Recently Renovated12th Century Manor House
Pyrenean Foothills, 30 mins Biarritz/Bayonne
2 bedroom apartment and 1 Bedroom Cottage
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Authentically renovated Basque manor house with a spacious 2/3 bedroom apartment on 1st floor (Ohantzea) and cottage adjoining the main house (Sutegigaraya). Situated in the heart of the Basque country in the Pyrenean foothills. Terraced gardens overlooking Mt Baigura (Transport to summit) with barbecues and picnic tables. 40 mins Biarritz beaches (best European surf). 15 mins River Nive - rafting canoeing, swimming up to 6 M diving spots. Numerous beautiful walks including GR10 (crossing Pyrenees) and GR65 (Pilgrim route to Compostella). Caves of Oxocelhaya (10 min) with prehistoric cave paintings. Bayonne 30 min, St Jean Pied de Port 30 min, Pamplona 2hr, San Sebastian 1 hr. The village square is surrounded by bars and restaurants but being slightly off the main tourist route is very peaceful (except during the Fete). Local fetes in surrounding villages from June to September for those who like to party the night away!
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 October 2010 - 31 May 2011 | 295 | 3 | ||
| 1 June 2011 - 30 June 2011 | 355 | 3 | ||
| 1 July 2011 - 31 July 2011 | 435 | 7 | ||
| 1 August 2011 - 31 August 2011 | 495 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2011 - 30 September 2011 | 355 | 3 |
Ohantzea (2 bed Apartment) Prices
| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 October 2010 - 31 May 2011 | 350 | 3 | ||
| 1 June 2011 - 30 June 2011 | 425 | 3 | ||
| 1 July 2011 - 31 July 2011 | 495 | 7 | ||
| 1 August 2011 - 31 August 2011 | 595 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2011 - 30 September 2011 | 425 | 3 |
Notes on prices
Prices are per property per week in Euros. Ohantzea winter lets include wood for fireplace. Rental of all 3 appts includes grande cuisine (with fireplace). Long winter lets at substantial discount on request. B&B from 50 per night per room. Rent can be paid in £ sterling.
10% reduction for bookings of 2 weeks or more.
Changeover day
Changeover day is flexible
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Ohantzea (2 bed Apartment)
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1st floor apartment with 4M2 entrance hall leading to Dining/Kitchen area with fitted Kitchen, dining table and chairs, gas cooker, fridge freezer, kettle, coffee maker, toaster, microwave on request. Lounge area with settee and coffee table. Spacious bathroom (10M2) Toilet, sink, large tiled shower; French windows overlooking Mt Baigura. Stairs from lounge area to bedrooms. 1- 12 1/2 MSq, double bed, chest of drawers, wardrobe, sink. 2 - 10MSq, 1 single bed,1 double bed, wardrobe, View over Baigura; Toilet and sink off hallway between bedrooms. Private Terrace 15MSq half covered, plenty of shade, view over gardens and Baigura. |
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Notes on accommodation
Fully central heated by wood burning furnace, radiators in Ohantzea. Underfloor heating in Sutegigaraya. Solid Stone walls up to 1sqm thick keep the main house luxuriously cool in the hottest weather. The house is a paradise for children of all ages, numerous games and activities available. Basketball net, Table Tennis, Pelota Wall at end of drive. Magnificent Evening Room with large open fire for communal use of all residents, under floor heating in winter.
Accessibility
No wheelchair access to apartments at present; the main staircase however is very gentle.
Outside
1 acre terraced gardens with picnic tables, sun loungers, barbecues, swings, hammocks; badminton, volley ball, pelota court opposite, several large shady trees (walnut and cherry). Stunning views. Courtyard with table tennis, basketball hoop. Organic vegetable garden and fruit trees, seasonal produce available.
Coast/Beach
30 mins- 1 hour drive to most beaches on Cτte Basque (life guards June - September). Biarritz, Anglet - excellent Surf, beautiful sandy Beaches. St Jean De Luz, Hendaye - Calm Bays, Sandy beaches.
Golf
Renowned area for golf. Nearest course 20 mins. Superb coastal course at Biarritz.
Skiing
Cross country ski trails at Irati 45mins. Downhill Ski resort at La Pierre St Martin 90 mins. Gourette 2 hrs.
