LA SABLONNERIE
Rambling-rose rusticity in an island timewarp
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.
Hit the spot
The palm-size island of Sark, in the Channel Isles.
Bedtime
Make hay in the Honeymoon suite – a former stables.
Be savvy
Take a torch for after-dark rambles and jelly shoes for swimming in rocky coves.
Be smitten
Island original that we reckon is worth the expense.
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.
La Sablonnerie was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Tim Treyman
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Dining in
The old 16th century farmhouse setting is charm itself – candlelit, oak-beamed and low ceilinged. The cooking is modern international with French overtones – and it's excellent. Seafood is the big feature, so
try roasted sea scallops oozing garlic butter, or lobster in a lime butter sauce. Warm chocolate tart with vanilla and dark rum sauce should polish it off nicely. Dining is alfresco in the gorgeous gardens on summer days. La Sablonnerie also has a tea garden for lighter fare.
Dining out
There are no other restaurants on Little Sark, so order a picnic and head for the cliffs, where you can gaze over crystal clear waters and flower-filled fields while feeding each other strawberries.
Where?
La Sablonnerie
What’s cooking?
Terrine of monkfish and salmon, caramelised Barbary duck breast, and almond mousse served with poached pears and caramel sauce.
Dress the part
A pashmina will come in handy for outdoor evenings.
Top table?
Alfresco in the pretty gardens.
See & Do
Just three miles from tip to tip, Sark begs exploration on foot. The island's natural seawater pools of Venus and Adonis – filled with water for around two hours at low tide – provide safe (if at times chilly!) bathing, while beauty spots such as Grande Grève, with its sandy beach, are a must. Pick up a bike and cycle into the village (as the locals do) or explore cliffs and coves on foot. You'll want to take a day trip to neighbouring Guernsey, with its tax-free shops and cosmopolitan cafes.
Spa
Forget conventional treatments – go for a refreshing dip in those natural beach pools.
Shop
Little Sark's general store caters for life’s essentials, while the bigger tax-free stores of Guernsey are within easy reach.
After dark
Cosy up in the bar, where a fire crackles on cooler nights. Little Sark is also the perfect place for a moonlit walk – with no cars to watch out for.
Dates
April-May
Sark stages a Wild Flower fortnight to celebrate the profusion of spring flowers covering coastal paths and headlands.
June
Pig out on a platter of fruits de mer, local king prawns and lobster ravioli in Sark’s big Seafood Festival.
GETTING THERE
Location
Little Sark, via Guernsey, Channel Islands GY9 0SD
Parking
Forget your wheels – Little Sark is traffic-free.
Trains and Ferries
Take the train to Weymouth, then board a Condor Ferries sailing to Guernsey (two hours 10 minutes). Boats leave there for Sark up to five times a day during the summer season.
Taxis
La Sablonnerie will arrange a pick-up for you and your bags from the ferry port by horse-drawn carriage. (Charges vary).
Airport
Guernsey. A 15-minute cab ride takes you to the port, where ferries for Sark (crossing time 40 minutes) leave regularly. You can fly direct to Guernsey from a number of UK airports.
Rooms and suites
22 rooms and two suites
Special features
Bedrooms are charming and individually furnished rather than out-and-out luxurious.
Also…
It’s all about the location here: you’re staying on the smallest (and possibly most picturesque) of the Channel islands.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 160 - 200
Open/closed
Closed late October - mid April
Check-in
12 noon
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 9.30am. There’s champagne and smoked salmon if you want to start the day in style.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome
Pets
Dogs are welcome
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English and French
Wedding license?
Yes – for parties of up to 50 guests.
Your Contact
Elizabeth Perrée – owner