Saturday 27 March 2010

Vacation house in Baden-Baden Germany


This stylish self catering holiday rental has just been put onto the jmlvillas.com website earlier today. It is a house divided into two holidat rental apartments.

It features: 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, sleeps up to 5 persons, 1292 sqft (121 sq. meters), large backyard, high speed Internet access, has WIFI, please ask for pets. This detached cottage is situated on the outskirts of the historic cultural village of Baden-Baden. It lies at the end of a quiet side valley on a large estate, directly overlooking the mountains of the Black Forest. The house consists of two separate apartments. Both apartments have a spacious living area of about 35 square meters and three bedrooms with a total of five beds. The apartments are officially rated with 5 stars (maximum) by the German Tourism Aggency.


Each apartment has three bedrooms with 2 double beds and one single bed


Each apartment has a large living room, with a beautifull view on the mountains of the Black Forest, only a few hundred meters away.


Baden Baden (meaning Bathing Bathing) is a spa town built on thermal springs at the edge of the Black Forest in Baden Württemberg, south west Germany. Don't be put off by its reputation as a hang-out for the rich. This picturesque town is beautifully situated in a wooded valley, and you can enjoy yourself here without spending or gambling a fortune.

The Black Forest is only a few hundred meters away from the house. The center of Baden-Baden is also close, about 3km. Baden-Baden is famous since the Roman Empire for it's spa's. Nowadays also for various other wellness facilities, casino, culture, nature,...
The owner has a great website accessed via http://www.jmlvillas.com/villa/782 .There are several internal photos on the jmlvillas.com page and many more on the owner's site.

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Dieses freistehende Ferienhaus liegt am Rande der historischen Kur- und Kulturstadt Baden-Baden. Es liegt am Ende eines ruhigen Seitentales auf einem großen freien Anwesen. Man blickt dort direkt auf die Berge des Schwarzwaldes. Es sind nur wenige Minuten bis zum Wald, von wo man auf viele ausgeschilderte Wanderwege gelangt.
Das Ferienhaus besteht aus zwei separaten ca. je 120qm großen Ferienwohnungen mit jeweils fünf Betten. Die Ferienwohnung in der oberen Etage wurde im Sommer 2007 komplett neu erstellt.

Die Ferienwohnung im ebenerdigen Bereich hat einen großen Eingangsraum (Garderobe), zwei ineinander übergehende Wohnzimmer, drei Schlafzimmer, eine Essecke sowie Küche, Bad und separate Toilette. Der Wohnbereich besteht aus einem 26 m² großen Wohnzimmer und einem 14 m² großen Lese- bzw. Bibliothekszimmer. Es gibt zwei Doppelbett-Zimmer und ein Einzelbett-Zimmer. Die Küche ist komplett ausgestattet und verfügt u.a. über eine Geschirrspülmaschine, Grillofen und Mikrowelle. Das Ferienhaus verfügt weiter über:
Stereoanlage, CD/DVD-Spieler, Fernsehen über Satelittenanlage und Internetverbindung (WLAN)

Die Wohnung ist von einer von einer Terrasse in Sonnenlage umgeben, die von Südosten bis Südwesten liegt. Siehe Foto

Die Ferienwohnung in der ersten Etage hat einen ca. 35 qm großen Wohnbereich und drei Schlafzimmern mit gesamt fünf Betten. Im Wohnbereich gibt es eine große Sitzecke, die auch als Schlafcouch hergerichtet werden kann. Die Schlafzimmer teilen sich in zwei Doppelbett-Zimmer und ein Einzelbett-Zimmer auf. Die Ferienwohnung hat eine große offene, moderne Küche, die im Zentrum der Wohnung liegt. Es gibt ein modernes Bad mit Badewanne, WC und separater Duschecke. Im Garderobenbereich befindet sich eine zusätzliche Gästetoilette.
Die Küche ist komplett ausgestattet und verfügt u.a. über eine Geschirrspülmaschine, Grillofen und Mikrowelle. Die Ferienwohnung verfügt ebenfalls über:
Stereoanlage, CD/DVD-Spieler, Fernsehen über Satellitenanlage und Internetverbindung (WLAN)

Für beide Wohneinheiten existieren PKW-Parkplätze direkt am Haus.
Im Keller gibt es einen Waschraum mit Waschmaschine und Wäschetrockner.

