Domaine De Belgard | 9-Bedroom Villa in SOUSTONS Magescq

Eighteen guests converge on Soustons, Aquitaine, and discover a restored early 1900s manor house commands six acres of private grounds, offering space, heritage and genuine isolation from the modern world. Domaine De Belgard sits just beyond the village boundary, positioned perfectly between Atlantic breakers and the tranquil Étang de Soustons—a location that delivers dual outdoor personalities without compromise. The moment you arrive, the scale becomes apparent: nine substantial bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and the kind of grounds where children run freely while adults collapse into the heated pool.

Inside Domaine De Belgard

Domaine De Belgard sleeps 18 guests across 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms distributed across three levels of authentic French manor architecture. The ground floor anchors the property with a main lounge opening directly onto manicured gardens, a TV and reading room warmed by an original marble fireplace, a dedicated billiard room housing a full-size pool table, and a formal dining room with marble surround and French doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and out. The reception hall retains period proportions and period furniture; oak floorboards run throughout, interrupted by marble mantels and ceilings that rise with rare generosity.

The first floor contains four sleeping spaces. Two bedrooms feature working fireplaces and en-suite bathrooms; one bedroom opens onto its own private terrace with en-suite facilities. A two-bedroom suite occupies the prime position: fireplace, dressing room, a bathroom equipped with a jacuzzi and separate WC, and a south-facing balcony capturing afternoon light. All beds range from 140cm doubles to 180cm king configurations or twin setups; guests specify preferences at booking.

The second floor provides four additional bedrooms. One features a sauna and en-suite bathroom—a rare luxury in rental properties. Two more bedrooms offer en-suite bathrooms and individual balconies. A fourth bedroom rounds out this level with shower facilities. Of the eight bathrooms total, two contain full baths; the remaining six feature showers. This distribution ensures no queuing at busy periods, a practical consideration overlooked in many large properties.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The heated swimming pool dominates the terrace zone: 15 metres long, 7 metres wide, 1.85 metres deep, with electric safety cover and perimeter fencing. From June through late September, heating maintains comfortable water temperature; outside season, the pool remains accessible to swimmers with cold-water tolerance. A separate 2.4m x 2.4m jacuzzi accommodates up to six guests, positioned alongside the main pool on a broad stone terrace.

Adjacent to the pool sits the summer kitchen—a covered outdoor cooking station with full BBQ facilities and dining capacity for 18. This is where group meals happen during warm months: charred vegetables, grilled fish from local markets, wine chilled in shade rather than indoors. The terrace itself runs the full southern aspect of the manor, shaded by mature trees exceeding 100 years old, their canopies filtering the intense midday heat that characterises this region.

Beyond poolside lies a fully equipped tennis court with racquets and balls supplied. A separate entertainment zone hosts badminton, boules (pétanque), volleyball, and football—the variety that keeps mixed-age groups engaged without repeating activities. Fourteen bicycles distribute among guests, suitable for village trips or longer explorations through surrounding forest. Children’s amenities include a swing and slide set, designed for ages 3–12. The six-acre estate borders a small river, creating a genuine boundary between cultivated grounds and wild landscape.

Table tennis occupies an indoor space; board games and toy collections fill weathered cupboards. Wi-Fi reaches throughout the manor and terrace zones. Satellite television carries international channels and DVDs; a computer with scanner and photocopier accommodates light work requirements.

Location: SOUSTONS and the Surrounding Area

Soustons itself clusters around a 1km walk from Domaine De Belgard—close enough for morning croissants, far enough for peace. The village centre holds restaurants serving traditional Landais cuisine, café-bars for aperitifs, and supermarkets stocking everything from fresh produce to forgotten essentials. Spring transforms Soustons with a tulip festival in April; summer brings weekend markets selling local vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats from family producers operating for generations.

