Maison Hirondelle
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About the home
Under the sun of the green and unspoilt other south of France near Spain, this comfortable, detached18 c farm house is situated in the friendly little hamlet of Loubieng. Nearby Orthez, ancient capital of the Bearn and attractive market town, offers restaurants, cafes, traditional markets and supermarkets, and a leisure lake with beach. Ideal for romantic getaways or family holidays!
The farmhouse itself sits in a spacious, lawned plot looking out over the tree filled valley of the River Laa. It looks most inviting with its steeply raked, tiled, roof, wooden window shutters, and partially ivy-clad facade. Downstairs the exposed wood ceiling beams and large, wood burning fireplace bring real French character to the open plan living accommodation. (As well as UK TV, DVD player and CD player, there is a small library of books (English), videos and DVDs). Upstairs, there is the bonus of a second sitting room equipped with a second TV for videosand DVDs, DVD player and CD player and fixed baby gate (Children's Videos supplied.) High Chair, push chair, baby monitor and baby bath can be requested. (Internet connection in nearby Orthez.)
The Games/Laundry Room has a second fridge for those market goodies, plus a freezer, as well as Games for the children - old and young - eg table football, table tennis and pool floats. The property is well-stocked with garden and pool furniture.
The garden, well established with nut, fruit and palm trees, slopes to the impressive, secluded and enclosed pool area, (safety gate), with the luxury of a jacuzzi and jet stream, and behind the barn, a flat area allows games of croquet and petanque. Enjoy BBQ's on the terrace looking out over the beautiful French countryside.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 7, 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Orthez -Lake (Biarritz - Sea 81km), 8km |
| Will consider: | Short breaks |
| Access: | Car essential Nearest amenities: 8km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | No pets allowed No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Jacuzzi / Hot tub, Log fire, DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | Central heating, Video player, CD player, Games room, Satellite TV |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Clothes dryer, Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms of which 1 family bathroom and 1 en suite |
| Furniture: | Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 6 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided Highchair available |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ |
| Access: | Secure parking |
Further details indoors:
Our aim is to provide our guests with a relaxing haven for all seasons.
Downstairs, the open-plan sitting/dining/kitchen allows the chef to still be part of the company. In addition to UK/French TV, DVD player and CD player, we offer a small library books (in English) and DVDs. (An additional baby gate is available plus high chair, push chair, baby monitor and baby bath can be requested.)
For our winter guests, there is the cosiness of central heating plus the use of a log fire, (wood extra).
For the convenience of our more senior guests, one of the bedrooms is downstairs and has its own direct access to the garden. This has the en-suite shower room. With the downstairs WC conveniently placed at its entrance, the downstairs bedroom can be turned into totally en-suite.
Upstairs, there is the added bonus of a second sitting room with a TV for Video/ DVD; CD player. We have also provided games and children's videos to keep our young, and not so young, guests occupied. (There is a fixed Baby Gate at the top of stairs.)
The house is not suitable for a wheelchair user.
Further details outdoors:
Outside in the Games/Laundry room attached to barn, there is a freezer and an extra fridge, for all those market bargains. (Market Orthez - Tues) There are also more games eg mini table tennis, table hockey/football.
The property is well supplied with garden furniture - tables, chairs, sun loungers and a BBQ.
In nearby Navarrenx, you can hire bicycles and try a Tour de France route. You can also make bookings for river rafting. Navarrenx is also the salmon fishing capital of France.
Pool and jacuzzi open from May to end of September.
Further details
Pool open from beginning of May to end of September.
Property available from 4 pm on the commencement date, although luggage may be left in the Games Room at the guest's risk, before this time, at the discretion of the house manager . Property must be left by 10 am to allow cleaning.
Cleaning at commencement and end of holiday, and mid Saturday for fortnight bookings. Extra cleaning may be booked and payment made to the managers direct. Contact details on booking.
Linen and towels (not beach towels), is included throughout the year (except for House Hunter Specials).
From October to May central heating is included in the price.
Booking Form showing all Terms and Conditions is available on request.
Sorry, but for the sake of the majority of the guests, we can't allow pets.
