025 - Etxe Aita  St-Jean-de-Luz (7 kms)

In our opinion

What makes Etxe Aita a great holiday rental

It's hard to find these holiday villas in the Pays Basque - set back just a few kms from the coast, a villa with its own pool and in a glorious setting. The views from the terrace and master bedroom are really unforgettable. It's an ideal venue if you want a relaxing retreat and be close to the beach and places to visit.

Best for:
Families who want the blend of French (or in this case, Basque) country living, culture and beach. Also, Etxe Aita has proved popular with mature couples wanting to explore the Pays Basque and northern Spain, or who want a golf holiday - the area is packed with great, under-played courses.

Suitability for:

• Toddlers - some care needed in the gardens. Brilliant beach though
• Teenagers - quiet villa location but pool and TV room
• Reduced mobility - ground floor bedroom and bathroom

Anything to watch out for?

• There is a small drop from the side terrace to the garden which is not fenced off; there are some pots there but care is needed.
• Because of the secluded location a car is essential.
• The staircase is polished wood so some care might be needed.

Why St Jean de Luz?
One of our favourites. A colourful and proudly Basque fishing port and holiday resort. A superb & safe town beach, excellent for the 'little ones'.

Accommodation

Superb hillside villa with pool and outstanding views in highly tranquil setting.

Etxe Aita was renovated in 2006 having been purchased by a British-American couple who live in the Caribbean, and rent a second holiday property there too. Their standards are high: this is a tastefully presented villa finished to a 'good-to-high' standard.

Inside:

Ground Floor
The hallway entrance is welcoming and light thanks to the south-facing terrace doors. Leading from the hallway to the right, is the kitchen-breakfast room. The colours are bright and cheerful - quite a welcome change from the usual neutrals in most modernised properties. The owners like to entertain, so the kitchen is well-equipped for home cooking. The dining table is in this room.

Leading directly ahead from the hallway - also accessible via the kitchen - is the double size living room. There are twin patio doors leading to the terrace and the view from the living room is one to savour. There is a fireplace for low-season lettings. A CD stereo is available for those who like to play music, and leather sofas provide comfortable seating. This room is designed for relaxation.

Situated off the inner corridor, there is a separate TV room for children. Separating the TV in this way works well - the kids get their independence and the adults can relax in the sitting room. The TV has UK free-to-air satellite channels.

Just behind the TV room is the laundry room.

One of the four bedrooms - a small double (150cm) - is located on the ground floor and looks out to the terrace, pool and hills. This bedroom benefits from a private bathroom located across the corridor (contains bath and shower). There is an independent WC on the ground floor.

First Floor
The wooden staircase from the living room leads to the remaining three bedrooms.

The master bedroom runs the length of the southern side of the first floor. It benefits from a memorable view of the hills and mountain peak of La Rhune - there is a small balcony too. The slate-tiled en-suite shower room is partitioned from the master bedroom rather than being a separated room. The double bed is 160cm.

There are a further two bedrooms - both twins (all singles are 90cm) - which share the first floor bathroom (bath, shower and WC).

Outside:

This is the place to truly enjoy Etxe Aita. The terrace and pool are a delight. There's an outdoor dining table for taking drinks and meals alfresco plus sun-loungers for lazing by the pool. Enjoy the view!

The plancha (hotplate for outdoor dining) is situated under a covered terrace on the western side of the house.

There are grounds to the rear and side of the house which are mature and mostly sloping. At the front there is parking for 2 or 3 cars.

Prices & Availability

Location

GPS: (43.34561338, -1.65828377)

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

Things to Do & See

Nearby Activities
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Day-trip Ideas

• Tour Basque Country villages: Ascain, Ainhoa, Sare, Espelette
• Visit Bayonne, the under-rated ‘capital’ of the Pays Basque
• Cross the border into Spain - San Sebastian, Pamplona & the Guggenheim
• Explore the Pyreneees National Park for its wildlife, walks & scenery
• Taste the glitz & glamour of 'Belle-Epoque' Biarritz 

Our Personal Highlights

• An evening stroll of St Jean de Luz's bustling streets, before drinks & supper!
• Sampling the pintxos - Basque tapas - in St Jean de Luz or Ciboure old town
• Catching a game of Basque pelote at one of the village frontons
• A visit to Ainhoa or Sare - both 'picture perfect' Basque Country villages
• 18 holes at gorgeous Golf de Chantaco - then lunch in the clubhouse