The Étang de Soustons, a freshwater lake covering 7.5 square kilometres, lies just 3km north. This is paddleboard and sailing country: hire companies operate from the northern shore near Magescq; walking trails ring the entire circumference through pine forest alive with birdlife. The marine lake—a brackish lagoon bordered by salt marshes and dunes—sits nearer the coast at approximately 8km. This shallow, sheltered water suits young swimmers far better than the Atlantic proper; beaches here are lined with century-old Monterey pines providing natural shade.

The Atlantic coast itself appears 10km west. Plage de Soustons delivers long sandy beaches with consistent swell that attracts surfers March through October; the dunes tower above, stabilised by marram grass and coastal vegetation. Seignosse, 15km south, hosts one of France’s finest golf courses alongside excellent restaurants and an equally dramatic beach with strong wave action.

Hossegor, 20km away, functions as the region’s cultural and culinary hub. Once a fishing village, it has evolved into a sophisticated beach town with contemporary art galleries, independent bookshops, vegetarian restaurants, and the kind of casual-elegant cafés where Parisians weekend. Lac d’Hossegor offers windsurfing and paddle boarding in protected waters. Continuing south by car brings Anglet (28km), a larger resort town, and Bayonne (44km), an inland medieval city where the Nive and Adour rivers converge, its cathedral UNESCO-listed and its Friday markets renowned across southwestern France.

Biarritz, the region’s most famous address, lies 55km south—an hour’s drive through quiet countryside or along the coastal N10. The Basque capital combines Belle Époque architecture with modern luxury retail; its beaches offer gentler conditions than the outer coast, and its restaurants range from traditional txuletas to contemporary tasting menus.

Dax, 27km east, deserves a dedicated visit. This Roman spa town boasts natural thermal springs flowing at 64°C year-round; the Fontaine Chaude fountain sits at the heart of the old quarter, designated a historic monument. In mid-August, Dax hosts a spectacular festival combining traditional Basque pelota (a racquet sport), corridas (bullfighting, though with less lethal consequences than Spanish versions), fireworks, and family entertainment that draws thousands. The town’s markets on Thursday and Saturday mornings overflow with Landais specialities: duck confit, foie gras, Armagnac brandy from nearby vineyards.

Explore our villas in Landes for alternative properties in this exceptional region, or browse our luxury villas across Europe for destinations beyond France. For deeper inspiration about Aquitaine’s culture, gastronomy and activities, consult our Aquitaine travel guide—an essential resource before arrival.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families of 14–18 people find Domaine De Belgard’s bedroom distribution ideal. Three generations can spread across three levels without spatial conflict; teenagers occupy second-floor rooms with balconies and en-suite privacy, while grandparents claim the first-floor suite with jacuzzi access. The layout permits multiple simultaneous activities: children’s crafts at the kitchen table while adults play tennis; teenagers paddle on the lake while younger children use the slide under supervision.

Friendship groups of 12–18 adults—long-standing circles, milestone celebrations, adventure clubs—appreciate the abundance of entertainment without external dependency. The billiard room, badminton court, and board games library occupy rainy afternoon hours; the pool and lake activities carry sunny days. Professional groups requiring a conference base benefit from dedicated office facilities and Wi-Fi bandwidth that accommodates multiple video calls.

Couples with children and godchildren, or families combining multiple households for summer holidays, find the nine-bedroom capacity prevents the cramped feeling that plagues smaller properties. Parents with teenagers value the security of contained grounds; children under eight appreciate the slide and swing without the risk exposure of open countryside.

Guests with mobility considerations should note the three-level layout; ground-floor bedrooms and bathrooms exist, but upper-floor access requires stair negotiation. Families with newborns benefit from maid service and babysitting availability; catering can be arranged for groups preferring to avoid kitchen duty.

Practical Information

Domaine De Belgard accommodates 18 guests: 9 bedrooms distributed across ground, first and second floors, with 8 bathrooms (2 with baths, 6 with showers). Bed configurations include doubles, twins and double/twin combinations; cot arrangements for infants possible on request.

The nearest commercial airport is Biarritz Pays-Basque, 55km south, approximately 50 minutes’ drive via the coastal N10 or inland routes. Toulouse-Blagnac airport (120km northeast, 1 hour 45 minutes) offers greater European connectivity and sometimes cheaper fares. Direct transfers can be arranged; car hire is recommended for genuine regional exploration.