Conditions
SPECIAL OFFERS: RATES REDUCED TO SAVE YOU UP TO 20% on normal agents' rates
SPECIAL RATES FOR 2 PERSONS ONLY IN SOME SEASONS - CHECK RATES
OUT OFF HIGH SEASON, SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, MID WEEK STARTS AND SHORT BREAKS MAY BE POSSIBLE -CONTACT OWNER
To request information or make enquiries, please contact JAN at UK (0) 1235 835474, or email using the contact form below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Photos
Video
Share videoThe Aquitaine / Dordogne / Pyrenees Atlantiques region
Being close to the Spanish border, this area is rich in the cultural and leisure activities of two countries. There is something for everyone and any age group from summer to winter.
You can find surfing beaches, ski slopes, golf courses, tennis, pelotte, horse racing, fishing, ten-pin bowling, river rafting, water park, cycling, hill walking, cheese trails, wine trails, markets, fetes, vo films, casinos, museums, châteaux, tourist trains, natural grottos, bird watching, thermal spas, designer/boutique shopping, night-life .
For golfers: remember that Pau had the first mainland golf course in Europe. You'll also find golf courses on the coast at Anglet, to the east at Lourdes and in the nearby thermal spa town of Salies de Bearn.
For surfers and water enthusiasts: The Atlantic rollers attract international competitions each year. In nearby Navarrenx you can book water rafting and canooing, (or you can water ski on our local leisure lake).
For children: Visit the water park at nearby Oloron St Marie or spend the day on the Atlantic beaches (or our little local beach). See the Aquarium at Biarritz or take a trip to visit the Reptilarium.
For pilgrims: Visit Lourdes or follow the the trail of the Compostile pilgrims
For skiers: The Pyrenees are less crowded and less expensive than the Alps, but no less challenging.
There is so much to do and see - more information available on our website below and in the house.
To view average high temperatures, also see our website Orthez page.
The Orthez / Loubieng area
Orthez - the ancient capital of the Bearn - Where France meets Spain.
Take part in a host of events with the friendly locals - market, fete, jazz festival, book fair, bull running in the summer: Enjoy the beach and water skiing at the leisure lake or explore Orthez history and don't forget the January sales!
Cycle around our quiet little country lanes. Loubieng is a base for country walks and a route guide can be found on the road to the church (2 mins walk from the house). Cycle hire to suit all ages (including child seats) is available at nearby Navarrenx.
Visit one of the many restaurants or cafes, and taste delicious local gastronomy. Enjoy a night off from cooking and let our friendly house managers prepare a meal for you - contact details available on booking.
Or just spend a pleasant sunny day by the pool topping up your tan. In the evening, relax in the jacuzzi and watch the Hirondelles (swallows), after whom the house was named, swooping in the magnificent sunsets.
The Pyrenees Atlantique - a region where quality of life still exists and where the French themselves love to holiday.!
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Pau: 45 km |
| Railway: | Orthez: 8 km |
| Ferry: | Bilbao (Spain): 223 km |
Please double check all routes as these may change:
Airlines:
www.cityjetwww.ryanair.com; www.easyjet.com; www.flybe.com; www.bmibaby.com; www.aerlingus.ie; www.britishairways.com; www.jet2.com; www.airfrance.co.uk
Flights To:
Pau - (only 1/2 hr drive from Loubieng )
Cityjet from London City
Flybe from Southampton
Biarritz - (only 3/4 hr drive from Loubieng)
Ryanair from Birmingham/Stansted
Ryanair from Dublin
Easyjet from Stansted/Bristol.
Also see Tarbes, Bordeaux, Toulouse
Car Hire:
Hertz (pick up at Biarritz, Bayonne, Tarbes/Lourdes and Pau)
www.hertz.co.uk
Europcar (pick up at Biarritz, Bayonne, Tarbes/Lourdes and Pau)
www.europcar.com
Easycar (pick up at Biarritz and Pau)
www.easycar.com
Eurotunnel: Look at Tesco Rewards for special deals for the tunnel and ferries
Ferries:
P & O: Dover to Calais, Portsmouth to Bilbao
Brittany Ferries Portsmouth to St Malo/Caen ; Cork to Roscoff
Condor Ferries Poole to St Malo; Weymouth to St Malo
Norfolkline Dover to Dunkirk; Rosslare to LeHavre; Portsmouth to Le Havre; Newhaven to Dieppe.
Eurostar:
High speed Eurostar to Paris, Gare du Nord then leave on TGV from Paris Montparnasse. This stops in Orthez and Pau, but check when booking. This is the same line that stops in Biarritz and Lourdes.