Vermietungskonditionen:
Das Ferienhaus kann ab einer Mietdauer von 7 Tagen gemietet werden. Der Mietpreis regelt sich nach der Anzahl der Personen. Z.B. beträgt die Miete für zwei Personen bei einer 120 qm große Ferienwohnung Euro 658,-- pro Appartement und Woche. Den genau infrage kommenden Mietpreis erhält man auf Nachfrage beim Vermieter. Im Mietpreis enthalten sind Wasser, Strom, Heizung, Bettwäsche und Handtücher sowie die Endreinigung. Nicht enthalten sind die Kurtaxe der Stadt Baden-Baden. Die Kurtaxe beträgt € 2,80 pro Erwachsener und Tag. Kinder, Kongress- und Tagungsteilnehmer sind von der Kurtaxe befreit.
Haustiere (Hund, Katze) sind nach Absprache ggf. willkommen. Der Zuschlag beträgt € 6,-- pro Tag und Tier.

Beschreibung der Umgebung:
Das Haus liegt auf einem großen Anwesen, welches von Wiesen begrenzt wird. Es ist von einer 20m x 3m großen Terrasse umgeben, von wo man einen freien Blick auf den nahen Waldrand und die Berge des Schwarzwaldes hat. Das Ferienhaus verfügt u.a. über eine eigene Autoauffahrt bis vor die Terrasse. Über die Terrasse gelangt man ohne hindernde Absätze ins Haus und es ist somit auch für Menschen geeignet, die in ihrer Motorik behindert sind.

Im Gunzenbachtal befinden sich zwei Reitställe und einige Weiden (Koppeln). Man trifft folglich dort regelmäßig auf Reiter und Pferde.
Der kurze Weg bis in den Wald führt auf viele Wanderwege durch die Berge und auf Wege bis ins Rebland mit seinen malerischen Dörfern. Auch für Jogger und Mountainbiker sind diese Wege ideal geeignet.
Das Stadtzentrum von Baden-Baden ist mit dem Auto in weniger als 10 Minuten zu erreichen. Zu Fuß durch die bekannte Lichtentalerallee (Park ohne Autoverkehr) erreicht man das Zentrum und das Kurviertel ca. in einer ½ Stunde.
5 Minuten Fußweg vom Haus gibt es in der Gunzenbachstraße eine Bushaltestelle (Kleinbus) mit Verbindung in die Innenstadt. Weitere Informationen findet man unter dem Internetauftritt der Stadt Baden-Baden.
www.baden-baden.de (Tourismus).


Wednesday 24 March 2010

Skye Crofters Cottage on Isle of Sky for holidays


This fabulous cottage was listed ten minutes ago on the jmlvillas.com website.

CEUD MILE FAILTE - Welcome to Skye Crofters Cottage, Balmeanach, Struan, Isle of Skye.Scotland



The cottage is built on my croft of 34 acres and belongs to the owner, his wife and daughter.


THE COTTAGE
Skye Crofters Cottage is an exceptionally luxurious property, built and furnished to a high specification. Graded 5 stars by Visit Scotland, the Scottish Tourist Board. Ideal as a romantic hideaway, it sits on a secluded spot at the top of a hill, with spectacular views of Loch Caroy and the hills. All this can be seen from every window of the cottage. It provides a perfect opportunity for a quiet break with excellent accessibility for exploring Skye and its wildlife. Our aim has been to combine the luxury of a 5 star hotel with the comforts of home.



COTTAGE ACCOMMODATION

The Cottage has under floor heating throughout – superb on bare feet!
The cottage is powered by ground source heat taken from water deep within the ground. This is thermostatically controlled to provide warmth but also to cool the cottage down on warm sunny days, of which we hope you have many! A welcome pack is provided, which includes miniatures of Talisker and Baileys, locally made chocolates, shortbread, whisky marmalades, yoghurts, eggs, milk, orange juice, butter and bread fresh from the Dunvegan bakers. In the shed at the rear of the property, you’ll find bikes, fishing rods and a barbecue. The shed is also an ideal place to store luggage after you unpack or to store your walking or climbing equipment. There are seats outside to enjoy the spectacular views, and should you decide to picnic, there are a range of picnic essentials inside the cottage, even a flask if needed.