Supermarkets including Casino and Intermarché appear within 2km of the manor; specialist food shops cluster in Soustons village. Maid service operates on request; babysitting and catering can be pre-arranged with advance notice. The heated pool operates year-round by safety cover; heating activates June through September on request. Wi-Fi, satellite television, DVDs, board games, bicycles, sports equipment and pool table access are included in the rental. Bed linen, bath towels, and kitchen towels provided; guest laundry facilities available.

Frequently Asked Questions about Domaine De Belgard

How many guests does Domaine De Belgard sleep?

Domaine De Belgard sleeps 18 guests across 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Bedroom configurations comprise five doubles (bed sizes 140cm to 180cm), three twin/double combinations, and one two-bedroom suite. Cot arrangements for infants can be negotiated separately. The property does not include sofa beds; stated capacity reflects bed numbers only.

What is the nearest airport to Domaine De Belgard in Soustons?

Biarritz Pays-Basque airport lies 55km south, accessible in approximately 50 minutes by car via the N10 coastal route or inland roads. Toulouse-Blagnac international airport, 120km northeast (1 hour 45 minutes), offers significantly more flight options and frequently cheaper fares, particularly for connections from northern Europe. Ground transfers from either airport can be arranged in advance.

What is the best time of year to rent Domaine De Belgard?

June through September delivers consistent warm weather, heated pool operation, and optimal conditions for lake and ocean activities. Water temperature at the Étang de Soustons reaches 22–24°C by July; Atlantic ocean water peaks at 18°C in August. April brings wildflower displays and Soustons’ tulip festival; spring months (March–May) offer solitude with unpredictable weather. October maintains mild conditions but increased cloud cover. Winter (November–February) serves deep-relaxation purposes only; heating functions but lake swimming ends. Avoid mid-August if crowded beaches and inflated restaurant pricing concern you; this month peaks with French holiday season.

Is Domaine De Belgard suitable for families with children?

Yes, with qualifications. The heated pool operates June–September; deep water (1.85m) requires competent swimmers or constant supervision. A safety fence surrounds the pool perimeter; electric cover provides additional security. The swing and slide suit ages 3–12. Fourteen bicycles include small frames suitable for children 6+. The Étang de Soustons and marine lake provide gentler swimming alternatives to the Atlantic. Babysitting can be pre-arranged. The three-level layout presents stair hazards for toddlers; stair gates are provided. Children’s toy collections and board games occupy indoor hours. Nearby Soustons village contains no major traffic hazards; the 1km walk is manageable for age 5+.

What is included in the rental price at Domaine De Belgard?

Bed linen, bath towels, kitchen towels, Wi-Fi, satellite television access, DVD library, pool table, table tennis, badminton and boules equipment, fourteen bicycles, board games, children’s toys, swimming pool use (heated June–September on request), jacuzzi access, and landscaped grounds with tennis court all form part of standard rental. Maid service, babysitting, and catering are available separately at additional cost and require advance notice. Utilities (electricity, water, heating), cleaning, and welcome provisions (tea, coffee, basic condiments) are typically included; exact terms depend on seasonal packages.

What restaurants and shops are near Domaine De Belgard?

Soustons village centre (1km walk) contains multiple restaurants serving traditional Landais duck and seafood specialities, café-bars, and Casino/Intermarché supermarkets. Thursday and Saturday mornings, local produce markets operate in the village square. Hossegor (20km) hosts contemporary restaurants including the Michelin-recognised Maison Courtiade, independent food shops, fishmongers, and bakeries. Dax (27km) offers exceptional Thursday and Saturday markets featuring duck confit, foie gras, local wines and Armagnac. Bayonne (44km) contains the region’s largest food markets and numerous traditional cider houses and restaurants. Biarritz (55km) ranges from casual beach restaurants to Michelin-starred establishments; shopping includes the Galeries Lafayette department store and independent boutiques.