BY THE WATER

Villa Haute Guais

Dinard - France

Five colourful rooms in an 1880 seaside villa in Dinard, with a one-hectare garden, direct beach access and dinner prepared by chef Rémi Ledauphin.

Beach 1km

Pet Friendly

Fireplace

Guest Table

Garden

EV Charger

THE SETTING

Villa Haute Guais stands above the Baie du Prieuré in Dinard, with the sea, Saint-Malo and the Rance estuary in view. The house was built around 1880, when Dinard was becoming one of France’s first fashionable seaside resorts. British visitors arrived for sea bathing, and large villas began appearing along the coast. The property was extended around 1915 for the Pillet-Houet family. A neo-Norman caretaker’s lodge was added at the entrance and still stands today.

Inside, several original features remain. The most unusual is a small bathroom decorated with marine mosaics by Isidore Odorico, the Rennes-based artist whose colourful work can still be found across Brittany. The house now belongs to the Soul Haven collection. Sophie Bannier led the interior design, drawing on Dinard’s long connection with Britain. Strong wallpapers, English fabrics, old furniture and contemporary pieces fill the rooms and shared spaces.

The result is colourful and confident. It feels like a private seaside house with very good service.

THE ROOMS

Villa Haute Guais has five rooms and suites across two floors. They are named Elisabeth, Victoria, Henrietta, Charlotte and Diana. Each room has its own colours and patterns. The decoration is bold, with large upholstered headboards, printed fabrics, thick carpets and carefully chosen furniture. The rooms feel comfortable and personal, rather than designed around one repeated hotel look.

Elisabeth is the smallest at 20 m² and works well for a short stay. Victoria and Charlotte are around 40 m², with space to sit and read. Victoria looks out at both the garden and the sea and has a large bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. Henrietta is the most impressive room for the view. Its bow window faces the Bay of Saint-Malo, and the room measures close to 50 m². Diana is the family suite, with a double bedroom and a separate room with two single beds. It accommodates two adults and two children.

THE FOOD

Breakfast is served around the large table in the sea-facing living room. The spread includes bread, pastries, homemade cakes, cereals, dairy products, cheese, local jams, fruit and organic farmhouse apple juice, along with coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Dinner is served from Tuesday to Saturday at the villa’s table d’hôtes. Chef Rémi Ledauphin previously worked at Le Pourquoi Pas, Castelbrac’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Dinard. He prepares one menu each evening based on what is available that day. Fish comes from the Rance and nearby coast, while vegetables, cheese and wine are sourced from local producers. Herbs and some vegetables also come from the villa’s small garden. Dinner starts with an aperitif in the lounge or, when the weather allows, outside, followed by the meal around the large dining table. The setting is intimate, and Rémi often serves the dishes himself.

The table is open to residents and outside guests. Dinner currently costs €65 per person, excluding drinks, and must be booked at least 24 hours ahead. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly menus can be prepared with advance notice.

THE STAY

The villa sits within a one-hectare garden overlooking the sea. Old trees, hydrangeas, lawns and a small pond surround the house. There are loungers and outdoor tables, along with enough space to find a quiet corner. A gate at the bottom of the garden opens onto the coastal path. From there, a short path beneath the pine trees leads down to a small beach and jetty. There is no swimming pool. The sea is close enough, and Prieuré Beach has a seawater pool that remains usable when the tide goes out. Inside, guests can use the large sea-facing lounge, the boudoir, the dining room, and the winter garden. The honesty bar is available throughout the stay.

AROUND VILLA HAUTE GUAIS

Dinard is known for its Belle Époque villas, coastal paths and broad views towards Saint-Malo. The Promenade du Clair de Lune runs along the Baie du Prieuré towards the centre. Gardens line the route, and the path is illuminated on summer evenings. Plage de l’Écluse is Dinard’s main beach, with its blue-and-white tents and large seawater pool. Pointe du Moulinet and Pointe de la Malouine are the best places to see the town’s historic villas from the coast.

Saint-Malo is easy to visit without driving. Passenger boats cross between central Dinard and the old city in around ten minutes during the operating season. The trip also gives one of the best views of the ramparts from the water.

The GR34 coastal path continues in the opposite direction towards Saint-Lunaire and Saint-Briac. These smaller seaside towns are quieter than Dinard, with beaches, villas and good stretches of coast for walking. Dinan, Cancale, Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte are all manageable day trips by car.

THE OWNERS

Emmeran and Eva host guests day to day. They live on site and look after arrivals, breakfast, restaurant recommendations and the small practical details of the stay. Rémi Ledauphin completes the team in the kitchen. His table d’hôtes gives the villa a real food identity and makes staying in for dinner one of the highlights.

The service is personal and attentive, while the house keeps the relaxed feeling of staying in a private home.

GOOD TO KNOW

Villa Haute Guais has five rooms and can accommodate up to 15 guests. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday and must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance. Dogs up to roughly Labrador size are accepted with prior agreement and an additional fee. Check-in is from 5 pm, and check-out is by noon. The reception closes between 1 pm and 5 pm.

Rates start at €320 per night for two people, including breakfast.