New detached traditional Basque-style house overlooking the village of Etxalar, a well-preserved picturesque typical Basque village. Set in 12,000m2 of land. Breathtaking views and the perfect place to use as a base to explore the area and to completely unwind.
Update 2018: after years of trying, we now have wifi throughout the house!
A note about the approach to the house: the road approaching the house is a gravel track, which had extensive work on it at the start of 2018. It is perfectly adequate for a normal car, however may not be be very suitable for a sports car or an especially low car such as a Porsche.
Downstairs: open-plan living area and kitchen with all mod cons. Toilet and cloakroom.
Lots of comfortable seats and sofa, brand new smart TV, open fire with firewood. Really cosy and a great place to relax and unwind. Kitchen has all the mod cons to cook big meals. Big dining table and doors onto the terrace and garden.
Upstairs: three double bedrooms, one with en suite bathroom and terrace. Can sleep up to six adults. Bathroom with bath.
Bedroom 1: wonderful huge room with office area, large double bed, two balconies etc. Can be used as an extra sitting room.
Bedroom 2: access to the shared balcony. Double bed.
Bedroom 3: twin room, with its own ensuite bathroom and terrace.
Both the ensuite bathroom and family bathroom have bath, shower, toilet.
Outside: BBQ, sun loungers, large table and chairs, parasols etc. We have an outside shower fed with mountain water if that takes your fancy! Lots of different areas of the garden to relax in.
There is a mountain path taking you down to the village in about 10 minutes - all downhill on the way there (so quite steep on the way back!). The house is just over 3 km from the GR11 and 10 km from the GR10 walking route that crosses the Pyrenees.
My sister and I both have kids so do ask if you have young children and need anything such as travel cot, highchair, toys etc.
We're fine with dogs but do bear in mind that there is livestock in the fields around the house, and that the garden is not fenced in.
My sister lives near the house, and is available to help you out with anything you need, for example: excursion planning, babysitting, and food shopping. The house is not that easy to find, so she always meets guests in the village and shows them where the house is.
Location:
In the Pyrenees mountains, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Ideal for walking, riding, skiing, rafting, canoeing etc, to name but a few of the activities available.
20km from the coast and very fine beaches. Perfect for watersports, surfing, diving, sailing, fishing etc. Safe, clean beaches perfect for children and sunbathing - Hendaye beach is ideal for families.
There are many interesting towns and villages in the area including San Sebastian, Pamplona (with its bull runs), and Hondarribia in Spain. Biarritz, St Jean de Luz and Hendaye in France.
Very near the French border (8km) and TGV train station in Hendaye, with Eurostar connection in Paris.
35km from San Sebastian, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
35km from Biarritz International airport with daily Ryanair flights from London Stansted.
Keywords: house, villa, mountains, sea, coast, peaceful