THE LIVING ROOM
The comfortable Italian leather sofa, quality soft furnishings and fuel burning stove will ensure a cosy night relaxing after a day’s activities. Kindling and peat are provided. Sky television is connected and we have a selection of DVD’s for you to enjoy. There is also our very own webcam which is linked to the bird table on the hill, so you can view close-up the many species of birds which visit. Binoculars are provided to view the spectacular scenery from the cottage and should you require a telescope, we would be happy to supply one for your holiday duration. There are also a selection of books, games, maps and CD’s, plus an IPOD docking station which is part of the CD/Radio player, should you wish to listen to your own choice of music.


KITCHEN
The kitchen is professionally equipped with washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, built in cooker and microwave. In the cupboards, you will find everything you need if you would prefer to cook for yourselves. Even down to a fish kettle, should you be fortunate enough to catch your own supper! A selection of crockery is available for every day dining, however, if you would prefer to create a more fine dining experience, china, crystal, tablecloths, etc, are all provided.

All we ask is that you do the cooking! If cooking’s not your thing, the world renowned restaurant, the ‘Three Chimneys’ and the Michelin star ‘Uillinish Lodge’ are all within easy reach of the cottage. The water is from an underground well and will be the finest water you can drink. Free of chemicals and taken straight from source, it is the ideal accompaniment to a wee dram.



BEDROOM
The sumptuous King Size bed has been dressed with the finest linen and the quilts and pillows are hypo-allergenic and of the highest quality. The perfect place to relax or read after a day’s walking. There is a flat screen television with satellite and a reading area for you to choose from. There is ample storage with ‘his and her’ chest of drawers, hairdryer, safe, dressing table and writing desk. WI-Fi is provided for those who would like to keep in touch with the big, wide world.



BATHROOM
The bathroom of the cottage is spacious and luxurious in design. Every detail has been thought of and it boasts a large free standing bath and sit down steam shower. You’ll find the Steam/Shower cubicle an extra luxury during your stay. Either for a refreshing shower, or unwind your muscles using the steam function. At the same time, you can tune in to Radio Highland (or Radio 1), put your feet up and have your feet massaged using the foot massager. What better way to end the day after a hard days walking. Or if you would prefer, luxuriate in the bath big enough for 2, surrounded by candles, with a chilled glass of wine. Highland Aromatic essentials are provided as well as luxury towels and dressing gowns.


Everything in Skye Crofters Cottage has been carefully thought about with the guest in mind. See the testimonials on their website.



Find out more at http://www.jmlvillas.com/villa/781

Elections in France March 10


France has held regional election on two consecutive weekend in March.
It is very interesting to see how the poster campaigns are carried out in different countries.
The photo on the left shows a contrast bewteen Ireland and France.
The top photo is in Ireland. Whenever there is an election the correx boards go up. They appear to go any public vertical posts -lamposts, street signs, electric cable support, telephone poles, traffic signs and you will often find several on one post. The roads will be full of them.
You will not often see them displayed outside someone's home (like in the UK).
In France neat boards are errected for the posters when the campaign starts. These are not correx boards, but posters stuck to the metal municipal allocated zone.
It must be a good business to be in, in Ireland manufacturing all these high quality boards. With the housing market still slow there, it must be another use for those manufacturing. There is no election on the horizon in Ireland for a while apart from Northern Ireland and together with the rest of the UK will probably be full of election signs outside individual's houses in the very near future.
If anyone can contribute to this blog on how political party signs are displayed in other countries, please do so.

Tuesday 23 March 2010

Juan Les Pins Jazz festival is 50




Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival - Jazz à Juan

July 2010 sees the 50th International Jazz Festival Antibes Juan-les-Pins JAZZ à JUAN July 14 - 25, 2010

I went there a couple of years ago on a hot July evening and was entertained by Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock & Jack Dejohnette who are again playing this year. The festival is held in the Pinede (pine grove) opposite to where former Hotel Le Provençal at Juan Les Pins is being converted into luxury apartments. Well it was up to some time in 2009, but it looks like work has well and truly stopped now, unless anyone has more information.

