La Sablonnerie

CLIP-CLIP TO THE FRONT DOOR of La Sablonnerie in a vintage horse-drawn carriage on the pint-sized island of Sark, where cars are banned, the fields are ablaze with flowers in spring and the sea gleams turquoise and lapis. You'll be collected from the small harbour for the short (and scenic) ride to Little Sark, on the island's southernmost tip.

Owner Elizabeth Perrée’s ancestors have been here since 1565, and you can expect a real taste of island hospitality. You're sure to hear tales of the family's 400-year history on Sark.

A low-rise 16th-century farm with roses rambling across the whitewashed walls, La Sablonnerie is romantic and remote. It has been cosily modernised, blending warm country comforts with simplicity of style. Low oak beams hang sturdily above beds dressed in crisp cotton sheets and wool blankets, with fresh flowers, good soaps and crackling fires in autumn adding to the snugness.

Roses and rusticity

Friendly young staff contribute to La Sablonnerie's feel-good vibe. Rooms are charming and cottage-y rather than luxurious, and all are different. Make hay in the Honeymoon suite, a delightful converted stable with a high beamed ceiling, polished oak floors and an enticingly big bed. Other rooms are spread across the estate in cottage-style houses, so are nicely private.

With butter, beef and produce from La Sablonnerie's own farm, and decadent cream teas, the food – great for the tastebuds and bad for the waistline – is far too good to pass up. Freshly caught Sark lobster prepared a dozen different ways features on a dedicated lobster menu.

Only a mile wide and three and a half miles long, it doesn’t take long to explore Sark on foot, bicycle or horseback. As owner Elizabeth says, it's rather like stepping into an Enid Blyton book – a timewarp of country lanes and horses and carts. She will be happy to suggest hidden swimming bays, dramatic clifftop views and lush gardens. Stress? Wave goodbye to all that big-time in this tranquil little island backwater.

© Room for Romance