Location: Ore, Midi-Pyrenees, France, Europe (Toulouse and Pau Are Both Within Easy Driving Distance.)
Accommodations: Country House / Chateau, 4 Bedrooms + Bunk Area, 4.5 Baths (Sleeps 6)
Keywords: Belle Maison with grand piano
Your week will be custom-designed according to your interests when you visit Sydney and Bill Patten in the Pyrenees. With a chef, chauffeur, maid and Bill and Sydney as your guides, you won't have to worry about the details. These are taken care of for you and included in the price for a week's stay at this 'tres Bellemaison.'
Here in a tiny mountain village, in contrast to tourist trodden regions like Provence or Tuscany, you will find a frontier landscape - a tranquil but uniquely varied terrain of hiddden valleys, pagan ruins, gentle walks, and sometimes rugged trails which include pilgrimage routes. These ancient mountains laden with history from pre-Roman times divide France from Spain. They stretch from the Basque region on the Atlantic side to the Catalan region on the Mediterranean and in recent times offered escape paths for people fleeing the Nazis in the Second World War.
We are located in the foothills of these mountains half-way between the two coasts near the Pic d'Aneto, the highest mountain in the Pyrenees. Our little village, overlooking a valley where the Garonne River flows out of the mountains, is nestled in a tropical micro-climate known as the Nice of the Pyrenees. We are close to the Spanish border and 20 minutes from the 19th century spa town of Bagneres de Luchon. We were drawn to this house one spring day 10 years ago by the stunning views overlooking the valley and the wealth of roses flowering out of almost every corner of the village -- our garden is filled with lilac, mimosa, fig trees, a kiwi and a variety of flowering trees. In the winter we are within minutes of several French ski areas and about 1 hour away from Spain's largest ski area at Baqueira.
Depending on the season, we offer a variety of recreational options. In the spring, summer and fall, there is gentle walking or mountain hiking, bicycling, canoeing or kayaking down the Garonne. In the winter months there is breathtakiing cross-country and downhill skiing. Newly created bike paths stretch all the way down the valley and connect with the leisurely canal paths to Toulouse. Sightseeing tours can be done either in the neighborhood such as at the nearby abbey of St. Bertrand de Comminge or at the prehistoric caves of Gargas, or an hour away in more urban sites like Henry IV's birthplace in Pau or the vibrant city Toulouse. The excursions can be either guided by Bill (who is an author and historian) or done on one's own. For those interested in music, we have a grand piano in the house as well as a nearby concert series in the summer months.
For the more ambitious sightseers, we are half-a-day from either world-class sites like Frank Gehry's Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, or famous seaside resorts like Biarritz and the less known fishing port of St. Jean de Luz on the Atlantic coast, a variety of Cathar fortresses nearer Carcassone or such superb cities as Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast. Our village is centrally located one hour southwest of Toulouse by car, a similar distance north of the rugged landscape of Aragon in Spain and south from the pastoral farmlands of the Gers in France.
For people more interested in strictly resting and self-care we offer a menu of relaxation programs including visits to the local open-air markets as well as the pleasures of fine cuisine by Sydney or a wonderful local gourmet oook. The baker stops by our house each morning with feshly baked croissants. Our house is sunny and quiet and includes a spacious park with a swimming pool. The house itself which was built in a 1826 looks out over the village of Ore. There are even delightful mountain hikes or bike rides from out our front door, either up to neighboring villages or up to the more challenging Pic du Gar which shelters our village.
The Haute-Garonne is one of the least developed departments in France with a tradition of rural independence. What we offer in our valley is different than the better known tours of France and is reflected by the peace and tranquility of our region. While it might seem presumptuous to suggest that it is a more authentic experience, so far we have been told by friends and visitors that their stays have been memorable and life-enhancing.
WALKING WITH WOMEN
Walking tours for women are available several times a year. These groups are limited to 4-6 women at a time. These Walking With Women Weeks, are a wonderful way to recharge your battery and experience the company of like-minded women in a tranquil and supportive setting. The food is healthy and delicious, exercise is a part of each day, and evenings are spent discussing a book, talking on the terrace, or listening to music. If you are an artist or a musician and would like to share a week with fellow artists, this is a perfect place to do it.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Garage
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Bunk Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- Computer
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
From $2000/week for Women's Weeks
$4000/couple/week
$400/night (two people)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1999
I have loved France since I was a teenager. Now, I have the good fortune to live here a good part of the year with my husband, Bill Patten, who was born in Paris. I love music and have played the piano since I was very young. Bicycling to the open air markets, then creating something in the kitchen is one of the things I love to do best here. Skiing is a family pastime - and we find some of the best skiing ever right here in the Pyrenees within a half hour from our house. We especially love Baqueira, in Spain, which is King Juan Carlos' favorite ski area.