The 2010 Juan Jazz Festival Programme includes:

Wednesday 14 July - Jim’s Band - Jazz à Juan sextet - NJO Nice Jazz Orchestra
Thursday 15 July - David Sanborn - George Benson
Friday 16 July - Spokfrevo Orquestra - Carlinhos Brown
Saturday 17 July - Melody Gardot
Sunday 18 July - Hommage à Django Reinhardt Le Manoir de mes rêves
Monday 19 July - AvishaÏ Cohen - Paco de Lucia
Tuesday 20 July - Joshua Redman Double Trio
Wednesday 21 July - Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock & Jack Dejohnette
Thursday 22 July - Kyle Eastwood - Diana Krall
Friday 23 July - Black Dub - Brooklyn Funk Essentials - Maceo Parker
Saturday 24 July - Manu Katché - Marcus Miller & Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo & guests Raul Midon & Lalah Hattaway
Sunday 25 July- Gospel Evening / Soirée Gospel - Liz McComb

For more information visit the Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival - Jazz à Juan page at cotedazurrental.com http://www.cotedazurrental.com/Juan_les_pins_Jazz_festival.htm

If you are looking for self catering accommodation rentals during the festival or just for a holiday in the south of France, take a look at jmlvillas.com http://www.jmlvillas.com/search.php?country=France®ion=Cote+d%27Azur+%28S%29

The Cannes Film Festival


The 63rd Cannes Film Festival - le Festival international du film de Cannes takes place between May 12th to 23rd 2010

If you are in the area it can be a great occasion seeing the film stars leaving the various hotels and arriving at the Palais des Festivals.This rather ugly building is having a lot of work carried on at it to improve it's appearance. Large sections of sloping glass are being errected and hopefully it will improve.
Unfortunately it was built in an era when arcitecure could have been better - 1979. Although modern for the time, it does stick out rather like a sore thumb in my opinion.

More information about The Cannes Film Festival can be found at the cotedazurrental.com site at http://www.cotedazurrental.com/Cannes_film_festival.htm

If you are looking for self catering accommodation during the festival visit jmlvillas.com at http://www.jmlvillas.com/search.php?country=France®ion=Cote+d%27Azur+%28S%29

2010 Historic Monaco Grand Prix





The 2010 - 7th Historic Monaco Grand Prix - is on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd May 2010 (7eme Grand-Prix de Monaco Historique - Samedi 1 et Dimanche 2 Mai) that is two weeks before the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix 13th to 16th May 2010.

After visting the event at least three times now, this year should be a great occasion. It is only held every other year and the first Historic Grand Prix took place in 1997.

The tickets are very reasonably priced (unlike the modern FI Grand Prix a couple of weeks later).


Historic Grand Prix of Monaco 2010 Programme

Serie / Race A Voitures de Grand Prix et Voiturettes ayant couru avant 1947 Pre 1947 Voiturettes and Grand Prix cars

Serie / Race B Voitures de Grand Prix à moteur avant, construites avant 1961 Pre 1961 front engined Grand Prix cars

Serie / Race C Voitures de Sport et Sport Prototypes d'avant 1953 Pre 1953 sports and sports prototypes cars.

Serie / Race D Formule 3. 1000cm3 (1964-1970) Formula 3. 1000cc (1964-1970)

Serie / Race E Voitures de Grand Prix à moteur arrière, construites avant 1966 Pre 1966, rear engined Grand Prix cars

Serie / Race F Voitures de Grand Prix de Formule 1,3 litres, ayant participé à un Grand Prix F1 avant 1975 Formula 1,3 liter, who have taken part in a Formula 1 Grand Prix no later than december 31st 1974

Serie / Race G Voitures de Grand Prix de Formule 1,3 litres ayant participé à un Grand Prix F1 entre 1975 et 1978 Formula 1,3 liter, who have taken part in a Formula 1 Grand Prix from 1975 to the end of 1978

