Maison de Maitre France

This wonderful eight bedroom retreat is ideal for large groups of friends and family, offering a peaceful location yet so accessible to stunning coastline, beaches and the glitzy town of Biarritz. Situated just outside a rural village, it enjoys a private setting enveloped by green fields and areas of woodland.
Originally a 17th century farm, this house has recently been renovated and is filled with modern comforts alongside traditional charm. The charming Basque style shines throughout fascinating features such as the wooden beams and balustrades and the huge stone floored space beneath the ornate landings, now a pool room and chilling out space. The kitchen conveniently opens onto a covered outside terrace just perfect for coffee, breakfast and birdsong while the more formal and beautiful living and dining areas have French doors opening onto the expansive grounds.
Elegant stone steps lead rather grandly down to a large heated swimming pool where you can splash and lounge, surrounded by grass and sheltering woodland. Stunning views across the countryside can be enjoyed from the south facing balcony of the luxurious master bedroom or you may prefer to sleep downstairs with doors open, ready for an early swim!
Relax for an hour or so to enjoy the beauty of your villa and its surroundings before heading to the local village with its blue shuttered town hall and school.  Watch a game of the traditional Pelote Basque before stopping off for lunch in one of the restaurants. Golf lovers won’t have to travel far for a game – the course passes in front of the village château.
When it’s time to explore the coast, the beaches of the Atlantic coast are only a twenty minutes’ drive away. Locals enjoy the surfing at Ilbarritz and Milady beaches where you can also find good restaurants and the brilliant City of the Ocean Museum. The 25km of coastal walk between Bidart to Hendaye is an easy marked walking trail with stunning ocean views.
Experience the buzz of city life when you visit the centre of glitzy Biarritz, just 12km away, with its market, restaurants, bars and shops, before returning to the solitude of the beautiful Maison de Maître. Maison de Maître is situated 12km from Biarritz just outside a charming Basque village, a five-minute drive away.
Look out for the blue shuttered town hall, watch a game of the traditional Pelote Basque before stopping off for lunch in a good restaurant. The famous Theatre of Nature, just beyond the town hall, is of typical Basque design and has a stage and wall paintings by a local artist. Golf lovers won’t have to travel far as the course passes in front of the village château.
When it’s time to explore the coast, the beaches of Bidart (10km) and Biarritz (12km) are only a twenty minutes’ drive away. Locals enjoy surfing at the beaches of Ilbarritz and Milady (10km) where you can also find good restaurants and the brilliant City of the Ocean Museum.
The 25km of coastal walk between Bidart (11km) and Hendaye (33km) is an easy marked trail with stunning ocean views for both casual and energetic walkers.
You are not far from the centre of elegant Biarritz (12km), a seaside town which dates back to the mid-19th century when aristocracy started to build summer residences along this part of the coast, following the example of Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III. She loved the area, having previously holidayed here when young, and went on to build the well-known Hotel du Palais on La Grande Plage.
There are some great restaurants and fresh seafood to be found in the interesting Port des Pêcheurs, the former fishing port. Food lovers should definitely visit the market at Les Halles de Biarritz where you will find many wonderful Basque specialities including touron (marzipan), locally cured ham and mussels. Here you will also experience a way of life so special to to Biarritz – locals meet for breakfast before starting work and the neighbourhood buzzes at night. The Biarritz Docks area is also well worth exploring with its shopping mall and characterful shops.
There is a small sheltered beach at Port Vieux as well as the town’s main shopping street, Rue Port Vieux. Wonderful Art Deco buildings grace the town particularly alongside the beach, such as the Casino (home to theatre and swimming pool) and the Aquarium which is ideal for families.
A different city experience can be found in the narrow medieval streets of Bayonne (14km) with its fine historic architecture and river front walks.  The Musée Basque exhibits the region’s arts, crafts and traditions and the Gothic-style cathedral has a 13th – century cloister.
There are also some lovely inland Basque villages to explore such as two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages; the very quaint Ainhoa (21.5km) and Sare (19.5km), where you can take the small train to the summit of La Rhune, which has lovely views of the coast to the west and the Pyrenees to the east.
Indeed, the whole region offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, such as walking, riding, canoeing fishing, cycling and many other activities including surfing and water-sports by the coast.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in theconcierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services 
Extras included at this property:
– 3 hours of maid service per week.
Extras available at this property:
– Shuttle service for transfers – Massage – Private Surf/Golf/Tennis instructor  – Rentals : bicycles, electric bikes, vespa- Sightseeing with local guide : Biarritz market, tapas tour, etc.- Sea fishing excursions- Boat excursions  – Extra linen change
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!