Quartier Bidos — Property 2977

Peaceful farmhouse with garden, 12 mtr pool and views of the Pyrenees
Peace and tranquility are the only words to describe this charming, simply furnished farmhouse which sits on the brow of a hill, surrounded by farmland and vineyards with magnificent views south to the Pyrenees and east across the valley.This lovely, spacious house is on the edge of a hamlet and has a large 3/4 acre garden and fabulous 12 metre swimming pool. Sitting on the steps of the pool with a drink in hand, watching the evening sun go down is quite special and nothing will disturb your peace at night but the hooting of owls, the knee trembling of crickets and the croaking of frogs. This is a 'get away from it all' holiday location in the heart of South West France's wine making region so expect to drive through acres of vineyards on your way to market or to Pau Golf Club, the oldest course in France. The closest village is Madiran (wine buffs will recognise the name), 3km away. It has a baker, post office, small shop for last minute buys, bar and restaurant. A car is essential

Madiran
The house is situated on the edge of Quartier Bidos, a small hamlet of 7 houses. It is part of the Commune of St. Lanne in the most northerly region of the Hautes-Pyrenees. Madiran is the nearest village (3km) where local wine tastings are a must during the August village Fete (14th & 15th) and the nearest market town, Maubourguet, is approximately 15km. Pau Golf Course is about 45 minutes drive. Biarritz, St. Jean de Luz, Hendaye and the Atlantic coast are about 2 hour's drive.

Pau Golf Club - Rue du Golf - 64140 Billère (France) Tél:/Phone: +33 (0)5.59.13.18.56 - Fax: +33 (0)5.59.13.18.57 Directions: RN 117 Commune de Billere 5km from Pau towards Bayonne. Built in 1856 by a group of Scots, Pau Golf Club is the ancestral home of Golf in France and the oldest golf course in continental Europe. After the Napoleonic campaigns and the Battle of Orthez in February 1814, regiments of Wellington's army were confined to Pau. Among the officers were two Scots who had never been separated from their golf equipment and who sought every opportunity to practise their favorite sport. They were struck by the beauty of the land at Billère, close to Pau, and on the edge of the river Gave, with the magnificent Pyrenees in the background. Within days these keen young golfers had struck a deal with the locals to use the land for golf practice. Needless to say those same locals were much amused by the site of young men wearing "skirts" hitting small balls with wooden sticks. Years later these now middle aged men returned and brought friends with them. All were keen to play golf in this idyllic location and the course was built. The rest, as they say, is history. The club is open every day, all year around, from 08.30 to 18.30. It hasa shop, bar and restaurant. The course winds along the River Gave. 18 holes 5312 metres S.S.S. 69. Practice facilities include three practice holes. www.paugolfclub.com

Weather
June to the end of August can be very hot indeed and this is the time when the pool comes into its own. April and May are delightful months when the spring flowers are at their best, the landscape is bursting with new life and the weather temperature is absolutely perfect. The months of September and October also enjoy balmy weather. Towards the middle of November you might find the evenings a bit chilly and want to light the wood burning stove (there is also full central heating if you want it) but the likelihood is that you will be eating your meals and enjoying early evening drinks outside. Winter months could find you still using the garden, though the pool will by now have been put to bed. You'll want to wear warm clothes in the evenings and the wood burner in the living room is a cosy, welcoming feature that builds up heat in no time.

House management
The house and garden are managed by friend and neighbour, Anita and her husband Ross. They will come to the house twice a week to clean the pool, mow the lawn and make sure your stay is as relaxed and comfortable as possible. The house is available from Saturday at 16.00. On the day of departure please ensure you leave by 10.30am. This will allow enough time for Anita to organise house cleaning, pool maintenance, etc., before incoming guests arrive. Your co-operation is much appreciated.