Self-Catering Holidays in Atlantic Aquitaine, South West France - Villas, Cottages & Apartments

Accommodation :

Built to the Basque model of whitewashed exterior walls, terracotta tiles and painted timbers and shutters, Larrundarra comprises the owners’ main house and a three-bedroom villa apartment. The main house is the more formal and luxurious whilst the ground floor apartment is a bright and informal space, especially popular with kids.

The swimming pool and terraced patio are immediately to the rear of the villa. The pool can be covered for safety and there are steps leading into the shallow end. There are plenty of sun-loungers plus a good size wrought iron table and chairs for dining outdoors. There is also a BBQ provided for guests’ use.

The gardens are well-kept, the views are calming and there is hardly a sound – perfect for sitting on the terrace with a glass of chilled Sauternes.

The main driveway to Larrundarra is operated by electric gates and the house has its own garage parking.

A cot and high chair are available for infants.

Main House

The polished floors, contemporary fittings and elegant furnishings combine to create an outstanding home. Rooms are large, and rather grand, each decorated and furnished to a very high standard. Guests will not be surprised to learn that Carmen is an artist of considerable standing.

Leading off the entrance hall is the huge kitchen, sitting room, balcony terrace overlooking the pool, plus the main corridor leading to the dining room, study and master bedroom. There is also a wc off the entrance hall.

The American-style kitchen is itself bigger than most apartments on the coast! The marble work surfaces and kitchen units are custom made. Appliances include two fridge freezers, conventional oven, microwave and dishwasher. Fully equipped with all mod cons plus a few of Ben's favourite gadgets, guests will not be needing to cross-examine the inventory. At the far end of the kitchen is a small dining area with glass table seating four persons.

An east-facing terrace is accessed from both the kitchen and sitting room. It is a perfect spot for breakfasting in the morning sun. The sitting room is extremely spacious and is tastefully furnished with rugs, antiques and fine wood furniture. Some of Carmen's art is on display in the sitting room.

For home entertainment, satellite TV is beamed into a large-screen TV is tucked away in an antique armoire alongside a CD stereo system.

Just outside of the sitting room are French doors opening on to the main balcony terrace, large enough for dining and for lounging in the sun; the balcony overlooks the pool and gardens, and the hills to the south, including the symbolic Basque peak, la Rhune. There is an electric canopy for shade if required. An external staircase leads from the balcony to the pool area.

The main dining room is designed for more formal entertaining. Features such as solid wood furnishings, polished marble floor and recessed lighting are once again apparent.

Just off the landing is a convenient alcove study area, and at the end of the corridor is the master bedroom. Overlooking the pool and countryside, this bedroom comprises a separate dressing area with walk-in wardrobes, en-suite bathroom (bath, separate shower and wc), sitting area, balcony and a king-size bed.

A wooden staircase leads to a sitting area on the upper landing. Two further bedrooms, one king-sized and one twin, are located on this upper level. Both are spacious and share a bathroom. There is also a small loft area which stores a plentiful supply of children's games, plus high chair and cot, etc.

The utility room is also on the ground floor.

The old gym has been converted into a studio bedroom with double bed, shoer room with WC plus small kitchenette. This room leads directly to the pool. It's a very handy option for grandparents for instance.

Ground Floor Apartment

Constructed in a ‘l-shape’ arrangement, the apartment accommodation is spread over 140 square metres and is all at ground floor level; the ground floor is accessed by stairs from the house kitchen.

The ground floor is brightly furnished, airy and has a tiled floor throughout, all of which creates a summery feel. The open-plan kitchen and living room has French doors leading to the terrace. Wicker sofas and chairs provide plenty of seating for guests in the lounge area and there is satellite TV and direct dial telephone available. The dining table seats six people. The kitchen is well-equipped with microwave, stove and dishwasher.

The three bedrooms consist of two twins and a queen-size double. One of the twin bedrooms has French doors opening out on to the terrace and pool area. Each room has dedicated hanging space for clothes. The room wth double bed has en-suite facilities including a shower.

There is a separate bathroom with bath, shower and wc plus an extra wc off the hallway.