Activities near Orthez
Tennis in town
Watersports
Waterpark
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 19 Oct 2011 |
Ideally located to explore countryside, mountains and the Atlantic coast, Maison Hirondelle was lacking nothing we needed and offered comfortable accommodation. We were lucky to have warm and sunny weather and delighted with the birdlife that visited the garden. We hope to stay longer next time. Thanks for making it home from home. |
25 Sep 2011 |
The internet which I know is next to be installed, for us is a must. Very tranquil setting ideal for sightseeing in Tarbes, Pau and Lourdes as well as the Pyrenees. Salies de Bearn was an excellent... more |
21 Aug 2011 |
We stayed in Maison Hirondelle for one week in mid September. The house was very clean and well maintained and it was lovely to receive a "welcome pack" upon arrival which covered most of our basic needs. The house is based in a very quiet area but only a 10-15 minute drive from a choice of supermarkets and a larger village with a selection of restaurants/bars. We found the house to be a good location for exploring the area and the visitor's book gives good recommendations of restaurants to visit which serve hearty french fayre. The weather in September was a little mixed but all in all we had a relaxing break at Maison Hirondelle. Response: We're very fortunate that we have some lovely, considerate guests. Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review and for appreciating the extra effort put into maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, by our house managers. If I remember rightly, our house manager mentioned that she was so pleased with the very good state of cleanliness in which you left the house. Thank you also for acknowledging our welcome pack gift. We always like to have return visits from guests such as yourself. Remember, in the low season, there's an extra reduction for guests who use only one bedroom. Hope we'll see you again in the future! |
Guestbook for Maison Hirondelle
REVIEWS
"The countryside is beautiful and the house is lovely and so well-equipped. Thank you so much, we will certainly be back." Yvonne, Cliff, Allysen and Kate, October 2011
"We have had a most relaxing and enjoyable time. I must say that this is the best equiped rental property of many I have had by a long way' Gordon McIllroy September 2011
"A fantastic 2 weeks. The house is lovely." The Turners, September 2011
"We had a fantastic holiday. The area has so much to offer." Andrew Cooney, August 2011
"thank you so much for a wonderful week at your house. It is very beautiful and we will definitely recommend it to any friends interested in going to France.", Maria Daniels, August 2011
"Having spent a busy 4/7 in Paris, 5/7 in a rustic (and dirty) gite in Lot, to arrive at Maison Hirondelle, was an absolute delight" "Clean, fresh and welcoming, it was an oasis" the Farnworths, July 2011
"we will definitely recommend the house and the area. The countryside around is beautiful. The children really enjoyed the house and pool The security around the pool was perfect as we didn't have to worry about our 3-year-old wandering into the pool area unsupervised. We did find the house exceptionally well-equipped" Sally Bennet August 2010
"we had a lovely time at the villa. It was very comfortable and the pool area is lovely" "we will definitely recommend your villa to friends as we thoroughly enjoyed our stay" The Vale family July 2010
"The photo of the house on the web-site doesn't do the house justice - the whole place is really fantastic." Ingrid & Frank Rowland May 2010
"Had a wonderful time here. It was like a home from home - great gite, well equipped and great location. Will definitely be back." Edward & Margaret Clinton April 2010
"THE HOUSE IS LOVELY AND JUST AS DESCRIBED ON THE WEBSITE, WHICH IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE."
- John & Heather Kemp, June 2009
"A great location and lovely house with all amenities" "Certainly worth a reurn visit. Would certainly recommend the location and house. Superb."
- Charles & Claudine Canham, Nicola and Ted Veitch September 2009
"Great refreshing week, if only it was 2." "The house has been ideal." "We got engaged."
- Rebekah and Rick, September 2009
"The house is great, very rustic French charm. Every attention to detail made." "Looking forward to returning in the future"
- Paul & Nicola Suckling & 4 children, August 2009
"House incredibly well equipped. Thanks. "One week was not really long enough and we look forward to returning"
- Peters Family, August 2009
"Our second visit has re-affirmed our liking for the house, pool and everything. We all hope to revisit soon. Can't wait!"