The Local Area: St-Jean-de-Luz (7 kms)

Urrugne & Ascain
The local town of Urrugne is a Basque delight. Half-timbered homes line the main street, their ox blood red frames typifying the local architecture. From the village, a steep road leads to the village chapel, Notre-Dame-de-Socorri. The chapel itself is unremarkable but the views from the summit are wonderful. The three Western Pyrénéan peaks of la Rhune, Jaozkibel and Les Trois Couronnes are all visible, rising above the rolling green foothills. Take a picnic and relax here for a few hours with a bottle of Irouleguy, the local vin. Urrugne also offers basic shops for your stay - butcher, baker, pharmacy, etc. 

There are a couple of local châteaux worth a visit. Château d'Uturbie, on the edge of Urrugne, was the home of medieval viscounts and dates back to the mid 14th century. Wellington used it as a base during his rampage through south west France. Today there are fine collections of antique furnishings and tapestries.

The protected area of rocky coastline known as the Domaine d'Abbadie, is well worth a visit for walk and picinic. In fact, the rugged coastline between Hendaye and St Jean de Luz (Route de Corniche) is a reminder of Cornwall's north coast, with its pounding seas and sandy coves. Thankfully it's a bit warmer here. The cliffside 19th century Château d'Abbadie is an enjoyable stop. The château was built by an Irish-Basque explorer with a fondness for astrology. The château contains some interesting and very fine furnishings and has its own observatory.

The beautiful Florenia Floral Gardens near Urrugne is another good option for spending a pleasant half-day (the parc covers 45 acres).

The pretty Basque village of Ascain is 7kms inland. There are good restaurants and traditional shops here - it's a great place for an evening meal. Of historic interest is the 16thC church and the three-arched medieval bridge crossing the Nive. Ascain is also a good base for hikers and from here you can catching the funicular train to the summit of La Rhune.

St Jean de Luz
Whether its beaches, boutiques, culture, restaurants or festivals you are looking for, this town is hard to beat. Stylish but without the pretence of the Riviera, St Jean is an authentic and colourful seaside town and working fishing port. It has plenty to offer discerning visitors of all ages. In particular, this is a great place to eat out - St Jean de Luz is recognised as the capital of Basque cuisine and is noted for its seafood (it is one of Rick Stein’s favourite places).

Hendaye Plage
Sitting at the foot of the Pyrénées bordering Spain and the Atlantic ocean, Hendaye boasts an enviable and spectacular location, dominated by a 3kms stretch of sandy beach. The ocean location means there are all sorts of watersports to be sampled here...surfing, kite-surfing, wind-surfing, sailing, kayaking as well as diving in some of the quieter coves along the coast. Also, situated at the marina, is Serge Blanco's thalassotherapy centre and Hendaye casino. 

Try the old town (Béhobie) for a more authentically 'Basque' experience, whether it be a pintxos bar or a game of pelote.

Boat trips run up and down the Bidassoa river, including trips to the Spanish side of the Bay. A visit to the village of Hondarrabia (Fuentarrabia) is a must. Famous for its tapas restaurants and bars, it's amazing to sense the immediate cultural change of being in Spain.

Customer Reviews

“We have just returned from our fortnight break and thought we would drop you a line to say how much we enjoyed the house Etxe Aita - a true delight. ”

Mr F Nightingale, stayed in 2010

“Excellent property.”

Family Mundy, stayed in 2010

“The home, property and location could not have been better.”

Mrs J Elizardi, stayed in 2009

“Great house, loved the goats and their bells in the evening. Tremendous views and very peaceful.”

Mr R Traynor, stayed in 2008

“Don't tell anyone else about how great the area is so it doesn't become over-run with Brits!”

Mr B Covell, stayed in 2010

Mr B Stewart, stayed in 2010

Mrs J Wright, stayed in 2008

“Great house. Loveed listening to the goats and their bells in the evening. Tremendous views, very peaceful.”

Mr R Traynor, stayed in 2008

Mr J Brassil, stayed in 2008

Mrs C Clarke, stayed in 2011

“Location, views and pool all excellent. Quiksilver Surf School recommended”

Mr S Base, stayed in 2011