There’s something about watching Wimbledon that makes you just want to go out for a game of tennis, even if you’re someone who plays all the time (or a total neophyte).
The rip-roaring ground strokes…the delicate drop-volleys…the obscene grunts… the all-white kit…the lush green courts…the prestige…the pretentiousness…it all adds up to one seriously engrossing drama.
A seriously engrossing drama that sucks you in: after you’ve spent a few hours in front of the TV or courtside you can’t help but imagine yourself playing shots like the Wimbledon legends of past and present.
Here’s our pick of the best vacation homes with tennis courts so you can serve your own glimmer of ace into action.
Wotton-under-Edge country house – England
This country abode has played host to the likes of Queen Mary, Winston Churchill and one Fred Perry, who once graced its court with his play. With 12 rooms that accommodate up to 30 people, you can create your very own royal box. And if your play doesn’t live up to the standards of Djokovic or Sharapova, your entourage can entertain themselves in the heated outdoor pool, sauna or large gardens.
Ocho Rios island paradise – Jamaica
This ridiculously lavish villa comes with a manager, a cook, a house and grounds staff of four – though whether any of them are good tennis partners we can’t be sure. The house is fully air conditioned, so you can cool off after thrashing out a set or five. Alternatively, you could just grab a dip in the Caribbean anywhere along the villa’s private beach.
Ramatuelle holiday villa – France
A kind of center court hush extends over this countryside villa situated a short-drive from Pampelonne’s beaches and 10 minutes’ drive from the center of Saint-Tropez. Though we don’t want to hear about if your competitive, grunt-heavy game of night tennis on the villa’s recently installed floodlit court draws complaints from the neighbors – after all, the area is famous for its tranquility (see feature picture).
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: www.holiday-rentals.co.uk)