- Dyer Family, May 2009
"Been to many villas all over the sw of France but I must say that this one has to be in the top three. A truly beautiful setting and a lovely homely villa. "
- Calderbank Family, August 2008
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 2 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| 2A1 | 14 Jan 12 | 31 Mar 12 | £ 500 | 94 | 99 | 4 Nights |
| 2 School Holiday | 31 Mar 12 | 14 Apr 12 | £ 600 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 2A2 | 14 Apr 12 | 5 May 12 | £ 545 | 88 | 94 | 4 Nights |
| 2B1 | 5 May 12 | 26 May 12 | £ 625 | 88 | 94 | 4 Nights |
| 2D1 | 26 May 12 | 2 Jun 12 | £ 650 | 94 | 104 | 4 Nights |
| 2 School Holiday | 2 Jun 12 | 8 Jun 12 | £ 785 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 2K1 | 22 Sep 12 | 29 Sep 12 | £ 910 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 2C2 | 29 Sep 12 | 6 Oct 12 | £ 860 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 6 Oct 12 | 13 Oct 12 | £ 730 | 105 | 110 | 4 Nights | |
| 13 Oct 12 | 20 Oct 12 | £ 680 | 100 | 105 | 4 Nights | |
| 20 Oct 12 | 27 Oct 12 | £ 660 | 95 | 100 | 4 Nights | |
| 2 School Holiday | 27 Oct 12 | 3 Nov 12 | £ 645 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 2L2 | 3 Nov 12 | 23 Dec 12 | £ 480 | 84 | 89 | 4 Nights |
| Festive Season | 23 Dec 12 | 3 Jan 13 | £ 750 | 105 | 110 | 4 Nights |
| Prices for group size 7 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| A1 | 7 Jan 12 | 31 Mar 12 | £ 550 | 95 | 100 | 4 Nights |
| School Holiday UK | 31 Mar 12 | 14 Apr 12 | £ 660 | - | - | 1 Week |
| A2 | 14 Apr 12 | 5 May 12 | £ 615 | 100 | 104 | 4 Nights |
| B1 | 5 May 12 | 26 May 12 | £ 650 | 100 | 104 | 4 Nights |
| D1 | 26 May 12 | 2 Jun 12 | £ 665 | 104 | 114 | 4 Nights |
| School Holiday UK | 2 Jun 12 | 9 Jun 12 | £ 835 | - | - | 1 Week |
| E1 | 9 Jun 12 | 23 Jun 12 | £ 790 | - | - | 1 Week |
| F1 | 23 Jun 12 | 7 Jul 12 | £ 1035 | - | - | 1 Week |
| G1 | 7 Jul 12 | 14 Jul 12 | £ 1290 | - | - | 1 Week |
| H1 | 14 Jul 12 | 21 Jul 12 | £ 1390 | - | - | 1 Week |
| School Holiday UK | 21 Jul 12 | 1 Sep 12 | £ 1525 | - | - | 1 Week |
| F2 | 1 Sep 12 | 8 Sep 12 | £ 1250 | - | - | 1 Week |
| J1 | 8 Sep 12 | 15 Sep 12 | £ 1150 | - | - | 1 Week |
| E2 | 15 Sep 12 | 22 Sep 12 | £ 1050 | - | - | 1 Week |
| K1 | 22 Sep 12 | 29 Sep 12 | £ 940 | - | - | 1 Week |
| C2 | 29 Sep 12 | 6 Oct 12 | £ 890 | 120 | 130 | 4 Nights |
| 6 Oct 12 | 13 Oct 12 | £ 760 | 110 | 115 | 4 Nights | |
| 13 Oct 12 | 20 Oct 12 | £ 710 | 110 | 115 | 4 Nights | |
| 20 Oct 12 | 27 Oct 12 | £ 690 | 100 | 105 | 4 Nights | |
| School Holiday UK | 27 Oct 12 | 3 Nov 12 | £ 675 | - | - | 1 Week |
| L1 | 3 Nov 12 | 22 Dec 12 | £ 510 | 88 | 94 | 4 Nights |
The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
SPECIAL! RECENTLY REDUCED These Rates are DISCOUNTED on normal agents' prices BY up to 20% BECAUSE YOU ARE CONTACTING US DIRECT!
EXTRA REDUCTIONS FOR TWOSOMES 2012 - save an extra 5% on some of our weeks (Only one bed will be available).
Only 30% deposit for all holidays booked ten weeks before start day (plus refundable security deposit).
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
| Key: | 11 | 12 | Booked | 11 | 12 | Available | 11 | 12 | Unknown | 11 | 12 | Arrival/Departure dates |
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| Aug 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Sep 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| Oct 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Availability notes:
Late Bookings will be required to pay by bank transfer no later than seven normal working days before commencement of holiday.
Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 2 years listed You are contacting Janet Fox-Davies
Languages spoken    The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2009. This farmhouse has received 3 reviews from previous guests.  |
