Maison Gustave

There’s a relaxed yet stylish ambience at Maison Gustave, an architect designed Basque house in the countryside close to the vibrant bistros and surfing beaches of Guéthary, just south of Biarritz.

It’s a grand 21st century villa yet created in an art-deco style with light-filled interiors and balconies or terraces off every bedroom. The open-plan lounge and dining area offers so much space with beautifully arched doors opening straight out to the terrace and garden. The owner’s artistic flair is evident throughout with the use of bold colours, vibrant prints across the walls as well as traditional furnishings interspersed with contemporary pieces. The colourful bar is a quirky spot for a cocktail or two before gathering to feast al-fresco by the plancha-style barbecue.

Each of the five bedrooms is striking with its own character and style – we love the four-poster double upstairs with its romantic bath and balcony, juxtaposed with a marine-toned bedroom with the most gorgeously tiled bathroom and free-standing bath. The two ground floor doubles are equally as impressive in their own unique way and each benefit from an en suite bath or shower room and doors leading to a garden terrace.   

Outside, there is ample room to chill out on the decked patio or laze in the sunshine on the grassy grounds facing the garden and countryside beyond. Yet most of your time will surely be spent visiting the great draws of this region – start off in Guéthary, around 1.5km away, with its restaurants, art gallery and bars – with the waves of the Atlantic shore so near it’s a popular hangout for surf-lovers.

As well as surfing schools for a range of abilities, the local beaches also offer incredible scenery whether you seek out family-friendly sandy stretches or idyllic rocky bays. The Basque coast walking trail passes the Guéthary coastline and continues as far as Hendaye and the Spanish border to the south or nearby Bidart slightly further north. It’s also a fantastic area for cycling enthusiasts with stunning routes passing ocean, hills and mountains.

St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure are delightful places for a day out exploring, shopping in local markets or just admiring the sea-views from the beach and harbour. Then there’s the elegance of Biarritz, only 12km to the north, with its enticing restaurants, wonderful indoor market, majestic historic buildings and picture-postcard worthy beach, La Grande Plage.