ability.

Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island’s principal town, occupies 13 kilometres westward and can be reached by the dedicated cycling path that runs directly outside the property. This UNESCO-listed harbour town functions as Ile de Re’s cultural and gastronomic anchor. Fresh crêpes, artisanal ice cream, and seafood restaurants cluster around the vieux port. The ramparts designed by Vauban date to 1681 and remain intact—less a tourist checkpoint than a working architectural record.

Ars-en-Ré, a village 8 kilometres north, retains its reputation as an artist and ceramicist community. The Tuesday market sprawls through the main square with local produce, cheese, and wine from small regional producers. Régnault market, operating daily, supplies fresh vegetables, fish, and household necessities at 2 kilometres distance.

The cycling infrastructure makes Ile de Re distinct. Approximately 100 kilometres of dedicated paths connect villages without requiring contact with car traffic. The path system reaches Saint-Clément-des-Baleines (12 kilometres north) known for its lighthouse and quiet beaches, and extends southward toward the salt production zones where artisanal harvesting continues using medieval methods.

For departure logistics: La Rochelle Airport (30 kilometres distant, approximately 40 minutes by car) serves most European hubs. Nantes Airport (90 kilometres, 75 minutes) offers alternative routing. Both connect to standard car rental services. The journey from either airport to Domaine De La Tour crosses through the Atlantic coastal landscape that makes this region distinctive—farmland giving way to maritime vegetation, then sudden opens to salt flats and marshland.

The island’s calendar follows seasonal rhythms. May through September delivers reliable weather, though July-August sees peak tourist density and premium pricing. April and October offer mild temperatures, functioning autumn light, and substantially quieter conditions. The local markets operate strongest during summer months but continue year-round. Winter (November-February) sees reduced commercial activity but appeals to those seeking solitude and dramatic Atlantic weather.

Explore our villas in Charente Maritime for alternative properties in this coastal region, or review our full collection of rentals in Loix. For comprehensive destination context, consult our Ile de Re travel guide, which covers seasonal logistics, activity planning, and regional dining in detail.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Domaine De La Tour functions optimally for groups of 10-14 guests who require genuine spatial separation rather than proximity. Extended families—three or four linked units—find the dual-accommodation structure essential: children and grandparents can occupy the annexe while middle-generation adults inhabit the main house, creating managed oversight rather than constant togetherness.

Corporate retreats and professional gathering groups benefit from the desk access, sound system, and dining capacity. The property accommodates working meetings during the morning while afternoon activities (tennis, cycling, swimming in nearby beaches) prevent meeting fatigue.

Couples seeking a quieter base will find the property overwhelming and unnecessarily spacious. The property operates best when fully occupied or near-fully occupied—the infrastructure and staffing scale assumes group dynamics rather than solo or paired use.

Families with children aged 5-16 find genuine amenities: the cycling paths run directly from the property, beaches remain 1 kilometre away, board games and children’s books occupy rainy-afternoon hours, and the tennis court functions as reliable activity infrastructure. The sauna provides adult respite. The orchard offers genuine (not themed) fruit-picking activity.

Practical Information

Capacity: 14 guests maximum across 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main house sleeps 10 across five bedrooms; the annexe accommodates 4 additional guests across two bedrooms.

Nearest Airport: La Rochelle Airport sits 30 kilometres away, approximately 40 minutes by car. Nantes Airport (90 kilometres, 75-minute drive) offers expanded routing options for guests with specific airline preferences.

Nearest Supermarket: Régnault market operates daily 2 kilometres south. A broader supermarket (Intermarché) functions in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, 13 kilometres west.

Included in Rental: Wi-Fi throughout property. Eight bicycles. Board games, puzzles, and children’s literature. Cot and highchair available. The sauna is operational. Linen, towels, and standard amenities are provisioned. Utilities (heating, electricity) are included. Cleaning is included at departure.

Check-In: Standard check-in typically begins at 4 p.m. Early arrival or late checkout should be negotiated directly with management before confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Domaine De La Tour

How many guests does Domaine De La Tour sleep?

The property accommodates 14 guests across 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main house provides five bedrooms sleeping 10 guests (three king-size beds with en suite bathrooms, one queen-size bed with en suite bathroom including bath and shower, and one bedroom with foldable double bed). The separate annexe contains two bedrooms accommodating four additional guests (one king-size bed and two twin singles), each with access to a shared bathroom featuring shower and WC.

What is the nearest airport to Domaine De La Tour in Loix?

La Rochelle Airport lies 30 kilometres distant, requiring approximately 40 minutes by car through the Charente Maritime landscape. Nantes Airport, 90 kilometres away, provides expanded flight options from international hubs for groups with specific airline or routing requirements. Both airports maintain standard car rental facilities.

What is the best time of year to rent Domaine De La Tour?

May through September provides consistent weather, reliable daytime temperatures between 18-24°C, and fully operational local markets and restaurants. July and August peak with tourist activity and corresponding pricing increases. April and October deliver milder conditions (12-18°C), functional daylight, and substantially reduced crowds—ideal for groups prioritising atmosphere over guaranteed daily sunshine. Winter months (November-February) see reduced commercial activity but appeal to guests seeking solitude and dramatic Atlantic conditions. The cycling paths remain navigable year-round.

Is Domaine De La Tour suitable for families with children?

The property includes specific child amenities: a cot and highchair for infants, board games and children’s books for various ages, and eight bicycles suitable for older children once riding skills permit. Plage de la Conche (1 kilometre away) features shallow water and gentle gradients appropriate for younger swimmers. The cycling path system runs directly from the property, enabling family riding without car transport. The tennis court provides structured afternoon activity. However, the property lacks a swimming pool—families prioritising water play may wish to consider alternative options.

What is included in the rental price at Domaine De La Tour?

Utilities (gas, electricity, water heating) are included throughout both the main house and annexe. Wi-Fi operates across the entire property. Linen, towels, and standard bathroom amenities are provided. Eight bicycles are available at no additional cost. Board games, puzzles, and children’s books are included. The sauna is operational. A cot and highchair are provisioned. Cleaning at departure is included. Basic kitchen equipment (Nespresso machine, De’Longhi coffee machine, toaster, kettle) is provided.

What restaurants and shops are near Domaine De La Tour?

Régnault market operates daily 2 kilometres south, supplying fresh produce, fish, cheese, and household necessities. Saint-Martin-de-Ré, 13 kilometres west via the dedicated cycling path, contains numerous restaurants specialising in fresh seafood, crêpes, and ice cream—a 30-minute bike ride or 20-minute car journey. Ars-en-Ré market runs Tuesdays 8 kilometres north, featuring local cheese, wine, and artisanal goods. For broader shopping, Intermarché supermarket operates in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. The village of Loix itself maintains basic café facilities within walking distance, though most dining establishments cluster in the larger towns.