Domaine-de-Lavie

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Cottage |8 bedrooms |Sleeps 16

Salies de Bearn in Aquitaine/Dordogne

£unknown / week

Short stays welcome

Changeover Sunday

5 out of 5

2 reviews | Write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, beach or lakeside relaxation, balcony/terrace, car advised, private garden, no pets allowed

Check availability and book

About the home

Domaine-de-Lavie is an elegant manoir near the spa town of Salies-de-Béarn. The Pyrénées and Spain are less than an hour's drive away, as are the golden sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. In what was once the Manor House's farm buildings are now 4 holiday cottages, refurbished to the highest standards and a larger property which was once the coach house.

Each cottage is spacious, well equipped, comfortable and tastefully furnished with all the facilities you will require. Each cottage has its own private terrace and a stunning 14m x 8m shared swimming pool. There is also a large terrace to sunbathe on and many peaceful and shady spots to relax in. From the large, floodlit swimming pool, there are lovely views over the countryside and to the Pyrénées beyond.

Facilities

Further details outdoors:
Domaine-de-Lavie has a main house, Maison Lavie, and four delightful holiday cottages: Terrace Cottage (sleeps 2), Courtyard Cottage (sleeps 4), Orchard Cottage (sleeps 4) & Park Cottage (sleeps 6). Each has been furnished and equipped to a very high standard - in fact, you'll find everything you could possibly think of to make your stay as comfortable and luxurious as possible. Please click on each of the individual tabs to see full details on each of the properties.

Domaine-de-Lavie dates back to the time of Gaston Febus in 1376. The house was first owned by Pierre Seigneur-de-Lavie, after whom the surrounding area was also named. In the 18th-century, the main house was enlarged and remodelled, and its appearance has changed very little since then.

Domaine-de-Lavie is set in over seven acres of lawns, gardens, parkland and woodland. It is surrounded by the verdant countryside of the Béarn. The old vegetable gardens have been replaced by a stunning 14m x 8m swimming pool. Its curved shape blends perfectly with the gently undulating hills, and the views are truly wonderful as you look out across the lush valley towards the Pyrénées.

Around the pool is a spacious terrace with sun beds and parasols. It is an ideal spot for those wishing to relax, unwind or sunbathe. For the more energetic, the pool is large enough to enjoy a really good swim. Bordering the swimming pool is a mature orchard. When the fruit is ripe, guests are welcome to sample apples, pears, figs, plums and greengages picked fresh from the trees.

Over the years, many specimen trees and shrubs have been planted throughout the grounds which makes Domaine-de-Lavie a haven for wildlife. Sit quietly and watch - you'll soon see and hear all sorts of birds, from wrens to buzzards. And swallows regularly swoop to drink from the pool. Dozens of different butterflies are attracted by the numerous flowers and shrubs. Rabbits, and even deer, can be seen grazing or nibbling at tender shoots. Luckily, the native wild boars tend to stay in the wooded areas!

Throughout the gardens and grounds, you will find peaceful, shady spots to relax in. Settle down with a good book on one of the many garden benches, or just while away the time with a doze in one of the hammocks slung between two trees. What could be more perfect?

Further details

Discounts may be available for couples and low occupancy out of season.
All cottages are available for long winter lets.
Prices include good quality bed linen, towels, tea towels etc.
No pets.
Non-smokers preferred.

To reserve the Property, you can either contact us by filling out the enquiry form below or by telephone on 0033 (0)5 59 38 25 31 and your reservation will be held for 10 working days, allowing time for you to complete and sign the booking form and return it together with payment of the initial non-refundable deposit (25% of the total rent due). Following receipt of the booking form and deposit, we will send a confirmation invoice and statement. This is the formal acceptance of the booking.

The balance of the rent together with the security deposit (see clause 5) is payable not less than six weeks before the start of the rental period. If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to give notice in writing that the reservation is cancelled. You will remain liable to pay the balance of the rent unless we are able to re-let the Property. In this event clause 6 of these booking conditions will apply. Reservations made within ten weeks of the start of the rental period require full payment at the time of booking.

