Description

Featured in The Independent "Where to go for your summer holiday: Family escapes 2016..."this villa is sympathetically restored to the highest standards. It is a  stunning period property with heated pool, situated at the centre of the picturesque Basque village of Ascain, with its shops and restaurants and within only five miles of the splendid bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Biarritz and its airport are also within a short drive from this villa, as are the Spanish border and the town of San Sebastian.

A stylish combination of French classic and contemporary furniture contribute to the appeal of this stunning property which also boasts six individually appointed bedrooms, all with ensuite facilities. For an evening in, the home cinema offers pleasant entertainment for the entire family, especially after a busy day outdoors, exploring the area. Children will love the large, flat lawn surrounding the villa where they can run and play to their heart’s content, whilst you relax and take in the unrivalled views over the Rhune. We highly recommend a hike to the top of this mountain – or a train ride if you prefer! – to enjoy the magnificent panorama stretching across the Pyrenees, the Ocean and to Spain.

Take a stroll in the pretty village of Ascain, nestling at the foot of the Rhune Pyrenean mountain, to buy your freshly baked baguettes and croissants from the local boulangerie - what better way to start the day! The entire Nivelle Valley and its three peaks - the Rhune, the Mondarrain and the Axuria - offers innumerable opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Watch out for the local wildlife including the endangered ‘pottok’ ponies and griffon vultures, try some watersports on Lac de Saint-Pee or visit the fascinating Grottes de Sare with their prehistoric remains and flint tools. If you head westwards, the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the Atlantic Ocean, is only five miles away. This upmarket resort boasts beautiful town houses, designer shops, trendy restaurants and lovely harbour. The beach is large and sandy, just as children like!

Insider Tips

“Nearby Biarritz is attractive, elegant and lively, and has excellent shopping, and I particularly enjoy heading to St Jean de Luz. There is a large sandy beach here which is sheltered from the Atlantic by the harbour walls. Strolling around the pedestrianised streets, there is always lots to see and to buy. A visit to the chocolate shop should not be missed (there are some unusual flavours ranging from chilli to the more sweet and traditional varieties). There are also many restaurants here offering local seafood and Basque dishes. Plenty to choose from and all lively and atmospheric. Wonderful scenery, coastal and mountain walks, summertime events and local sports - such as Basque pelota mathes - all contribute to making this a really great area for holidays.”