4 Bedroom Villa in Pyrenees Atlantiques

Villa Veronique” is settled in a large garden at the heart of the small hamlet of Oraas and opposite the church. 6 minutes drive from the medieval towns of Salies de Béarn and Sauveterre. Very comfortable accommodation for six in three large double bedrooms. A sizeable family bathroom has corner bath, separate shower cubicle, double sinks. Separate WC's with hand basins on two floors. Oraas has views onto the Pyrenées-mountains, is surrounded by magnificent, rolling countryside, ideal for cycling holidays, fishing trips for trout and Salmon only minutes from the villa. Take a picnic to the river, BBQ or just enjoy the peace. With bicycles, head for the hills, or locally to 'goat island' (Ille de Chevre), where you can see specimen trees and shrubs, swim in clear mountain spring water. In 50 minutes find yourself on the wide sandy beaches of the Cote Basque. Famously, Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz and a host of other secluded beaches.
Sauveterre de Bearn: 5 minutes drive by car to this old mediaeval town. Built originally as a walled refuge from the turbulent times of the Dark Ages, Sauveterre grew in importance as on one of the main routes to Spain, used by pilgrims going to Santiago del Compostella. There are restaurants in both Salies de Bearn and the outskirts of Sauveterre. Details given in our ‘house guide’. There are two supermarkets and petrol , 5 minutes from the villa outside Sauveterre center ville. Ideal for cycling holidays - bikes on request. Salies de Bearn is a popular spa town with houses dating back to the thirteenth century, described as the little 'Venice' of the Béarn because some houses overhang the river on stilts which is a charming and unusual architectural feature. This year in July 2010, the Tour de France teams are in the area for 4 days departing from the town of Salies de Bearn. Famously, Salies is known as a spa town. Historically, the Bearn belonged to the Dukes of Navarre and became known for its salts after their discovery during a boar hunt, when later, the carcass of the escaping boar was found in perfect condition because it lay in salty earth deposits. Digging deep they found the valuable mineral salt mines. Today these wonderful spa waters are said to be seven times saltier than the Dead Sea. Les Thermes houses two pools, many facilities for relaxation and people come from all over the world to take the 'Cure', various cures exist, details of these will be found in the house guide at the villa. Prehistoric history is found in the region with the grotto's of Bétharram, Sare and Oxocelaya, excellent outings for all the family, in particular children will enjoy the tours which are delightfully informative when they throw a torch light on the history of mankind in Europe.

Utility Room: adjacent to main kitchen with extra worktop space, First Aid Kit/Fire appliance. Door out to rear garden. Laundry Room: With washing machine and tumble dryer plus sink for hand washing. Ironing Board and Iron. Rotary clothes dryer stored for garden and clothes pegs. Small 3m x 3m 'garden' room adjacent to garage with wooden door out to rear garden. Ideal for board games or drinks on a rainy day. Garden is unsuitable for very young children but older children will find enjoy the opportunities for games there. Log fireplace in Dining Room for use in winter only.

Golf: Nearest golf course is at Salies de Bearn - 'Golf Helios', 10 minutes from Villa Veronique. More courses at the coast (Biarritz), 45 minutes, and at Pau (the first golf course in France) 40 minutes

Ski Stations: DOWNHILL: (Ski alpin) Gourette, La Pierre Saint-Martin, Artouste (about 70 minutes) CROSS COUNTRY: (Ski de fond) Le Braca - La Pierre Saint-Martin, Somport, Iraty, Issarbe (average 70 minutes)

Other Activities: Canoe and Kayak, White Water Rafting