Why the Owner Chose Ore
We bought the house because we simply fell in love with it. When we first laid eyes on the house, it was May and the house was covered with roses the size of dinner plates. It was a 'coup de foudre.' (love at first sight.) We both love skiing, hiking, rafting and the outdoors. There are opportunities to enjoy historic/cultural sites such as the famous abbey of St. Bertand de Comminges only 15 minutes away. Toulouse is not far, nor is Pau which are accessible by train. There is a summer concert series featuring world-class performers nearby. Since there are very few tourists in the area, this is an authentic 'French' experience. We were very drawn to the unspoiled aspect of the area.
The Unique Benefits of this Country House / Chateau
If you don't like to worry about planning, (meals, entertainment) or you don't like to do lots of driving in a foreign country, then this is the right vacation for you. Having Bill and Sydney, as your guides/hosts is one of the biggest benefits of renting this property. They will plan your week for you, which will start by picking you up when you arrive at the airport in Toulouse. They are both fluent in French, expert skiers and tennis players. They know the best mountain hikes and bike rides, including a bicycle path along the Garronne River just below the house. Bill is an historian and writer (author of the critically acclaimed "My Three Fathers") and is therfore a knowledgeable tour guide in cities like Pau, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Sydney is a musician(pianist)and knows the concert venues in the area. This is off the beaten touristic path!
Property Photos
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- House Front in Summer - Ore House with Mountain Views, Terraces, Gardens and Swimming Pool
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- 'Grand' Salon with 'Grand' Piano - Ore House with Mountain Views, Terraces, Gardens and Swimming Pool
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- View from Terrace - Ore House with Mountain Views, Terraces, Gardens and Swimming Pool
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- Yellow Bedroom
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- Dining Room
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- Reading Room
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- Front of House - early spring
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- Bike Path next to house
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- Grand Piano in Salon
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- Portrait of General Von Steuben in Salon
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- Rose Room
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- Pool in Spring
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- Skiing in nearby Spain with a guest
Traveler Reviews (6)
A Week to Remember
Guest: Nancy
(Ashland, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/03/11
Review Submitted: 06/11/11
I brought a small women's group to Ore for a week of studying Sacred Contracts by Caroline Myss. The wonderful accomodations were the highlight of the trip. When I first walked up to the front of the house, I knew It would be a week to remember. The flowers, the hummingbirds, and the beauty of the place were breathtaking. Sydney and Bill Patten, are a charming host and hostess, who interpretted and guided us through a week of activities, such as a trip to the spa at Luchon, a pilgrimage to Lourdes, local cycling and hiking in the Pyrennes. The care that was put into every detail of our stay was extraordinary. The rooms were beautifully decorated with fresh soaps and flowers. The meals were well-prepared and served on china in a country dining room. Every afternoon we were treated to wine, tasty appetizers and sparkling conversation. The sheer beauty and the luxury of the setting were amazing, but it was also complimented by true caring, interest, and excellent company. Sydney and Bill give you a window into their extraordinary world and make you feel completely at home in the process. Their generosity makes for a wonderful vacation or the backdrop to leading a workshop. I highly recommend, La Belle Maison. Nancy Cantor Cantoring Consulting Ashland, MA USA
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway.
A Most Wonderful Time at Belle Maison
Guest: Alan & Paula
(Amherst, Massachusetts USA)
Date of Stay: 08/10/10
Review Submitted: 09/11/10
We have recently returned from our first trip to the Midi-Pyrenees where we enjoyed the warm and wonderful hospitality of Bill and Sydney Patten at their elegant nineteenth-century guesthouse, so aptly named Belle Maison. Located off the beaten path in the charming little village of Ore with its lovely views and mix of high-styled and vernacular residences, it provided the perfect interlude on our drive from Provence to Barcelona. The ambiance of Belle Maison is such that it was easy for us to imagine ourselves as one professional French couple visiting another perhaps a generation or two ago. Surrounded by antique furnishings passed down from Bill’s family who were career diplomats in Paris; the sound of music played by Sydney, a highly accomplished classical pianist, practicing, as if she were going to perform that very evening. Every meal was beautifully prepared and elegantly served, and our room and bath overlooking the garden was immaculately clean and exceedingly comfortable- all and all a bit of paradise! From our first hello until our last goodbye we were so well looked after. We especially appreciated having the plan for each day distilled out of our conversations and to be efficiently arranged or guided by our hosts. For example, we spent a delightful morning bicycling with Sydney in the countryside along the Garnonne river over bike paths, seldom through a neighboring village, and past a most impressive stand of mature trees so characteristic of managed forestry in France- a joy to see. On another occasion, we were taken to lunch at a most charming little restaurant in the historic hilltop village of Comminges with its magnificent cathedral of St. Bernard, which is not to be missed. With Sydney, we went one evening to a splendid chamber music performance in a nearby medieval chapel. On our last full day, when plans for a hike in the mountains were foiled by inclement weather, our hosts sent us off, with a classic French picnic to explore some of the tiny traditional sheep-herding villages on the steep surrounding mountainsides accessible by car. We had a great time wandering the paths, admiring the well-kept little houses, gardens, old churchyard cemeteries and witnessing some of the workings of these very old communities. We fondly remember our stay at Belle Maison as a highlight of our trip, and recommend it most enthusiastically to anyone desiring a very special experience in the Midi-Pyrenees.
