SJ Villas in the Press

The best private villa experts.

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These property gurus with impeccable taste will help you find the holiday hangout of your dreams.

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Caribbean - Anguilla

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SJ Villas offers five- suite Villa Mystique on Maundy's Bay with stunning views from a roof deck: seven nights (Jan-March) £2,573pp (no meals or flights) based on 10 sharing, with concierge service.

Or have a look at the Caribbean on our website >>

Chalet Madeleine

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Not only does this recntly refurbished top-of-the-range Alpine gem boast a small gym, outdoor Jacuzzi and top service (such as a driver to transfer you to the ski lifts), but Chalet Madeleine sleeps eight and includes breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner five nights a week.

Or have a look at Chalet Madeleine on our website >>

Property Focus

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Or have a look at The Beach House on our website >>

Where to go

At your service

Utterly approachable, charming and go-getting, Sarah Hutchins worked in villas for 30 years and Judy worked in marketing before they hooked up several years ago to focus on this. They worked incredibly hard (each seems to have about 35 mobiles and can be reached day or night in both hell and high water) and focus on about 200 villas, mostly in Europe but also in the Caribbean, Bali and South Africa. Some are on the website, lots are kept in a secret drawer. They have one of Annabel Goldsmith's little villas in Southern Spain and David Lean's old house in Provence. Concierge is big for them: Top mixologists, sopranos from La Scala, local vets so the dog can have his chip checked before he comes back to the UK. If you are looking for something specific but cant find it - something wild and surfy in Costa Rica, lets say - they will fix it for you. Stay at Atolikos House, Corfu, where you'll have views that normally only vast pots of money can buy, and you won't have to make a single decision, from the restaurant bookings to the massage requests.

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The experts

"We are looking for a villa sleeping eight people over Christmas week. Key requirements are a flight no longer than 10 ours, good weather, a decent pool and privacy. Any suggestions?

Sarah Hutchins has 30 years experience in the villa business and co-founded SJ Villas four years ago. It offers luxury villa rentals worldwide.

Antigua immediately springs to mind. Direct flights from London arrive there jut in time for a swim before dinner. But which house? There are so many gorgeous views, but for your particular needs I'd recommend Villa Bleu on Proctors Point at Turtle Bay. It is up on the cliffs overlooking the entrance to Falmouth Bay, and nowhere could be more private. The house runs the length of the cliff garden, with a large master suite overlooking the infinity pool at one end and guest rooms in a series of connected 'cottages' at the other. The ensemble is surrounded by a mass of bright pink and white bougainvillea. Two pretty pavilions halfway down the cliff can be reached by a flights of steps: one is a gym, the other a 'gin and tonic' pavilion in which to watch the sunset or enjoy the sea breezes. there are views of the ocean and bay from every part of the house, with no one else in sight except the lovely housekeeper to rustle up the G&Ts. Over Christmas the villa, which sleeps 10, costs US$2,500 per night.

Basquing in the sun

Destination: French Basque Country
For family holidays in rental houses, the less places there are for sand and ice cream to hide, the better. Enter the recently renovated La Maison des Champs , which sleeps 12, in Saubrigues in the French Basque Country. A light, open-plan modern living space, the almost sparse interiors are cheerfully livened up with splashes of greens and reds. There is a home cinema, a second TV room, a snooker room and a playroom with toys and table football. The high-spec kitchen includes a large Gaggenau fridge and freezer with ice machine, induction hob, oven and steam oven. There's also the now expected wi-fi, Sky television and useful highchairs and cots. The grassy grounds hold a large, gated swimming pool, with a shallow beach, sunbathing terrace and a Boules pitch. Nearby lies the endless stretch of surfer-strewn sand, Hossegor, with Biarritz, the nearest airport, 30 minutes' drive away.

Seven nights at La Maison des Champs with SJ Villas costs £635pp (€8,750) including daily maid service.

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And in Ibiza, Casa Vadella has all bright white contemporary interiors, multi level terraces, and a saline infinity pool that wraps around the house. All that's missing is a DJ, of which there's no shortage on the island.

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If you are looking to rent a holiday property worldwide, tune your radar to the finest residences in the Caribbean and Europe.

