Saint Palais holiday farmhouse rental with walking, log fire, balcony/terrace, telephone, rural retreat, DVD

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Maison Etchechouria (farmhouse)

Home description

The home is ideally located for exploring the western Pyrenees mountains for walking and other outdoor activities. White water rafting, horse riding, para-gliding and cycling are all available nearby.

The house, called Etchechouria, has a very large lounge which is 7 meters square leading directly to a terrace for dining outside. The well equipped kitchen is also large and leads out onto another terrace with stunning views up the valley. A second smaller lounge has a T.V. with Freesat channels from the U.K. Both lounges have traditional open log fires for a cosy atmosphere on colder evenings. The house has full central heating for winter lettings.

There are six double bedrooms on the first and second floors which can accommodate up to 14 people. All the bedrooms have a wash basin and three also have full en-suite facilities. There are two other bathrooms for general use. The two largest bedrooms have king size double beds and additional single beds. In addition there is a separate utility wash room with full washing and drying facilities.

There is a separate barn with table tennis and a small snooker table.

The house in its setting in the Lantabat valley	View of house from front courtyard
Dinner on the side terrace	One of the two large bedrooms

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/104429

The Aquitaine / Dordogne / Pyrenees Atlantiques region

The Pays Basque is one of the most distinctive and beautiful regions in France. The Basque coast centres around elegant Biarritz and has stunning beaches and dramatic surf. The historic towns of Bayonne in France and San Sebastian in Spain are within easy travelling distance. The mountains of the western Pyrenees offer some of the best mountain walking in Europe and many higher level walks are documented at our house. The landscape is surprisingly lush and green for most of the year and the distinctive white farmhouses with their red and green shutters give a strong identity to the region. Every village has its charms and many are worth exploring. Local Basque traditions are strongly preserved including the amazing game of Pelotte which can be seen played in the Frontons in each village. This is reputed to be the fastest ball game in the world.

Saint Palais area

Saint Palais is 15 minutes drive away and is the main market town in the heart of the Pays Basque and has all the facilities required including outdoor swimming pools. In August it has the famous 'La Force Basque' event which is rather like a mini highland games showing off the skills and strength of Basque farmers. Saint Jean-Pied-de-Port is 30 minutes drive away and is a lovely historic town at the foot of the Pyrenees on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella. The village of Ostabat is just 10 minutes away over the col d'Iparlatze from Lantabat and is again one of the important historic staging posts on the pilgrim route.

How to get there

Ryanair fly to Biarritz and Pau airports which are both about 1 hour's drive from the house. Rail travel is by Eurostar and TGV via Paris to Dax which is also about 1 hour from the house. We are a full day's drive from the channel ports of Caen and Saint Malo. Etchechouria is 15 minutes drive from the nearest market town of Saint Palais. Taking the D8 towards Iholdy you drive for about 10 kilometres then turn left sign posted to Lantabat. The farmhouse is located about 3 more kilometres along this road in the Lantabat valley. The house is accessed by turning right up a drive leading to two houses immediately after a sharp left bend in the road. Etcehchouria is the house with green shutters at the end of this driveway.

Activities near Saint Palais

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The character of this 250 year old farmhouse has been carefully restored and enhanced by the architect owner. There are many exposed oak beams in the living rooms and trusses in the bedrooms retaining the original structural features and combining these with tasteful furnishings. Modern kitchen and en-suite bathroom facilities ensure a comfortable holiday in memorable surroundings. Satellite T.V. and radio is available.

Eating outside is a feature of staying in our home and there are two terraces to choose from.

Further details outdoors:
The house is surrounded on three sides by gardens incorporating two terraces. The garden has a small orchard and attractive shrubberies as well as large lawn areas. Plane, walnut and fig trees and even a large palm tree add a further dimension.

In an elevated position there are lovely views across the valley to hills opposite. The sound of sheep and cow bells add a soothing quality to the normally tranquil valley. There are many birds of prey in the area including Vultures, Kites and Buzzards as well as a rich variety of other bird life including Woodpeckers, Goldfinches and other rare birds like the Hoopoe make appearances. Red Squirrels are seen from time to time as well as the occasional Badger and wild Deer.

Further details

There is a welcome pack provided on arrival and there is an English speaking contact for answering any questions and help in an emergency. There is plenty of parking space for several vehicles.

For walkers there are maps and guides describing many of the best mountain walks in the western Pyrenees. The Iraty cross country ski resort is just 1 hour away.

Conditions

A 25% deposit is required at time of booking and the balance is due two months before the start of your stay. A bond of £300 is required to cover any damage caused to the property and this will be refunded in full no later than two weeks following the end of your stay providing no damage has occurred. A strict no smoking policy applies in the house and pets are not welcome.

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Christmas/New Year	20 Dec 09	5 Jan 10	1800£ 1,800	0-	0-	1 Week
April - June	1 Apr 10	1 Jul 10	1200£ 1,200	0-	0-	1 Week
July - September	1 Jul 10	30 Sep 10	1500£ 1,500	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

A deposit of 25% of the total cost is required on booking. Payment can be made by cheque or by direct bank transfer. There is a £300 Bond required for any damage or breakages which is refundable within two weeks of the end of your stay.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Availability notes:

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/104429

Contact details for the advertiser of home 104429
Name:	Rick Hall
Tel:	+44 (0) 07802 770701
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
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Advertiser joined: Oct 2009