If perfecting your game is high on your agenda, or you simply want to keep up with your practice while you enjoy a holiday with friends and family, a luxury villa with its own private tennis court could be just the ticket. Here is our round up of some of the best.
ITALIAN VILLAS WITH TENNIS COURTS
Villa San Barberino, Tuscany, Italy
5 bedrooms – Sleeps 10
Located within an hour of Pisa, Florence and Siena and just 25 minutes from San Gimignano, Villa San Barberino is perfectly positioned for exploring the sights and cities of Tuscany. Following a busy day out and about guests can retreat to this charming villa which certainly invites outdoor living. The poolside bar is a perfect spot for an aperitif as the sun sets and the pizza oven heats up; guests can then take their place at the sizeable dining area which is perfect for long and relaxed al fresco dinner on a balmy evening. Children have lots to keep them entertained including a children’s play area, swimming pool and a hard-surface tennis court all within the villa gardens. A local tennis pro can be organised to help you improve your game.
La Vigna, Tuscany, Italy
7 Bedrooms – Sleeps 14
Located in the heart of Tuscany’s Maremma region, there could be few more inspirational settings than Villa Vigna to enjoy a game of tennis. The villa is set within a private reserve, which includes a tennis court with far-reaching views of the surrounding farmland and countryside. There’s also a riding centre, access to a nine-hole golf course and lakes on which Laser dinghies can be sailed. This region also claims some fabulous wine estates, as well as sandy beaches Punta Ala and Castiglion della Pescaia.
Il Convento Del Cielo, Umbria, Italy
10 Bedrooms - Sleeps 20
A beautifully restored hostelry on an ancient pilgrimage route to Rome, Il Convento Viandante Del Cielo is brimming with history and character. The restoration tactfully retained the villa’s heritage while modernising it for maximum comfort. As a result, the property is in equal captivating and indulgent. Furthermore, the stunning lake and mountain views here paint the perfect backdrop for your time in Umbria, be it relaxing by the pool, enjoying delicious cuisine on the outdoor terrace, or, of course, enjoying a game of tennis at the court.
Trulli Bianca, Puglia, Italy
6 Bedrooms - Sleeps 12
A villa with an immediately striking design, Trulli Bianca is a contemporary haven nestled in the otherwise timeless landscape of Puglia. Serene walks through olive groves and botanical gardens, all beneath the Mediterranean sunshine, embody all that makes Puglia so desirable, while the villa itself offers plenty of spaces to unwind. The modern tennis court is an excellent space to burn off the excesses, with the swimming pool beckoning you to cool off afterwards.
FRENCH VILLAS WITH TENNIS COURTS
Domaine de la Hille, Carcassonne, France
8 Bedrooms – Sleeps 18
Just below the village of Fanjeaux in the Pyrenees foothills lies Domaine de la Hille, an impressive restored farmhouse dating back to the 11th Century. Surrounded by leafy gardens and just over a mile from the local village bakery, butcher and small supermarket, the property lies within one of France’s quieter regions. The large country kitchen seats up to 20 and there is a fantastic ‘dorm’ with children’s games and toys. Outside, there is a soft-impact, Masters standard tennis court, private pool, and lots of equipment including bikes, golf clubs, tennis racquets, boules, and yoga equipment.
Mas des Cerisiers, Provence, France
5 Bedrooms – Sleeps 10
Evenings buzz with concerts and conversation in the pretty squares of the Luberon villages whilst the daytime is an altogether more languorous affair with lazy lunches and siestas enjoyed poolside. At the heart of the region lies Mas de Cerisiers, a 200 year old traditional French farmhouse, surrounded by vines, lavender fields and cherry orchards. There are picturesque off-road bike trails and walks close by, as well as a tennis court and an infinity pool for those wanting to burn a little energy.An afternoon's drive could easily encompass the famous villages of Menerbes, Oppede, Roussillon, Gordes and Lacoste.
La Jolie Oppede, Provence, France
6 Bedrooms – Sleeps 11
Stepping onto the grounds of La Jolie Oppede is like being transported to another world. The arcadian gardens are dotted with olive trees, soothing lavender and clambering roses, while the striking wisteria arches pave a heavenly pathway down to the villa’s private tennis court. The building itself, a 17th century farmhouse which exudes character, is home to an inviting contemporary cinema room, bar and reading area. Paved floors, beamed ceilings and locally-sourced antiques contribute to the rustic aesthetic and truly immerse you in this serene corner of the world.
Mas Moulard, Provence, France
6 Bedrooms – Sleeps 14
Individually decorated rooms with exposed brickwork and modern paintings make Mas Moulard a bijou villa with style. Fringed by gently swaying cypress and olive trees, the floodlit tennis court here is the perfect place to enjoy a calming game under the blissful Provencal sun or in the cool evening air. Spacious rooms and a large stone fireplace offer a soothing place to unwind afterwards, with French windows overlooking the property’s stretching lawns. This is a fantastic option for families.
SPANISH VILLAS WITH TENNIS COURTS
Emporda Estate, Spain
9 Bedrooms, Sleeps 17
Accommodating up to 17 guests, the Emporda Estate is ideal for multi-generational gatherings or large groups of friends. The hard surface tennis court, with both adult and children’s racquets available, provides a fantastic venue to host a family tennis tournament. Meanwhile, the main swimming pool and smaller plunge pool offer a heavenly space to cool off. There is also a play area and trampoline for children to enjoy, and alluring swinging beds for the adults. Make the most of your time on the Mediterranean with an excursion beyond the villa to the nearby town of La Bisbal d'Empordà, known for its ceramics, markets and castles.