Serie / Race H Formule 3, 1600 et 2000 cm3 (1971-1984) Formula 3, 1600 and 2000 cc (1971-1984)

Further information can be found at the cotedazurrental.com site http://www.cotedazurrental.com/historic_monaco_grand_prix.htm

You can also arrange self catering holiday accommodation via http://www.jmlvillas.com/search.php?country=France®ion=Cote+d%27Azur+%28S%29

Monday 22 March 2010

Quinta do Santo, Lagos, Portugal - Holiday rental





This fabulous Countryside Estate in the Western Algarve, Portugal has just been added to the jmlvillas.com self catering holidays web site.

It is very big as:
•Sleeps up to 24
•12 bedrooms
•10 bathrooms
•Dishwasher
•Washing machine
•Satellite TV
•Room fans
•Private pool
•Pets welcome
•Beach nearby
•Shops nearby
•Bars nearby
•TV
•Close to River
•Restaurants nearby
•Microwave
•Lake nearby
•Golf

Set in five acres of stunning gardens and farmland in Portugal's unspoilt Western Algarve, Quinta do Santo is a spectacular country retreat consisting of an elegant colonial-style villa with separate studio apartment and three rural cottages. Very close walking distance to bars, restaurants and a choice of beaches.


More Information: The gardens and pool are shared with the other 4, smaller properties (Three rustic cottages with 3, 2 and 1 bedroom and a spacious Studio). The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty with rolling hills and hedgerows full of wild flowers in spring. There are several sleepy hamlets to the west and the wilder and the dramatic West Coast (ideal for surfers) is only 30 minutes away.

For the sporting-minded, the vicinity boasts excellent sporting facilities from windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, golf, tennis, walking and horse riding. From the marina in Lagos it is possible to charter yachts or join one of the frequent boating trips around the spectacular coast. Some trips include lunch, such as locally caught barbecued sardines. Further inland you can find typical villages displaying the influence of the Moors in their architecture and Monchique, the wooded mountain area with stunning views and historic spa village, with allegedly 'healing' waters.

Cape St. Vicent was known to early sailors as 'the end of the world' — when watching the sun set into the vast Atlantic Ocean (you can almost hear it hissing) you can understand why. Beach The nearest beach is within 15 minutes walk or 5 minutes by car. It is large and sandy with 2 restaurants. There is a vast choice of coves and other beaches within short drive available. Golf Boavista golf course is situated just within 5 minutes drive. Palmares golf course 10 minutes drive, and other golf courses 15-20 minutes drive from us.

To find out even more and to make a booking click on this link: http://www.jmlvillas.com/villa/780

Friday 19 March 2010

Pentland Cottage Kingston on Spey on the Moray Firth Coast





Pentland Cottage is situated in the village of Kingston on Spey on the Moray Firth Coast near the mouth of the River Spey in Scotland. It has just been added to the jmlvillas.com web site and www.scottishcottagerentals.com website

The cottage is over 150 years old and has been recently refurbished to a very high standard, providing excellent, modern, comfortable accommodation that sleeps up to 4 people - pets are also welcome by arrangement.

Accommodation Details:

The Cottage has:

Multifuel stove in lounge with electric panel heaters in all rooms.
Modern open plan kitchen with washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, microwave etc.
Two bedrooms - one double, one twin both with ample wardrobe and drawer space; an electronic safe is available in the double room.
Bathroom with bath and seperate shower enclosure.
All linen, bedding & towels provided.
26" LCD HD ready TV & DVD/Video player in lounge, also TV's in all rooms, all with Freeview.
Radio/CD, board games, cards, DVD's & videos provided.
3 piece leather suite in lounge.
Sun lounge with cane suite.
Comprehensive " Welcome Pack " supplied i.e. tea, coffee, bread, milk, washing powder, local Free Range Organic eggs, firewood, and much more as well as a complimentary bottle of wine.
Strictly no smoking.

The Garden has:

A typical enclosed cottage garden.
Childrens play area with slide and swing.
Patio area with table & chairs and BBQ.
Rotary clothes airer.
Garage for storing bicycles, golf clubs.

