Villa Iratz Aldea

Just 20 minutes from Biarritz and 10 minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Villa Iratz Alda – or “La Maison des Fougères” in Basque – stands on a small hill, isolated amid unspoiled nature. The meticulously renovated house, all in shades of green, houses eight carefully appointed bedrooms, including three suites with en-suite bathrooms. A peaceful setting in which to gather up to 14 guests and enjoy the magnificent views of the Pyrenees: from inside the house, through its many large windows, but also and above all from the garden, or comfortably seated on one of the many terraces under a natural pergola of Virginia creeper, in front of the sunset.

The house pays particular attention to the local environment. What’s striking is the color scheme: outside is the original Basque green, very dark, almost black. Inside, a palette of greens revolves around Diane’s favorite color: Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball, which is also found in the kitchen—a beautiful tribute to the surrounding nature. The fireplace and its precious cast-iron details in the living room are surrounded by a sofa custom-made by an upholsterer in Ascain, reflecting Basque know-how. A series of Basque regionalist paintings adorn the walls. The wrought-iron doors with Basque cross handles have been preserved and complemented by a resolutely Spanish floral motif. Outside, the retro-styled garden lounge features fully restored white wooden furniture from the 1950s.

An open door to the Basque Country

Nestled in a landscape of green hills and valleys, the Villa is an ideal starting point for a stroll: you’ll love taking one of the hiking trails and being overwhelmed by the surrounding calm, the vast park planted with trees and rare species, and the breathtaking view of the corniche. Villa Iratz Aldea is also ideally located for exploring local treasures. The afternoon is spent in Urrugne and its singular charm, a captivating encounter between the region’s cultural richness and natural beauty. The narrow, cobbled streets reveal a preserved architectural heritage, with half-timbered houses with colorful shutters and stone facades bearing witness to the village’s ancestral past. The famous Chapelle de Socorri offers breathtaking views of the Rhune and Saint-Jean-de-Luz bay, while the Corniche road, linking Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Hendaye, promises spectacular ocean and cliff views. To complete your stay, savor the local delicacies of the Chacola butcher’s shop in Socoa, the Lizarraga farm in Urrugne, or the uniquely delicious wines of Egiategia, vinified in the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.