Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less)
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car essential Nearest amenities: 6 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Perched on a hillside, this spacious Basque farmhouse enjoys a secluded position with no immediate neighbours yet is only 5 minutes drive from the market town of St Palais with its array of shops and restaurants. Recently renovated, the farmhouse offers the comforts of a modern home, whilst retaining much of its lovely old original character. With four large bedrooms (1 en suite), the property easily accommodates eight people but could take up to ten, and is ideal for families or groups. There are wonderful views from the front of the house across to the Pyrenees.
Outside there is a terrace with seating area and garden and the River Nive runs along the foot of the hill.
Maison Uhalborda showing front of house
Kitchen
Dining area
Main bathroom
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/56846
The Aquitaine / Dordogne / Pyrenees Atlantiques region
The house is situated in the Basse Navarre; a rural area of rolling hills and farmland a short distance from the Pyrenees and in the middle of the French Basque country. Inhabitants of this area have a strong sense of history, language and culture, which is celebrated during the Force Basque festival in St Palais (see below), and there is a distinctive cuisine, which can be sampled at a number of excellent restaurants throughout the area.
The climate is generally mild, with warm summers, although the house is only around an hour's drive from the nearest ski stations in the Pyrenees. The area has a distinctive style of architecture; houses tend to be painted white and half-timbered with oxblood red or dark green woodwork, and there is an overall mpression that people take a pride in their property.
Saint Palais / Larribar-Sohapuru area
The nearest town is St Palais; a market town with a good selection of shops (including bakers and supermarket), and restaurants, including the Hotel de la Paix and the Hotel du Trinquet. There is also a heated lido and tennis courts. St Palais hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the annual Force Basque festival during August; a celebration of Basque culture and life, with traditional music, food and dancing.
Close to the house, the Compostelle de St Jacques (the ancient pilgrimage route to Spain) runs along the bottom of the hill, and there is good walking both from the house and in the surrounding area. The area is also a haven for cyclists. East of St Palais can be found the Grottes (Caves) d'Isturitz and Oxocelhaya.
The house is around 45 minutes from the coast at Biarritz where it is possible to swim as well as surf and enjoy other water sports. There is also excellent shopping in Biarritz. Bayonne, next to Biarritz is a lovely old town and worth a look with its more traditional Basque feel - it is also renowned for its chocolate!
A short drive from the house are the vineyards of Irouleguy, France's smallest AOC, and the local wine is certainly worth tasting! Also close is the old fortified town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port with its ramparts and winding narrow streets; the ancient capital of Basse-Navarre. Beyond St Jean lies the Pyrenees with their opportunities for walking and climbing. In addition are a number of interesting traditional Basque towns such as Espelette, famous for its peppers, which hosts the annual pepper festival at the end of October, the gracious spa town of Cambo-les-Bains, and the beautiful village of Ainhoa
How to get there
The house is a similar distance from Biarritz or Pau airport; just over 40 km from each (around 45 minutes and 1 hour respectively). Cheap flights are available from Ryanair from Stansted to Biarritz or Pau, and Easyjet from Bristol to Biarritz
Additionally it is possible to fly to Bordeaux and drive (an easy 2 hour drive) - Flybe from Southampton or Bristol
From Pau airport, drive west along the A64, then south-west on the D933
From Biarritz airport, drive east along the A64, then south east on the D11
There are train stations in both Biarritz and Pau.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Biarritz: 43 km
Railway:
Biarritz: 43 km
Activities near Saint Palais
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 10, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Ground floor - Large, open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area - a truly enormous room with wood-burning stove and access to front and back gardens. There is also a 'snug' leading off this room with another wood burning stove and a sofa-bed. Kitchen area - equipped with modern appliances, washing-dryer and dishwasher Dining area - with large table and 6 chairs Sitting area - with wood burning stove and logs provided, television and sofas Bedroom 1 - with double bed and en suite shower-room, chest of drawers, wardrobe and bedside tables. Access to the garden
First floor - Large mezzanine landing area with rooms leading off: Bedrooms 2 double bedroom with chest of drawers, wardrobe and bedside tables Bedrooms 3 and 4 - twin bedrooms with bedside tables, chest of drawers and wardrobe Bathroom - with bath, shower and large sink Separate WC
Further details outdoors: Basic seating area with chairs and table and barbeque Garden Parking Rive Nive runs along the bottom of the hill
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Mid season
26 Apr 08
28 Jun 08
550£ 550
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
28 Jun 08
30 Aug 08
650£ 650
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid season
30 Aug 08
27 Sep 08
550£ 550
0-
0-
1 Week
Low season
27 Sep 08
1 Nov 08
395£ 395
0-
0-
1 Week
31
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
These rates represent the cost for the property irrespective of group size and include all electricity, water, linen and towels.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/56846
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/56846
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