A Château in St Tropez
SJ Villas has a distinctive selection of villas available to rent, and is delighted to add a new one to its books. Le Grand Château St Tropez is situated in the heart of St Tropez within secluded and manicured gardens. The main château has four large suites but there is an additional house in the grounds that sleeps another eight. The chic boutiques, restaurants and bars are just a walk away, and entry to them can be arranged through the château's exclusive concierge.

A Sicilian Farmhouse Estate
Ever dreamt of enjoying long summer days on an estate set among orange groves? SJ Villas brought this romantic vision to reality when it recently added a large Sicilian farmhouse to its portfolio. The charming house, which sleeps 16, sits amid exotic landscaped gardens and offers breathtaking views across surrounding orange groves to Mount Etna. Along with a swimming pool and tennis court, the house also comes with an experienced cook who prepares traditional Sicilian dishes with fresh, local ingredients.

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A filmmakers glamorous retreat offers the perfect getaway.

"When the late British filmmaker Sir David Lean (Dr Zhivago; Lawrence of Arabia) fell in love with Moulin du Jadinier, a dilpidated fifteenth- century stone mill house in the South of France, he took the same meticulous approach to restoring it as he did to making his epic films. Now, after giving it a stylish update, its current owners are making this legendary property available for rental. Perched on seven lush acres outside the medieval village of Mouans-Sartoux, the house sleeps up to nine guests in four luxurious doubles and a single, including a spectacular master suite with an enormous canopy bed and a private patio. Guests can swim in the large green-tiled heated pool enclosed by stone walls or wander off to one of the mosaic-pebbled terraces, shaded by ancient trees and set with neatly trimmed potted plants - ideal for reading or alfresco dining. Nearby, Provence's loveliest villages await discovery by car or even on foot: Mougins, for example, is a three-mile walk along the Siagne Canal, with ravishing views of cypress trees and lavender fields en route. Rate for one-week rental for up to nine people starts at $17,000."

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property on our site here

Get ahead of the hordes and book a chic summer villa.

"Ca's Pierre, in the pretty town of Fornalutx in Majorca, shares the laid-back Balearic vibe. The roof terrace has 360-degree views of the Alfabia mountains; wake up early for hikes into the orange groves, swim in the heat ofthe day and then retire to the shade of date palms in the delightfully tangled garden. Sleeps eight"

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property on our site here.

"Le Grand Chateâu St Tropez is now available for rental for the first time through SJ Villas. The listed, restored Belle Epoque chateâu in the centre of St Tropez village is comprised of the main house and La Maison d'Etoiles, also in the grounds, both sleeping eight in 4 king-sized suites with dressing rooms and marble and granite bathrooms. The entrance is fittingly grand, reached by a palm tree-lined drive set in manicured gardens with a large fibre optic-lit swimming pool. Inside are exposed beams, oak floors and heavily draped floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of glamorous white furniture and twinkling chandeliers. If all this isn't enough to entertain, there's an in-house cinema and the resort's famous nightlife nearby"

Three nights from £656pp based on 16 sharing including breakfast and the services of a housekeeper, a gardener and a concierge.

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property on our site here

"Euro skiers, meanwhile, are still flocking to the blingest of Trois Vallées jewels, Courchevel, where Chalet Blanch is another stunning new contemporary villa in the SJ portfolio - purpose built last year with 6 bedrooms, multiple living spaces with open fireplaces spread over 5 floors, and all the expected bells and whistles.

SJ's other very desirable new-to-the-market property is in low-key Ile de Ré - an absurdly tasteful mas in the Unesco designated port of Saint- Martin-de-Ré. The centuries-old facade of the Logis St Martin hides a rigorously modern interior and state-of-the-art amenities, including a home cinema for rainy afternoons (there's a full sized boules pitch for the sunny ones)."

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25 of the best villas in Europe

The Kassiopia Estate: Atolikos House (sleeps 6) and Cassiopeia House (Sleeps 14).

