Villa Book Suggest Some Last Minute Holiday Destinations

www.thevillabook.com

As last year, the signs are here again that it is going to be a late booking season for The Villa Book. After a slow start to the year, it is now rushed off its feet with enquiries ... always difficult as there is inevitably less choice for July and August dates. Nevertheless, there are still some tempting choices to be had.

GREECE

Villa Cephalonia

What has been particularly noticeable this year is the upsurge in enquiries for the Greek Islands this year. Among some great villas still available from 13th August, is Villa Cephalonia. This villa sleeps 8 people and is situated within large grounds, with private pool, about 800 metres from a sandy beach.
Price is £6545 per week.

Mansion Sophia, Villa Megalochori - Santorini

Santorini is always a popular choice for smaller groups, as there is a good choice of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas here, including Villa Megalochori and Mansion Sophia, in the little white-washed village of Megalochori, just 9 kms from the capital Thira and the

Caldera. At both these villas, The Villa Book is offering a 20% discount for any bookings made before 10th June.

Mansion Sophia sleeps 4 ( web price in July/August is £5040 per week).

Villa Megalochori sleeps 6 (web price is £5670). Minimum stay at Santorini villas is 3 nights, rather than the normal one week.

Antiparos Windmill

For anyone wanting to splash out and go somewhere really different, the owner of Antiparos Windmill has just offered this property for rent during the months of July and August - not a bargain at £15,925 per week, but the property accommodates up to 14 people in a main villa and a traditional windmill, at either end of a large swimming pool, in an idyllic location directly overlooking the sea.....

ITALY

Villa Donata - Tuscany

One of The Villa Book's favourite areas of Tuscany is the beautiful Val d'Orcia, south of Siena, and close to such medieval hilltop village gems as Montepulciano and Pienza. It is renting villas on the famous La Foce estate, including the main historic villa here, home of the writer, Iris Origo, during the early 20th century. Her daughters still have houses on the estate, and the lovely home belonging to Donata, is still available to rent for some dates in July and August. It sleeps up to 10 people and the photos, of the views, the garden, terraces and pool, will show what a desirable holiday base this is! The price is £10,500 per week and includes a cook to prepare breakfast and lunches (and dinner on request).

Vista Amiata

Further south, Vista Amiata, another great family villa, sleeping 12, is still available for much of August.

Weekly price is £5775.

FRANCE

Mas Gabriel - Provence

As well as a large selection of beautiful villas, Provence has the advantage of being able to drive or take the train, if there is any threat of airline problems. Recommendations here, still with good availability, include the charming Mas Gabriel, sleeping 4 - 6 people, and just 15 minutes' drive from St Rémy de Provence (£4480 per week).

Mas de la Fontaine

Near the town of Isle-sur-la Sorgue, famous for its silk mills in the Middle Ages, and now popular for its huge Sunday antique market, is the Mas de la Fontaine, a character-filled renovated farmhouse, sleeping up to 10 people (£6580 per week). This is a great location, just 30 minutes from the TGV station at Avignon and convenient for exploring the Luberon hill villages.

Rue de Turenne, Paris

Last, but not least, is the very special and absolutely charming Paris apartment, situated in the Marais, just around the corner from the Place des Vosges. Still available for the month of August, the owner has offered a week free of charge to anyone who takes the apartment for a month - how tempting is that?! It is perfect for 2 people, or a small family, and weekly price is £1855.