Four desirable residences from the Basque coast to the Landes
Whether period or contemporary, the architecture of houses dotted along the Basque Coast and as far as the Landes testifies to remarkable elegance and esthetic appeal. Nestling in protected, luxuriant environments, these homes provide ideal living conditions, more and more popular among families and city-dwellers wanting to get back to nature. Focus on four outstanding residences proposing highly desirable attributes…
One such property has elected domicile on the peaceful commune of Arbonne, between Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz. Amidst luxuriant surroundings basking in peace and quiet, it benefits from a vast terrace of 450 m2 and a splendid infinity pool. With living space of 500 m2 on two floors, it is distinguished by its extra-large rooms and picture windows, ensuring a constant flow of natural daylight. “This house offers amazing architecture and benefits from a wonderful landscaped setting with century-old oaks and a wide variety of exotic species including bamboo and palm trees,” says Pierre Deglaire of Coldwell Banker Preview DP&P Consulting, which is handling the property’s sale. “What is so striking here is the impression that the indoor area melts seamlessly into the exterior. All the various areas are brilliantly combined and offer a homogeneous blend of materials. Furthermore, the house basks in total peace and quiet, though it is only 8 kilometres from Biarritz and 10 kilometres from Saint Jean de Luz. The property could easily appeal to Parisian or foreign buyers looking for a second residence with easy access, as it is only 7 minutes from the international airport of Biarritz.”
For fans of wide open spaces and period architecture, we set off to the commune of Port de Lanne in Les Landes, where a magnificent 1850’s château, renovated throughout, is surrounded by a 20-acre park with a pond, rose garden, 300 year-old trees, and numerous outbuildings, all occupying the space with nobility and grace. Lofty volumes which are also unfurled between its walls in living space of 600 m2 on four floors, reached by a majestic stone staircase and a lift for the basement. “This is an exceptional property, of outstanding beauty,” says Patricia Biondi of Sotheby’s International Realty Biarritz, which is offering it for sale. “Il benefits from an extraordinary setting, stunning views, and grandiose proportions basking in peacefuness, with a pontoon providing access to the river and even a chapel dating back to the 19th century. This château is designed for a large family or a gentleman farmer ! It offers a wide array of assets and a wonderful location. It is only 35 minutes from Biarritz, though you feel as if you are cut off from the rest of the world when you are here.”
On the commune of Urrugne, a house designed by an architect is particularly special for its fabulous location between a corniche of tall wild cliffs and the tip of the mountain chain of the Pyrenees. Set in grounds of 2,500 m2, it is astonishing for its spectacular volumes. In all, it offers 310 m2 of bright and practical living, with wide terraces around the property and its pool. “The most important asset of this house is its panoramic view of the Rhune mountain, which seems to be within arm’s reach,” says Julie Lambolet of the Ateliers Lofts & Associés agency, which is handling its sale. “It basks in a very lush environment, where you feel as if you are at the heart of the Basque country ! It is also unprecedented for this conservative commune playing host to houses with Basque architecture. Assertively contemporary, it is characterized by many windows enabling the occupants to enjoy the extraordinary view from all the rooms. Finally, its living space of 280 m2 is virtually all on one floor, except for the mezzanine and a bedroom. It is an ideal home for a family or a couple of retirees who enjoy welcoming guests.”
In Chiberta, a commune very popular for its holiday atmosphere and quality life-style, a charming property built in the 1930’s by the renowned architect William Marcel ticks all the boxes. In living space of 450 m2 on two floors, it is comprised of lovely living rooms and three bedrooms sharing the upper floor. Set in magnificent grounds of 3,000 m2, it is surrounded by a lovely garden with a pool. Charm, lots of charm, as pointed out by Mathieu Lacrouts of the Emile Garcin Biarritz agency, which is offering the property for sale. “This house of character offers high potential and lots of qualities. The first, of course, is its location, hardly 500 metres from the beaches and golf-course of Chiberta. It has also been renovated throughout and restructured to give rational layout ensuring perfect distribution of all the rooms. Enjoying real contemporary comfort, it offers the bonus of a staff apartment of 50 m2. This property is designed for wealthy clients ready to part with a substantial budget. And it is an ideal home for a family.”
