Property Houses
Sleeps 8
Single/Double 2 / 3
Bathrooms 4
Pets Not Allowed
Pool Yes
Beautiful yet informal home, that has been tastefully renovated by its current owners. La Joliette delivers superb accommodation, high spec, privacy and outstanding views over the Pyrenees. Built in the 1800s for the Bishop of Oloron, the current owners gently transformed it into an elegant, light-flooded property. Bowl through a grand gateway then up the tree-lined drive for far-reaching views towards the Pyrenees.
Inside there’s plenty of space to relax and recharge: a terrace to catch the quite breathtaking views, a games room in the cellar, and a kitchen/dining area built for socialising.
The long, gravel driveway leads to an imposing, beautifully presented house with uninterrupted views of the Pyrenees and a swimming pool at the back.
The quality of accommodation is beyond that normally associated with holiday rentals in South West France. Sitting on a hilltop above the riverside town of Oloron-Sainte-Marie, La Joliette enjoys panoramic views over the Vallée d'Aspe and La Pierre Saint Martin ski resort.
The private garden has grounds of approximately 5 acres, so there is plenty of privacy for guests. There is a large, heated pool 12 x 6m. Depth range 1.0 – 2.0m.
Roman steps. Protected by cover. Pool in use May through September (please enquire for bookings at other times).
On fine days you’ll be on the terrace leading from the kitchen for morning coffee and evening apéritifs with laps in the pool in between, or days out exploring the mountains and some of the pretty villages. On chilly days you can light the wood-burner and snuggle on sofas in front of the TV after a day exploring.
The Area:
It’s 2km into charming Oloron-Sainte-Marie, buzzy with shops, bakeries and restaurants – La Part des Anges, next to the cathedral, has a fine terrace and excellent lunch and dinner menus. Friday morning is market day, so stock up on local produce for a relaxing meal at home.
Walking in the Vallée d'Aspe and the mountains, especially La Pierre St. Martin or hopping on the small train at Artouste
Visiting the beautiful city of Pau and its château or rafting in local rivers
Going from games room (ping pong table, electronic keyboard, music system and Playstation) to the pool and back again
The property is well-known in the town and has quite a colourful history too. The house was built in the mid 1800s for the Bishop of Oloron. It was owned by the Church until the 1920s, and by one family since then, before we purchased it in 2005. For some years, from the 1960s until the mid-1980s it was a small hotel and restaurant and we are told that that it had “a bit of a reputation”. For what, we’re not quite sure – but for us it just adds to La Joliette’s appeal!
Nearest village / town: Oloron Ste Marie (2 kms)
Nearest beach: Biarritz or Hossegor coastlines are c. 1hr 30 mins
Restaurants: Oloron-Ste-Marie 2kms
Market: Oloron-Ste-Marie 2kms
Boulangerie: In the local square 1km or Oloron-Ste-Marie 2kms
PHOTOS
Kitchenware Appliances
Fixtures & Equipment
External Features
Other Interior Facilities
Games room with table tennis and stereo (with iPod input), TV, DVD (large selection of DVDs) and Video – an ideal place for the kids to unwind and amuse themselves away from adults.
Local Attractions
Activities include taking walks in the Vallée d'Aspe and the mountains, especially La Pierre St. Martin or hopping on the small train at Artouste.
Visiting the beautiful city of Pau and its château or rafting in local rivers.
It's a 15-minute walk into Oloron.
Special Rental Conditions
25% non-refundable deposit to secure your booking.
5 weeks before your arrival date you will be sent a request for payment of the balance due, plus a security deposit of £300.
If this is not paid within 5 working days, the week/weeks you have reserved will be released and your deposit will be forfeited.
Availability Calendar
Property Exterior
Local Attractions
Visiting the beautiful city of Pau and its château or rafting in local rivers.
It's a 15-minute walk into Oloron.
In the area
This Property is situated in Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Aquitaine
Nearest Airport: Pau (40 mins), however no direct flights from the UK. Other airports are Lourdes (just over an hour and direct flights from Stansted), Biarritz (1 hour 20 mins and several direct flights), Toulouse (2.5 hours) and Bordeaux (2.5 hours).
Nearest Station: Pau (40 mins away)
Nearest Ferry: Bilbao (3 hrs) and Santander (4 hrs)
Nearest Beach: Biarritz or Hossegor coastlines are approximately 1hr 30 mins
Nearest Ski Resort: La Pierre Saint Martin and Gourette (Both just under 1 hour away)
Please note that the location on this map is an approximate guide, normally to the closest town or village.