Owner response:Dear Paula and Alan, What a wonderful review. I would write an equally glowing review of both of you as guests. It couldn't have been nicer having you both here. Thank you so very much!! Sydney
Recommended for:People with disabilities, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway.
breathtaking
Guest: Donna
(Worcester, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 07/10/08
Review Submitted: 08/12/10
With a view of the Pyrenees out my open bedroom window, gentle breezes wafting through with the smell of lavender, I began to relax as soon as I arrived at Belle Maison. The grounds and house were breathtaking, as was its comfort. The summer days were perpetually balmy, with the light of sunrise glittering through the trees. None of this matches the cordiality of the host and hostess. Warm and gregarious Syd cooked delicious meals with food from the open air markets and fresh bread delivered in a tiny truck with a tinkly bell to the door. Bill's sophistication and wide -ranging knowledge made conversations lively as we dined elegantly on the flower-filled patio and later coaxed Syd to play the piano. Syd and Bill are fun and flexible. I love being outdoors, so we biked on paths in surrounding pastoral lands and hiked in nearby mountains with views of snow caps in the distance. Syd and Bill's fluency in French and knowledge of the area and its history and culture allowed me to meet natives and made visits to historical sites more compelling. These are special people, and this special place made this a dream trip. I returned home relaxed and well renewed.
Recommended for:People with disabilities, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway.
Chateau Escape
Guest: Cassy
(Worcester, MA)
Date of Stay: 12/22/09
Review Submitted: 06/18/10
There is nothing quite like feeling so very far away from what you call civilization. In the village of Ore, there are approximately fifty year-round residents, accompanied by a herd of cows, some fat ponies, chickens, and many French house dogs. Arriving in this village is like experiencing a little slice of the 18th century. The house sits high in the village with a beautiful view of the terracotta rooves of other homes and the snow-covered mountains in the distance. The entire area is surrounded by a tranquil silence and sense of natural wonder and peace. The property across the street has equally stunning landscapes visible by the pool. The host and hostess are also outstanding, providing valuable knowledge about the area and a warm, hospitable environment and delicious food. If you're looking for a relaxing escape from the norm, you've found it in a beautiful chateau nestled in the Pyrenee mountains. No one will find you here, and you won't want them to!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway.
Elegant accommodation; beautiful scenery; sophisticated and hospitable hosts
Guest: Couple from Washington
(Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 03/15/10
Review Submitted: 06/17/10
What a pleasure to discover this elegant and beautifully appointed home in the middle of a charming and unspoiled village in the foothills of the Pyrenees. We have visited twice now, and--with the expert guidance and facilitation of our hosts, Sydney and Bill--have enjoyed hikes up into the snowy mountains (including picnics with local saucissons, baguettes and foie gras), concerts in cathedrals (and, at our urging, in the livingroom, as Sydney is a truly accomplished pianist!), biking on local trails, visits to tiny villages and beautiful resort towns, and relaxing on their beautiful sun-drenched terrace. Sydney and Bill have created a beautiful home, and are delightful hosts. They were able to strike just the right balance between being available to make our visits as comfortable and memorable as possible, and leaving us enough space to explore and enjoy our time on holiday. The meals were wonderful, and we particularly enjoyed the fresh croissants delivered every morning. Both times we've been, it's been just a bit too early in the season to enjoy the pool, but the flowers start blooming early, and the veritable park in which the pool is located is a lovely spot for reading a good book when you've decided to enjoy an afternoon at home with some local cheese and a good bottle of wine. Many thanks to Sydney and Bill for opening up your home to us!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway.
A Peace Of Paradise
Guest: Free Lance
(Westminster,Ma./ New England)
Date of Stay: 06/09/10
Review Submitted: 06/09/10
I beleive I have found a peace of paradise in this well-maintained,clean, and beautiful home found in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southern France. Here, you are surrounded by beauty; the mountains. the fruit trees, the remarkable array of flowers. I particularly liked the fact that you had easy access to a local paved bike path that followed the snow-spawned Garrone River all the way to the local market where I could pick up fresh food for that night's dinner. If your looking for a little adventure you can kayak the cool, slow-moving Garrone or visit the nearby city of Luchon. Here, we played tennis on the red clay courts and finished with a swim in a thermal heated pool and a relaxing massage. I keep coming back to this beautiful peace of paradise because I feel like I am being treated like family and I am always welcome to come back home . . .
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #294529
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