Villa Poligono, Mallorca, Spain
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12
Once a 16th century farmhouse, Villa Poligono is now a beautiful private villa protected by rugged mountains and surrounded by groves rich with lemons, oranges, peppers and aubergines. The nearest main road is 3km and so it is a tranquil spot, set in its own 175 acres of private grounds, with a cool pool, lots of hammocks for lounging around in the shade, a hard court tennis court and a pool table. Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa are within easy reach though few will want to leave.
Finca Tortuga, Menorca, Spain
6 Bedrooms - Sleeps 12
Set within its own nature reserve, Finca Tortuga is a 250 year old farmhouse just a couple of miles from the small town of Alaior. Though it is within reach of restaurants, shops and cafés as well as the beautiful beaches for which Menorca is famous, this is a peaceful retreat, with lots of reasons to stay close by: there’s an Astroturf tennis court, table tennis and large saltwater pool, as well as various places to relax. Most family members will congregate by the pool during the day and on the central courtyard to enjoy dining outdoors late into the evening.
Villa Sineu Vista, Mallorca, Spain
6 bedrooms - sleeps 10
A placid countryside residence near Sineu, home to vibrant weekly markets as well as quaint cafes and bars, Villa Sineu Vista tactfully strikes the balance between local exploration and tranquil relaxation. The outdoor pool area is carpeted in spongey, green grass and tall hedges, allowing for maximum seclusion whilst still allowing for views across the countryside. In tune with the laidback ambience of the island, enjoy a leisurely stroll over to the tennis courts for a couple of games before retiring back to the terrace for an alfresco dinner under the stars.
VILLAS IN GREECE WITH TENNIS COURTS
Villa Paralia, Corfu, Greece
8 bedrooms – Sleeps 16
Villa Paralia is a large beach-front villa with direct access to Kalamaki Bay, northern Corfu’s only sandy beach. The villa’s proximity to the beach and its large sea-facing pool is naturally its main appeal, but a pool table, table tennis, table football and the private tennis court allow guests to work up an appetite for a delicious dinner – a chef service is included within the villa rental for six days of the week in July and August. Between June and September, a breakfast service is offered.
Villa Selene, Crete, Greece
8 bedrooms – Sleeps 16
Villa Selene is just a short drive from Elounda’s pretty harbour yet has the feeling of privacy and complete seclusion. Overlooking the Bay of Elounda, the property comprises a main villa and a guest house, located 65 metres apart. The 12 metre swimming pool is the focal point for gatherings, but the villa also has direct sea access via a path that leads to a wooden sunbathing deck. Outdoor activities include a boules court, croquet lawn and a full-size tennis court, all benefitting from the sea breeze that the villa enjoys from its elevated position.
Villa Ariane, Zakynthos, Greece
5 bedrooms - Sleeps 10
Nestled amongst the rolling hills of northern Zakynthos, Villa Ariane is primed for undisturbed relaxation. Its tennis court is surrounded by verdant pines and offers the perfect space to enjoy a game in total serenity. The villa itself exhibits cooling white interiors splashed with flecks of colour throughout in the way of vibrant furnishings and artworks. Outside areas are plentiful, with paved terraces and seating areas overlooking the undulating landscape and an inviting swimming pool offering somewhere cool to escape the heat.
Villa Penelope, Corfu, Greece
4 bedrooms - sleeps 8
Boasting spectacular ocean views and a short walk to the heavenly Avlaki Beach, Villa Penelope is perfectly positioned for an indulgent vacation on Corfu's northeast coast. The glimmering 40-metre pool is certainly impressive and a highlight of the outdoor spaces, which are paradisaically laden with jasmine and wisteria. For larger groups, Villa Penelope can be booked with Villa Icarius as the Odysseus Estate, where guests can take advantage of the beautiful shared tennis court.
UK MANOR HOUSES WITH TENNIS COURTS
Cornwell Manor, Cotswolds, UK
12 bedrooms – Sleeps 24
Absorb the splendour of the English countryside at this quintessential manor house. Surrounded by woods and farmland, Cornwell Manor is a historic English house located close to the celebrated Cotswold town of Chipping Norton. The house is full of authentic English character, with a formal fountain, small Norman chapel, dining room with original panelling, 18th century fireplaces, Rococo plasterwork and classic stone flooring. The 2000-acre estate has everything one could wish for for a stay to remember, with fishing and shooting on site, an outdoor heated swimming pool and tennis court.
Woodstock Lodge, Cotswolds, UK
7 bedrooms – Sleeps 15
Located within the grounds of Blenheim Palace – the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and ancestral seat of the Dukes of Marlborough - Woodstock Lodge is a modern country home that is perfect for a family gathering. Its glorious grounds offer much for guests including a large, heated pool, hot tub fire-pit, and an AstroTurf tennis court, whilst indoors the cinema room, pool table, poker table, and gym provide spaces for relaxation. The Cotswolds villages of Burford, Chipping Norton and Bourton on the Water are within easy reach.
