If the Riviera is not for you, we are pleased to offer the stunning Domaine de Bellegarde, in the beautiful Aquitaine region of South West France. This is a
superbly restored 19th Century stately home, and is catered to impeccable
standards by the owners and their team. The house comes complete
with tennis court, croquet lawn and outdoor swimming pool.
Close to the village of Soustons, it offers easy access to miles of sandy beaches and picturesque coastal spots such as Hossegor and Moliets. Fashionable Biarritz, with its many quaint shops, chic cafes and fantastic seafood restaurants is 30 minutes away, while a little further south rise the majestic Pyrenees mountains, with the Basque region of Spain beyond.
This splendid Landaise manor house was lovingly restored in 2002 and is surrounded by a six acre wooded park, bordered on one side by a small river, giving a wonderfully secluded feel.
The nine large, airy double bedrooms are beautifully and individually decorated and all enjoy spacious en-suite facilities.
There is also the luxury of a Jacuzzi or sauna in two of them and some feature south-facing balconies or terraces. All have their own TV/DVD and stereo systems.
The main body of the house has parquet flooring throughout, with an impressive oak-staircase leading to the upper floors. The sumptuous sitting room, complete with wooden beams and marble fireplace, gives onto a magnificent 90m2 poolside terrace where lunch or dinner is taken on warm days and evenings.
The elegant dining room, complete with chandelier, candles and marble fireplace, has a very special feel with several tables set for intimate dining, though these can be joined together to create a more celebratory ambience for large groups. Through the French windows is a secluded terrace – just perfect for an al fresco breakfast on a summer morning.
There are also plenty of sun-loungers to relax by the lovely 15m x 7m pool, teak furniture for outdoor dining and a smart pool-house with bar area, WC and shower.
If a little more exercise is warranted pre- or post-lunch, there is an immaculate full-sized, all-weather tennis court (complete with umpire’s chair and free use of racquets and new balls). Guests can also enjoy the use of mountain bikes to explore the beautiful surrounding area. Or indeed, football, volleyball or badminton in the house grounds. Boules or table tennis - or perhaps a less-strenuous “friendly” game of croquet on the superb lawn.
Post supper, why not enjoy a game in the billiard room or sink into one of the comfy sofas in the very cosy lounge, complete with TV/DVD player and stereo.
Other nearby activities include: surfing (Hossegor in particular is world-renowned and hosts regular international competitions); horse-riding; wind-surfing; sailing; kayaking; vineyard discovery; go-karting; quad-biking or mountain biking in the littoral pine forests or golfing at one of the many superb courses to be found nearby, including the famous “Le Phare” in Biarritz, Europe’s second oldest golf course.
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