Because these two houses, a few minutes' walk from each other on a five-acre estate, can be rented individually or together (at a discount), group numbers can vary. Both are new to SJ Villas' book, and although you're paying a premium for location (the wooded north-east of this island is, of course, the plum summertime spot for the well-heeled British establishment), you're also buying stunning sea views, wraparound terraces, open-plan entertaining areas and direct access to the sea (much sort after in this area). A private jetty means you can save on car hire costs and travel everywhere by boat. The interiors are cool and sophisticated (white sofas, glass-topped coffee tables, large ceiling fans, contemporary artworks).

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Or have a look at The Kassiopia Estate on our website >>

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Or have a look at Moulin du Jardinier on our website >>

Stay in a movie legend's French hideaway
By Tony Cross, 11 Jan 2011

This beautifully converted French mill was once the retreat of legendary British film director Sir David Lean. The film-maker, who was best known for directing all-time classic movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, described it as "somewhere to lie down in the grass under an olive tree and look up through its silver green leaves and gaze at the blue sky."

The house, Moulin du Jardinier, was purchased by Lean as a ruin in 1987 and completely renovated over two years. It is now owned by a Danish couple who bought it from Sir David's widow in 2007, who have further enriched the property with Provencal antique furniture and simple Scandinavian furnishings.

The house is set in seven acres of mature landscaped gardens in the hills of Mouans Sartoux, 20 minutes from Cannes in the south of France. The impressive layout inside sleeps nine people, and includes a huge vaulted drawing room and dining room for entertaining.

In the gardens, a heated swimming pool with green mosaic tiles is nestled among the many flower terraces. There is also a pool house with a full kitchen, a barbecue and dining area.

A housekeeping couple live in a small cottage in the grounds and provide a maid service and help in the kitchen six days a week.  A cook and a chauffeur can be provided on request.

A week at the Moulin du Jardinier with SJ Villas costs from £1,177 per person, based on nine people sharing, including maid service.  For reservations call SJ Villas on 020 7801 4010 or visit www.sjvillas.co.uk

Guide to villas in Italy: holiday planner 2011

Our complete guide to booking a villa or cottage in Italy, including luxury options and cheaper accommodation ideas in Tuscany, Umbria, Sicily and elsewhere.

Summer 2010 sold better than many villa owners expected, so small price increases have crept in for high season. Villas in central Tuscany continue to command a premium of 30 per cent over neighbouring Lazio and Umbria. The real bargains are still found in the lesser-known Adriatic provinces of Le Marche, Abruzzo and Puglia. In some sections we have picked out for special mention tour operators offering programmes that we consider particularly interesting or good value.

SJ Villas (0207 801 4010; www.sjvillas.co.uk) Some of the best houses available for rent on the Amalfi coast, Lake Como and Capri. New this year is the eight-bedroom San Giorgio, overlooking Mount Etna, with cook, infinity pool and tennis court; £14,500 a week.

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Or have a look at San Giorgio Estate on our website >>

The hottest new trips for 2011 - The perfect Provence villa

The perfect Provence villa Sir David Lean, the late filmmaker behind classics such as Lawrence of Arabi and Doctor Zhivago, described his 15th-century French retreat as somewhere he could simply “lie down in the grass under an olive tree and look up through its silver green leaves and gaze at the sky”. This year you can do the same – the house, a converted mill set in seven acres of grounds, is available to rent for the first time. The Moulin du Jardinier sleeps nine and has a pool, a huge vaulted dining room, beautiful gardens and views over the valley below. From £10,593 per week; www.sjvillas.co.uk

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Or have a look at Moulin du Jardinier on our website >>

Villa Andaman, Phuket, Thailand

"End the year on a high at this breathtaking Thai villa. Based around a series of pavilions, it has every luxury you can think of, massage room, games room, a fleet of staff, and an infinty pool that overlooks the Andaman Sea. Take advantage of the nearby Andara resort and its renowned Spa. From £1,065 pp based on 12 sharing for seven nights."

Or have a look at Villa Andaman on our website >>

Oranges and Lemons

"If snow isnt your thing book now for a spring break at the glorious San Giorgo Estate near Catania in Sicily. Set in an organic orange grove with views across Mount Etna, the house sleeps 16 and has a pool, tennis court and, most importantly, a local cook to whip up some fabulous Sicilian dinners. Seven nights from £648 per person B&B, based on 16 people sharing."

