105 - Manoir de Maremne  Soustons

In our opinion

What makes Manoir de Maremne a great holiday rental

It brings the the concept of the luxury catered rental from the ski-slopes of the Alps to the sunshine & beaches of Aquitaine. Exquisite cuisine, unintrusive yet attentive service, all enjoyed in very relaxing surroundings. 

This beautifully restored manor house is therefore a hybrid between luxury villa rental and boutique hotel, designed for guests who don't want to be cooking meals on holiday or looking after the kids all day: staff are here to do this for you so that you can have a holiday!

You have the freedom of a luxury villa holiday, with an experienced team on-hand to cook and look after you - what could be better? At certain times of the year (mid & low season), there is also an option to take the house on a self-catering basis.

Daily breakfast and afternoon tea, high quality lunchtime and evening cuisine (six meals per week) are included. Knowledgeable staff can help plans days out if desired.

And it all takes place close to Aquitaine's lakes, ocean beaches, and close to Gascony, the Basque country, Biarritz and even Spain.

Go on, treat yourself!

Best for:

• Families who want privacy and the convenience of a staffed rental 
• Larger groups who want a special place to celebrate an event. Manoir de Maremne is an ideal choice for celebrating a special birthday or anniversary. The facilities, excellent catering and attentive staff will make it a thoroughly relaxing and memorable stay. The poolside terrace and extensive gardens are perfect for outdoor entertaining, while the elegant dining room is cosy and inviting.

Suitability for:

• Toddlers - excellent: superb facilities and qualified childcare
• Teenagers - very good facilities and load of activities to try
• Reduced mobility - not suitable because of steps

Anything to watch out for?
Naturally there are staff on-site too; the team is led by Quintin & Merrilyn who live in the guardian's cottage in the grounds. They bring their years of 'catered rentals' experience from the Alps to the coast of south west France. You will find them genuinely enthusiastic and welcoming. Their emphasis will be on giving you a relaxing, luxury villa holiday.

Two of the en-suites are within the bedroom separated by screen.

Some very faint road noise in the background.

Why Soustons?
It's near the beaches and has a 'leafy' and leisurely feel about the place, boosted by the presence of the fabulous Lac de Soustons. The town centre is a nice size and offers the staples of French life plus some good local restaurants including one Micheli-starred eatery nearby. It's not a 'tourist-y' town and this gives it an authentic ambience.

Accommodation

Beautiful, luxury 9 bedroom house with swimming pool, tennis court, billiards room and mature gardens.

Built in 1900, and entirely restored in 2002-2003, Manoir de Maremne is arguably one of the most beautiful houses in Les Landes. It is the largest property in the town, and has many qualities one would expect from a luxury residence. It boasts nine bedrooms, a grand reception, spacious dining room, billiards room and anterooms. The house has high ceilings, original parquet floors and an impressive oak staircase.

The villa is set amongst 2.6 hectares of land, with a swimming pool, tennis court, century-old trees and beautiful mature gardens. The villa has been renovated tastefully and to a very high standard.

All bedrooms have their own television and DVD player. All bathroom fittings are modern yet elegant, with early 20th century character. Each bedroom is individually decorated and furnished, using relaxing pale tones. Bedding, linen and furniture are high quality and contemporary, at the same time in keeping with the style and character of the property.

Entrance: a long private driveway leads through woodland and suddenly opens out to the house and grounds - it's quite an arrival! There's a lot to take in - two-storey arched window on one side of the house, spacious covered front terrace, several first & second floor balconies, large pool and well-kept lawn and gardens all greet you at once. You immediately feel you are somewhere special that has been well cared-for, and that you will be too.

Inside:

Ground floor
Steps up to a solid oak door, which you pass through into an outstanding lounge / reception room area whose high wooden beamed ceilings create a feeling of grandeur complemented by the beautiful parquet flooring, wood-panelled walls and the grand oak staircase.

Adjoining the main lounge is the TV / reading room. This cosy room has a lovely marble fireplace, comfortable sofas, satellite TV, DVD player and a selection of DVD's, books and magazines for your enjoyment.

Off another corner is a billiard room with marble fireplace, which also leads to the elegant dining room. The marble fireplace, candles, parquet floors and high ceilings altogether create a very special atmosphere. There are a number of tables allowing you to enjoy more intimate dining or if you are a large group, they can be joined together to create a more celebratory setting. French doors lead to a lovely terrace where breakfast can be enjoyed “alfresco” style.

At ground level there is also a kitchen with fridge, microwave, plus an independent WC and washroom.

First floor - see floorplan

The oak staircase passes a landing with giant arched window to the first floor hall area, with parquet floors and sofas, and providing access to five bedrooms:

Vieux Boucau Bedroom: this charming double bedroom is light and spacious, enhanced by the soft, cream finish. The bedroom has a lovely four-poster double bed, a classic marble fireplace and two large windows, one of which frames the beautiful blossom trees that feature at the rear of the property, the other affording views across the gardens. There is comfortable seating and the room has its own TV and DVD player. The en-suite shower room is modern and contains a shower, toilet and the original porcelain washbasin with wrought-iron legs.

