Aquitaine, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Urcuit, France

Designed by the architect Soupre, this beautiful residence was built between 1643 and 1680 on the edge of the Landes in the Basque Country. It exudes the spirit of a countryside manor, peacefully tucked away in leafy grounds bordered by woods and a stream. The main gate leads to a vast driveway lined with lawns. The entrance to the mansion leads to a guest cloakroom with hand basin and WC. A corridor serves the following reception rooms: two adjoining boudoir lounges with fireplace and access to the terrace; a south-facing dining room and Saint Jean d'Angélis stone fireplace; a triple living room with old tiled floors, stone fireplace and open beams. A large kitchen with fireplace and stone sink backs onto a generous east-facing terrace with a magnificent view of the woods. There is also a pantry with cupboards and service WC. The main staircase with wooden pilasters leads upstairs to a large mezzanine landing and a large south-facing master bedroom with balcony, fireplace, full bathroom and view of the Pyrenees. There are four additional bedrooms (including three with private terraces) and three bathrooms. On the second floor, you will find a bedroom with bathroom, a home office, a large dormitory space, an attic games room and a large double attic (yet to be converted). Presenting internal and external access, the cellar is equipped with a utility room, a wine cellar and a boiler room. A beautiful annex building currently serves as a garage for four cars. Additional facilities include a 15 x 7.50 m tiled swimming pool with dolphin mosaic and a pool house with barbecue, shower and WC. The landscaped grounds of approximately 3.5 hectares are adorned with different species of plantlife. The ancient woodland to the rear of the grounds offer beautiful countryside walks.