Villa d'Ilbarritz

Located conveniently close to Biarritz, this gorgeous villa feels like a wish-list come true, combining traditional local style with a contemporary pool terrace, and an enviably secluded position within easy walking distance of sandy beaches and a couple of superb seafront restaurants.

Enclosed by walls and hedges, and with a nature reserve beyond, the setting feels wonderfully private, with real run-around room for younger guests and plenty of space for breakfast in the sunshine or a snooze in the shade. The house is stone-built and red-roofed in classic local style, further enhancing the relaxed country atmosphere despite the handy proximity of Biarritz, just three kilometres away.

The distinctive asymmetric roofline has been put to good use here, creating a double-height kitchen and dining space so sociable cooks needn’t miss out on the drinks and conversation. And if no-one’s that keen to take on the evening meals, it’s just 10 minutes' walk to the local restaurants of Ilbarritz, or you can indulge in dinner cooked to order without having to leave the villa, thanks to our bespoke catering service. With its heated swimming pool for early and late season, table tennis table and five bedrooms, this villa would make a fine base two families holidaying together.

The local area

The villa sits roughly equidistant from both charming Bidart and bustling Biarritz, each just a five-minute drive. The nearest beach is at Ilbarritz (one kilometre), where you’ll also find a surf academy, a golf course and several restaurants. If you’re feeling active, nine holes at Ilbarritz, a restorative lunch in the clubhouse then an afternoon surf is the ultimate south-west summer experience! And if that sounds like hard work, you can just sit and people-watch on the Grande Plage promenade in Biarritz, a favourite parading spot since Victorian times. Biarritz has plenty to entertain all ages and interests, with its celebrated beaches, Belle Époque architecture, boutique shops and famous covered market. If days in the car or hours on the course have left you a little stiff and sore, treat yourself to a relaxing thermal spa at one of the many spa and thalassotherapy centres around the area.

Days out

St-Jean-de-Luz is arguably the most appealing town in the area. A fishing-port-turned-holiday-town, St-Jean is known as the gourmet centre for Basque cuisine, with a rich cultural calendar, stylish shops and lovely beaches. A day tour of the Basque villages such as Ascain, Ainhoa, Sare and Espelette makes for a pleasing contrast to the coast; for something different again, don’t miss a trip into Spain and the old town of Hondarrabia or the celebrated cities of San Sebastian, Pamplona and Bilbao, home to the famous Guggenheim museum. Hendaye beach beckons with all manner of watersports and a thalassotherapy spa. For a more typically Basque experience, take a wander around the old town to sample pintxos or perhaps catch a lively game of pelota. Bayonne, capital of the Pays Basque, sits quietly under the tourist radar but rewards visitors with narrow medieval streets and a fine Gothic cathedral, not to mention of course its eponymous jambon. Some of southern Europe’s most majestic mountains are accessible in the Pyrénées National Park. Stunning coastal walks connect from Bidart through Guéthary and St-Jean-de-Luz, and as far as Hendaye on the Spanish border. Drinks, dinner and sunset from one of Bidart or Guéthary’s sea-view restaurants is a holiday highlight.

Explore our pre-bookable experiences in Aquitaine

Our choice of French properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.