Hossegor Bedroom: delightful double bedroom which is light and spacious with a soft, peachy finish. It has a four-poster double bed with suspended candle-lights, a lovely marble fireplace and a large window with views of the beautiful blossom trees. It also features the luxury of a large terrace with teak lounge chairs and views across the garden. The terrace is shared with the Soustons Suite 2. There is some comfortable seating plus TV and DVD player. The en-suite shower room is of a modern design and contains a shower, a free standing wash basin and toilet.

Soustons Suite: divided into two bedrooms and works best as a family suite. One of the double beds can be converted into two singles and there is one bathroom serving both bedrooms

• Bedroom 1: the bedroom features an electronically controlled double bed (!), a lovely marble fireplace and French double doors leading to a private balcony with views across the pool and lawns at the front of the estate. There is a sofa where you can sit quietly with a book or simply just relax. The room has its own TV / DVD player. The suite features a large walk-in-wardrobe.
• Bedroom 2: this double bedroom is flooded with light and enjoys lovely views across to the gardens and the pool. The room has its own TV / DVD player. The suite features a large walk-in-wardrobe and an adjoining terrace which is shared with the Hossegor Bedroom. Private jacuzzi bath and W.C.

Messanges Bedroom: cosy double bedroom decorated with soft blues and muted greys making it peaceful and relaxing. There is a comfortable double bed, plus a TV and DVD player in the room. The two large windows allow plenty of light to flood the room as well as offering lovely views across the gardens, to the side and front of the estate. The en-suite facilities are within the room itself, separated by a modern-style glass block wall. It features a modern-style washbasin which stands on a wrought-iron table with a backdrop of mosaic green tiles. There is also a toilet.

Second floor - see floorplan

There is a hall area with parquet floors, leading to 4 further bedrooms:

Seignosse Bedroom: French double doors lead to a private balcony with wonderful views of the rear gardens. There is a double bed, a cosy fireplace and some comfortable seating in the room. The room has its own TV and DVD player. The en-suite shower room is of a modern design, finished in soft, pale yellows with red mosaic tiling and has a window allowing in plenty of natural light. It has a shower, free standing wash basin and toilet.

Capbreton Bedroom: finished in fresh white with touches of red, it is light and airy and has the luxury of a private sauna. Comfortable double bed, TV and DVD player. Impressive finishing touches give this room a truly fresh, seaside atmosphere. Double doors allow in plenty of light and fresh air while the window at the front of the room offers views across the gardens. The en-suite bathroom is modern with blue mosaic tiling and contains a bath as well as a shower, a modern square basin and a window which allows in plenty of natural light. There is also a separate toilet.

Contis Bedroom: there is a double/twin bed, a cosy fireplace and some comfortable seating plus TV and DVD player. French double doors lead to a private balcony from where you have some gorgeous views of the swimming pool, gardens and glorious woodlands surrounding the property. The en-suite shower room is modern and contains a shower, toilet and an original porcelain washbasin.

Mimizan Bedroom: This cosy attic-style double room has soft green furnishings and neutral tones, giving the room a fresh and summery feel. There is a comfortable double bed, full-length mirror, TV and DVD player. There are views overlooking the pool, croquet lawn and gardens at the front of the estate. The en-suite facilities are within the room itself, separated by a modern-style glass block wall.

Outside and grounds:

Swimming pool: private 15m x 7m outdoor heated swimming pool in superb condition including an electric security cover for children's safety. Surrounded by 90m2 of terrace with sun loungers and teak furniture for pool-side dining, mature gardens with beautiful shrubs and trees including a built in BBQ area. A pool house contains bar area, fridges, ice-cream freezer and a toilet and outside shower.

Tennis court: the full size court is in good condition, and even has an umpire's chair. Quality tennis racquets and new balls available for guests.

Terraces:

• Stone steps lead to a south facing terrace at the entrance.
• Terrace on the dining area for garden breakfasts.
• Pool terrace of 90m2 for outside candlelit dining, BBQ lunches and entertaining for special events.

Grounds: the villa sits right in the middle of a square estate with a secluded feel, being separated from the road and other properties by mature trees on all sides. A variety of shrubs and hedges, flowers and lawns surround the villa with a small river bordering one edge of the grounds.

Services: at Manoir de Maremne you can enjoy the types of services you would expect from a boutique hotel:

• Catering provided (see further info below)
• Childcare available (supplemetary cost - see further info below)
• Assistance in planning days out
• Table bookings at nearby restaurants
• Tour guide can be arranged
• Airport transfers and chaffeur

Catering: the following catering services are included in the price. You might also like to browse the sample Cuisine. 