Special interest holidays
The 2nd floor also has 2 large rooms : a 35sqm Oak parquι floored room and an 80 SqM, 6M high refurbished Grenier are available as workshop /classroom space for special interest groups Anyone interested in organizing groups should contact us directly. Eg: painting,sculpture,printing,photography, yoga, cultural visits, alternative health, nature observation, September to June is ideal walking weather locally, all the winter months can have glorious sunny days with clear skies and magnificent views of the snow capped mountains and the Basque coast. Birds of Prey abound. Red Kites fly over Santa Maria during the winter months when they come down from the high Pyrenees. Gryphon Vultures circle over the hills all year. Migrating flocks of Crane, geese, palombe and occasionally Storks pass overhead.
Travel
Biarritz Airport-30 min drive, Ryan Air -Stanstead, ,Shannon ;Easy Jet : Bristol, Birmingham, Gatwick. Bordeaux Airport - 2 hr drive, Be My Baby-Manchester, Bristol. Other airports - Toulouse 3 hr, Pau 1hr30, Lourdes 2hr30, Bilbao 2hr30. Ferry : Portsmouth - St Malo 8am arrival 7 hr drive. Portsmouth - Bilbao 8am arrival 2hr30 drive (Frequent sighting of whales blowing and dolphins leaping on this trip!)
Train : Bayonne 30 mins drive;
Car recommended.
Distances
St Jean Pied de Port 30 mins drive. Helette Centre 100m. Hasparren 15 mins drive. Bayonne30 mins drive. Cambo 20 mins drive. Pamplona 2 hrs. San Sebastian 1hr30. Bilbao 2hr30. Baigorra activity centre 3km. Caves at Isturitz 15 mins drive. Caves at Sare 30 mins drive. Dancheria Spanish Border town (Tax free Ventas) 30 min drive. Bidarray River Nive - 15 mins. Forest of Irati 40 mins.
Further details
Helette village - boulangerie, tabac, post office, restaurants, bars. Attractive peaceful village square surrounded by bar/cafes. Baigorra Activity Centre - paragliding centre (school and initiation flights). "Petit Train" (tractor) to summit. Also Mountain descent by scooter or mountain bike. Harness trampolines bar restaurant. Hasparren - supermarkets, medical centre, banks, outdoor swimming pool, cinema, horse riding. The Basque country is a fantastically beautiful region ideal for walking and cycling . Numerous marked walks in and around Helette Including GR10 coast to coast through Pyrenees. The River Nive is a centre for White water rafting, several companies offer rafts, canoes, hot dogs etc. The owners living in part of the house will be happy to advise.
Booking notes
To secure your booking please send Deposit 25%.The balance is due 8 weeks prior to start date.
Guest comments
We've had a great time- the flat (Teilatupean) is lovely; Wonderful location-hills, valleys, woods, birds. Used the table tennis to the full.
Thanks for the warmth of your welcome and your hospitality. Julie (Producer of the Archers)
Owner profile
Christmas day stroll in the mountains
About the owner
I came to Santa Maria for every summer holiday when I was a child and adore the house and the Basque country (and people). The house itself is very beautiful dating from the 12th/13th century with its magnificent sculpted staircase and its 4 metre high dining room with its huge open fireplace. In the 60s the amenities were very basic (one toilet and an outdoor lavanderie to wash in often for 30 of us) but after many years of renovation it is now very comfortable. It looks over the valley protecting the pilgrims on the route from Bayonne to St Jean pied de Port and protected the border of Navarre from the English in Aquitaine! There is a long tradition of English holidaying in Helette and we are made very welcome.
Anthony Tucker.
Year purchased: 1960's
Why the owner chose an apartment in this location
The Pays Basque has everything for an interesting holiday at any time of the year. Superb beaches and surf, white water rivers,mountains,very beautiful countryside with well marked walks and the vibrant basque culture with it's Fêtes throughout the summer. Helette is only a 1/2 hour drive from the coast and the attractive towns of Bayonne, Biarritz and St Jean de Luz yet it is very peaceful being off the main road.
Unique benefits of the property
Santa Maria is 100M from the village square with its boulangerie, shop, several bars (including a Café Culturel with a concert, theatre or other animation most Fridays) and a restaurant. We offer table d'hôtes by arrangement with quality local produce and our own organic vegetables. We can order for your arrival a box of organic vegetables on request. We know the area very well and are happy to give you any advice on walks, beaches restaurants.
For booking and further information
Property Ref FR2958
Contact Name:
Anthony Tucker
(FRANCE) +33 559379884
Alternate Contact Details:
(FRANCE) +33 0682364726
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Property Ref FR2958
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