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Or have a look at San Giorgio Estate on our website >>

Thai Style

"Why not see in the New Year in the sunshine at SJ Villas' latest property, the spectacular Tamarind House in the foothills of Kao Krating, near Pattaya, a 90 minute drive from Bangkok. Sleeping up to 32 people from as little as £52pp per night (B&B; all other meals cost from £3pp), the house boasts a swimming pool, tennis court, a white-sand beach ten minutes drive away, 15 full-time staff, including cook and a driver, as well as on-call babysitters, massage therapists and even a tennis coach."

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Or have a look at Tamarind House on our website >>

Private paradise. No need to reserve a lounger - it's all yours for a week

"Holiday-home specialists SJ Villas has beautiful, high-spec houses on the islands of Mykonos, Hydra and Cephalonia. We'd line up to stay in Villa Olivia on Cephalonia, which sleeps eight and is set in a private olive estate."

From €4,900 to €8,600 (about £4,291 to £7,595) per week.

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Or have a look at Villa Olivia on our website >>

Spending Power

Staying in a private villa is one of the most luxurious ways to holiday. We round up the flashiest pads available.

Villa Guiseppina, Italy
The villa on the shores of Lake Como has recently undergone a multimillion pound transformation. Designers from Milan fashion house Etno have created contemporary-classic chic interiors - there are seven bedrooms in total. There's also an infinity pool, a spa, a jacuzzi and a fully equipped gym. A fleet of staff is available 24/7 as well as a private Riva boat and chauffeur-driven car for when you want to pop over to nearby Milan for some retail therapy.

From €3,128 per week per person based on 14 peole sharing.

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Or have a look at Villa Giuseppina on our website >>

Schools out - Ideas for adventurous families.

Gulp fresh mountain air in the Swiss Alps at the resort of Crans Montana. Take mountain bikes up on ski lifts and hurtle back down, or ride easier special trails. As well as waterskiing, swimming and kayaking in lakes there is skiing on the Plaine Morte glacier plateau. Apartment Curling sleeps 6, is from £2,500 a week including maid service.

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Or have a look at Apartment Curling on our website >>

A Shore Thing.

SJ Villas features Villa Giuseppina from £626pp per night based on 14 people sharing. The price includes continental breakfast, soft drinks, daily housekeeping, a chef, a chauffeur-driven Mercedez benz GL500 and a skippered Riva motorlaunch.

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Or have a look at Villa Giuseppina on our website >>

The Experts - your queries answered.

Classic Question:

We want to book a really special private villa in the South of France, or possibly Italy, in July. It must have a pool and sleep at least 10 and, most importnatly, come with a chef. Any recommendtions?

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Great Value European villas

Looking for a good quality holiday property to rent at reasonable price? Then you must go beyond the most popular areas, say Nick Trend.

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Or have a look at Le Vieux Biac on the SJ Villas website here!

Big Treat in Corsica

The garden of this low-slung, modern villa, recently made available as a holiday house, slopes down to a fabulous beach edged withy rocky outcrops, which is only accessible from the house...

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Or have a look at Villa Mathilde on the SJ Villas website here!

Have a closer look at
Can Claudia

Spending holidays in luxurious homes with friends and family doesn't have to break the bank, says Jo Fernandez.

"Ibiza: SJ Villas has exclusive access to a selection of seriously dreamy properties around the world. Can Claudia near St Agnes, famed for its valley of almond trees, is an Ibizan party pad owned by composer George Solti's daughter Claudia (hence the name), who is building an outdoor cinema in the forest ths summer. Design delights include a curved infinity pool, yoga tipee, flat-screen TVs, digital projector, iPod docking stations and indoor and outdoor stereo. Three double bedrooms include a Balinese-style one with an indoor/outdoor bathroom. The property borders a conservation area with a cove where boat trips can be taken, and has views to the sea. Previous guests include fashion designer Alice Temperley and model Jacquetta Wheeler."

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Pssst... Don't tell anyone.

Can you keep a secret?
Francesca Syz has found 10 beautiful islands around the world that the locals would rather you didn't know about.

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Or have a look at Isla Del Mar on the SJ Villas website here!