• Champagne reception. Canapés too. Soft drinks for the children
• Daily breakfast. Full English and Continental options served on the poolside terrace, in the grand dining room or in the privacy of your own room, if preferred
• Daily afternoon tea. Selection of cakes, muffins, biscuits, fresh fruit, tea, filtered coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks & juices
• Three lunches/wk. One gourmet BBQ served on the poolside terrace; wine/beer/soft drinks included. Two 3-course lunches served on the poolside terrace; wine/beer/soft drinks included
• Three gastronomic dinners/wk. Four-course evening meals with complimentary regional wine served either inside in the grand dining room or alfresco-style, on the poolside terrace. An a-la-carte wine list will also be available
• Children's teas. Kids under the age of 12 will be served an earlier evening meal between 6pm and 6.30pm (three times/wk)
• Drinks service by the pool

Childcare: Manoir de Maremne is a 'dream location' for a family holiday. Children are warmly welcomed and there is chance for the grown-ups to relax while the manoir staff take over entertaining the kids. Your kids should never be bored at a place like this:

• Enjoy local activities including the beach, cycling, watersports, etc
• The local beaches have Blue Flag status and lifeguards are on hand in the summer months
• The manoir staff can arrange days out for the kids - surf school, sailing lessons, or horse-riding for example
• Pplenty of sports equipment at the property itself and inside, if there's a rainy afternoon, plenty of DVDs to catch up on and boardgames to play

Formal childcare is available via a NNEB qualified nanny. The nanny service would be offered on either an hourly basis (18€/hr) or for half or whole days (65€ per half day or 120€ per whole day) depending upon the client's requirements.

Prices & Availability

Location

GPS: (43.7501877, -1.317994595)

We endeavour to be as accurate as possible using Google maps but some error is possible.

Things to Do & See

Nearby Activities
Surfing · Kitesurfing · Windsurfing · Sailing · Water-skiing · Jet-skiing · Kayaking · Golf · Cycling · Horse-riding · Birdwatching · Fishing · Spa & thalassotherapy · Pelote Basque · Course Landaise · Adventure Parc · Aqua Parc ·

Day-trip Ideas

• Belle-Epoque Biarritz - style & surf chic combined
• Pretty Basque fishing port & resort, St Jean de Luz
• Discover the 'postcard' hillside villages of the Basque Country
• Hop over the border into Spain for San Sebastian or the Guggenheim
• Explore the superb Pyrenees National Park for great walks & wildlife
• Visit the under-rated city of Bayonne, the Pays Basque capital

A driver and/or tour guide can be arranged for your day-trips.

Our Personal Highlights

• Canoe or kayak along the Courant d'Huchet
• Explore the coast, forests and lakes via the network of cycle trails
• A day's golf & surf at Moliets
• Take a break from the beach and unwind at the Lac de Soustons 
• Catch an exhibition of Course Landais at St Vincent de Tyrosse

The Local Area: Soustons

Originally named ‘South Town’ by its English occupants in the 14th century, Soustons is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the huge Etang (lake) de Soustons, as well as the largest pine forests of Europe. It is within easy reach of the Pays Basque, Spain and the Pyrénées. 

The Atlantic beaches are close by - 10 minutes drive to the sandy beaches of Vieux Boucau, 20 minutes to the surf capital of Hossegor and the port town of Capbreton.

Whilst the popularity of Soustons as a holiday town has grown, its strength is in its mix of residents and holiday visitors. It's not just a holiday town, it has locals too! Unlike many of the seaside towns, Soustons does not close down after the summer. Lakeside and town centre restaurants are open all year. The Fête de la Tulipe takes place in Spring. The Centre des Spectacles (concert hall) and Centre Nautique (water sports centre) as well as many of the other activities nearby, are open to the public all year long. There's tennis courts, cinema and discotheque too.

In August Soustons holds its five days of fêtes. Throughout the season Soustons arena hosts weekly ‘Courses Landaises’ (bull jumping without the gore), as well as a true French traditional market on Monday morning, and a ‘Marché Nocturne’ on Friday evenings (till very late) - Soustons is in fact the most important market town for the region.

South westerners love their sports and outdoor activities. Soustons is host to rugby matches against British and Irish teams and local Pelote Basque competitions are frequent. Join in with the French and try your hand at boules in the shaded town squares. The pine forest is criss-crossed with cycle paths and walkways leading to the lakes and beaches. For golfers there are three highly rated golf courses (ranked in the top 15 in France) in close proximity.

Soustons boasts Francois Mitterand, ex French President as ‘amoureux’ of the locality, with a statue dedicated to him (and his fatihful dog!) in the town centre and his family's residence is located on the edge of Soustons.There's still a handful of resplendent lake-side villas dating to the turn of the 20th century, built by wealthy city folk (Bordeaux, Mont-de-Marsan) requiring a tranquil holiday retreat.

It is the lake, in fact, that still dominates the town. It's far from being the largest of the many freshwater lakes which punctuate the Aquitaine coastal landscape, but at 800 acres, it's no pond either! There is an excellent sailing base on the north-side at Azur. All sides of the lake are surrounded by dense pine forest but there are many tracks leading to the lake, cycle paths and picnic spots too. Kayaking, windsurfing and a tree adventure park are all available at the lake.

Useful links:
Soustons Tourist Office
Landes Tourist Office

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