Any chargeable expenses arising during the rental period (e.g. fuel in the winter months) should be settled locally with us before departure.

A security deposit of £150 for every week or part week of the rental period is required in case of, for example, damage to the property or its contents. However, the sum reserved by this clause shall not limit your liability to us. We will account to you for the security deposit and refund the balance due within two weeks after the end of the rental period.

The rental period shall commence at 4pm on the first day and finish at 10am on the last day. If you anticipate arriving later than 6pm, please telephone to let us know.

The maximum number to reside in the Property must not exceed the maximum advertised capacity of the cottage being rented.

Guests are responsible for leaving their cottage clean and tidy. In the event that more than normal time is required to bring the cottage back up to standard a deduction will be made from the damage deposit.

Conditions

The changeover day for Terrace Cottage & Park Cottage is Sunday. For Orchard Cottage, Courtyard Cottage & Maison Lavie it is Saturday. Out of season it may be possible to change these days; short breaks (minimum 3 days) are also available.

Photos

 

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Domaine-de-Lavie aerial view

 

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Welcome to Domaine-de-Lavie

 

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Outdoor swimming pool shared by the five properties

 

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Maison Lavie private terrace

The Aquitaine / Dordogne / Pyrenees Atlantiques region

This region is beautifully green and lush with gentle sloping landscapes that slowly reach the coast. Offering spectacular views, stunning architecture and plenty of activities to suit all tastes.

Domaine-de-Lavie is in the Béarn region of south-west France. It is a wonderful area overflowing with historic sites, ancient châteaux, picturesque villages, lively markets and excellent cuisine. The fabulous towns of Biarritz, St-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne and Pau are all within easy reach, as are several wine regions. San-Sebastián in northern Spain is a great place to go if you fancy going abroad for the day!

The Salies de Bearn area

There are activities galore for everyone all year round. As well as tennis, horse riding and fishing, there are 15 golf courses within an hour's drive for golfers, and miles and miles of golden sands on the nearby Atlantic coast for surfers. The magnificent scenery of the Pyrénées is an hour away for skiers, bird-watchers and walkers - or you could just stay at Domaine-de-Lavie and laze by the pool.

Domaine-de-Lavie is close to the picturesque town of Salies-de-Béarn. The town takes its name from the Saleys - a small tranquil river which snakes past quaint 17th and 18th-century half-timbered buildings, some of which stand on pillars on the river banks.

Salies-de-Béarn is known as the City of Salt. Every year, the Fête du Sel takes place during the second week of September. The whole town takes part in celebrating what they call "White Gold". Salt comes from a vast underground lake and is used to cure delicious Bayonne ham.

The famous "thermes" in Salies are reputed to cure all sorts of ailments. The thermal baths are open to the public for beauty treatments, as well as for the healing properties of the spas.

The weekly Salies market is the place to buy delicious fresh produce all year round, although many of the local delicacies can be sampled at local fêtes which are held throughout the spring, summer and autumn. The fêtes normally last several days and celebrate anything from "garbure" (the local soup) to "pipérade" (a Basque pepper stew) - all seasoned with Salies salt, of course!

Salies-de-Béarn is thought to date back to at least 1500BC. During the Bronze Age, a group of people settled in a muddy swamp without knowing they were actually living in a salt marsh. Salies grew in importance when the "white gold" was discovered and subsequently extracted. In 1523, much of the town was destroyed by a fire started by Spanish soldiers. In the second half of the 19th century, the "thermes" at Salies became a major draw for visitors - and remain so today. The thermal waters are enriched with salt and minerals and are said to miraculously cure certain medical problems, notably rheumatic diseases.

A local legend recounts the story of how salt was originally discovered at Salies. Hunters injured a boar which then managed to cross a muddy marsh before dying a little further on. When found, the dead animal's body had been completely preserved (by the salt) and was encrusted with salt crystals - and even today, salt from Salies is still used to cure the local Bayonne ham! From 4BC to 1BC, relics show that the Gallo-Romans definitely extracted salt at Salies - and the discovery of a pan for making salt dates back as far as 9AD. In 1841, salt works were built and salt-making in Salies finally became a major commercial business for the town.