Local Information and what to do:

Where to start, there are so many things to do and see, here are just a few:

The village beach - Dolphin Watching- Kingston Wildbird Reserve - see Ospreys fishing at the mouth of the River Spey.

Garmouth & Kingston Golf Club where guests can enjoy a 50% saving on green fees.

Salmon & Trout fishing on the Spey.

The Whisky Trail

Baxter's of Fochabers Visitors Centre.

The East Coast Walking Trail and the Speyside Way Long Distance Footpath finally reaches the sea at Spey Bay.

The Whale & Dolphin Centre & the Ice House also at Spey Bay.

The historic ruin of Elgin Cathedral.

Spynie Castle

Walkers Sortbread Factory

The delightful Cooper Park with its many features including a boating pond and Biblical Garden
and much more makes Kingston an ideal base for the host of attractions and activities to be found in this tranquil and beautiful part of Scotland'

Where can I find out more information? Visit http://www.jmlvillas.com/villa/779

Thursday 18 March 2010

Carlton Hotel Cannes for sale?



Is the Carlton in Cannes up for sale? Passing it earlier this week it had a large BNP Paribas Real Estate sign hanging from the front.


It does not appear the hotel is being advertised for sale, but Cannes is hosting the 2010 MIPIM conference between the March 16 to 19th March 2010.


This is the large gathering of international property professionals. According to a report in "The Daily Telegraph" earlier this week,

"Around 38pc fewer delegates will attend the annual Mipim property conference in Cannes this year than in 2008. The number of attendees will be in the range of 17,000 to 18,000, according to registration figures, in line with last year but far fewer than the 29,000 of 2008, reflecting how much the commercial property industry has changed during that period."

On Monday this week in mid afternoon the majority of delegates must have been hard at work as there were only a few ( wearing suits) walking around eating ice creams or sitting in bars opposite the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes and from the number of vans dropping off equipment along The Croisette looked like they were still finishing off the preparations for this conference or starting on the next one.

"The Irish Times" Thursday 18th March Property section had a heading "No Cannes do for Irish" saying that " Only a handful of Irish are in attendance.

Not surprising given that tickets for the event cost the guts of €1,000 and hotels triple their rates for the week.The few estate agents who are in attendance are busy, we hear, fielding questions about Nama and the state of banking in Ireland.

Caroline McCarthy of CBRE said it was a shame that more Irish were not there to fly the flag at this time.She was also disappointed that Dublin wasn’t able to rise to its own stand, whereas Belfast is getting a lot of attention at the show which ends today."

The Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes) is now not too long away, this year being held between the 12th to the 23rd May. There is always plenty to see and do along the French Riviera and at http://www.cotedazurrental.com/ there are features on the Cannes Film Festival, Historic Monaco Grand Prix and Juan Les Pins Jazz Festival. You can also arrange self catering accommodation in the area from links on the cote dazur rental.com site to the jmlvillas.com site pages at http://www.jmlvillas.com/search.php?country=France®ion=Cote+d%27Azur+%28S%29

Spring had finally come to the south of France this week after the long hard winter so it is worth taking a look at.

Monday 8 March 2010

Le Canet 2 Bed Apartment, France



If you are looking for a great self catering holiday rental at Le Canet on the Cote d'Azur in the south of France this could be for you.

It was listed on the jmlvillas.com site twenty minutes ago.


A two bedroomed first floor apartment with comfortable furnishings, with a terrace overlooking private swimming pools and the public beach of le Cannet. Situated in a private domain known as Royal Palm, this two bedroomed apartment is perfect for a family of four ideally two adults and two children.

It comprises one double bedroom with ensuite bathroom, twin bedded bedroom with ensuite shower room, separate wc,equipped kitchen, living room and terrace. The apartment is air conditioned and has a private parking space and a concierge to maintain security and high standards of the gardens, pools and domain.

It is approximately fifteen minutes by car to the centre of Cannes, ten minutes to the motorway allowing you easy access to all of the beautiful towns along the coast and forty minutes from Nice airport. For further information please contact : Mairéad Tel : 0033686507525 or email : maireadinfo via the contact details on the property page at: http://www.jmlvillas.com/villa/773