Things to see
Eglise Saint Vincent (14th-century church); the River Saleys; the Place du Bayàà; Maison Montesquiut.

Things to do
"Fête du Sel" (2nd week of September); Musée du Sel (Salt Museum); the thermal baths.

How to get there

Domaine-de-Lavie What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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By plane (via Ryan Air, EasyJet, or Flybe):
Biarritz, Pau, Bordeaux, Toulouse (Blagnac), Bilbao

By ferry (via P&O Ferries/ Brittany Ferries):
Caen (Ouistreham), St-Malo, Bilbao (Santurtzi), Santander

By train:
Orthez, Dax, Biarritz

By motorail:
Brive, Toulouse, Biarritz

Activities near Salies de Bearn

Reviews

Review: 1 to 2 of 2

07 Feb 2013

“Welcoming, comfortable, hospitable; in a word 'perfect'.” We have stayed with Mary and Roger Brennan before, both in the main house with a larger party, and in Park and Terrace cottages. Such a great welcome awaits, with a 'get you in' pack for... more Response: Thank you so much for your kind words. We hope to see you again in the very near future.

09 Oct 2011

“The best equipped self catering cottage we have ever stayed in in France.” Well appointed beautifully presented, with good quality equipment, everything you could possibly need for a weeks self-catering. Pool towels even provided. A lovely peaceful week's stay, with... more Response: Thank you so much for your wonderful review we are so pleased you had such a good holiday.

Review: 1 to 2 of 2

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Rental prices

Prices for group size 16
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
	3 Jan 10	3 Apr 10	1950£ 1950	-	-	1 Week
	3 Apr 10	8 May 10	2450£ 2450	-	-	1 Week
	8 May 10	29 May 10	2600£ 2600	-	-	1 Week
	29 May 10	3 Jul 10	3400£ 3400	-	-	1 Week
	3 Jul 10	24 Jul 10	4500£ 4500	-	-	1 Week
	24 Jul 10	28 Aug 10	4950£ 4950	-	-	1 Week
	28 Aug 10	25 Sep 10	3600£ 3600	-	-	1 Week
	25 Sep 10	30 Oct 10	2600£ 2600	-	-	1 Week
	30 Oct 10	25 Dec 10	1925£ 1925	-	-	1 Week
	25 Dec 10	2 Jan 11	3100£ 3100	-	-	1 Week
	2 Jan 11	3 Mar 11	1925£ 1925	-	-	1 Week
	3 Mar 11	29 May 11	2400£ 2400	-	-	1 Week
	29 May 11	3 Jul 11	3400£ 3400	-	-	1 Week
	3 Jul 11	23 Jul 11	3700£ 3700	-	-	1 Week
	23 Jul 11	3 Sep 11	5060£ 5060	-	-	1 Week
	3 Sep 11	1 Oct 11	3700£ 3700	-	-	1 Week
	1 Oct 11	29 Oct 11	2550£ 2550	-	-	1 Week
	29 Oct 11	17 Dec 11	1925£ 1925	-	-	1 Week
	17 Dec 11	7 Jan 12	3450£ 3450	-	-	1 Week

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

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

These prices are for all five properties if taken as a whole.

Please enquire for prices of individual properties or smaller groups and for peak season prices, Christmas and New Year.

Discounts may apply for smaller parties with lower occupancy and during quiet periods, it may also be possible to be more flexible with changeover days out of Peak Season.

Availability

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

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anyway No. of adults No. of children Message * Send me ideas on where to stay

4 years listed You are contacting Mary Brennan Landline 33 559 382531 Mobile n/a Languages spoken The owner is based in France and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2008. This cottage has received 2 reviews from previous guests.

This advert is created and maintained by the advertiser; we can only publish adverts in good faith as we don't own, manage or inspect any of the properties. We advise you to familiarise yourself with our terms of use and FAQs.

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Courtyard Cottage in Salies de Bearn, France

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Park Cottage in Salies de Bearn, France