Domaine Argia
The history of the estate
Patrick James Michel is an exploratory photographer. After working in the world of fashion and advertising in Paris and New York, he became fully involved in his artistic work on primal tribes and spiritual traditions around the world. His book "Five", published by Steidl, has given rise to several exhibitions in Paris and abroad. For over 10 years, Patrick has focused on the traditional techniques of early photography. At the same time, he practices yoga, sound yoga, meditation, Ci Gong... His ambition is to put his passions and skills to work through the Argia project (which means "light" in Basque), sharing his experiences in a historic 18th- century Basque mansion 35km from Bayonne, which he has restored and decorated with his photographs.
Houses
- 3 hectare estate.
- Capacité pour accueillir jusqu’à 14 personnes.
- 5 bedrooms, including a 70m2 suite
- Large fireplace for winter evenings
- Fully equipped kitchen
- 6 salles d’eau et 1 baignoire.
- 7 WCs, including one outside
- 2 baby cots
- 2x 4m tables
L’extérieur
- 1 hectare of wooded parkland
- 15x4m salt-filtered pool
- Several terraces around the pool and in the garden, approx. 100m2
- Plancha à l’extérieur.
- Badminton / Trampoline / Petanque
- 12 place parking lot
- Private access to the Bidouze river for kayaking and paddling
- The Hallage path is ideal for running, cycling, horseback riding and rollerblading
Bedrooms
Maya – Jane
La chambre est très claire avec ses 2 fenêtres donnant sur la rivière et sa salle de bain rayonnante de lumière. Parquet de chêne d’époque.
Francine – Allida
The room is calm and bright, with a large window overlooking the river. Dark oak parquet flooring. Classic, chic bathroom.
Lucca – James
The room is zen: with beautiful materials: whitewashed stone walls, light oak parquet and large windows overlooking the Japanese parkland. 1920s-style bathroom.
Paola – Céline
The room is smaller, zen, minimalist: whitewashed stone walls and old wooden beam, light oak parquet floor. Large opening onto the Japanese-style stream. Ocean-blue bathroom.
Béa – Marie
The very spacious suite (70m2) comprises two bedrooms. One is very bright, with two large windows and French doors overlooking the river, while the other has a view of nature. Period oak floors. Large bathroom with bathtub and walk-in shower. The suite also boasts a large dressing room, ideal for preparing ceremonies or formal dinners. The suite has 6 beds, which can be combined into 3 king-size beds at your request. Another private bathroom with double Italian shower and WC is located in another part of the house.
Ideas for outings
- Horse-riding at nearby club (2km)
- Surfing at the ocean (35 km from Basque and Landes beaches)
- Skiing & snowboarding 2 hours away in winter
- Trekking 1h30 away in the high mountain Pyrenees
- White-water kayaking (20mn)
- Visit Basque villages: La Bastide Clairence, Cambo, Espelette and take part in Basque festivals in summer
- Visit the Jurançon vineyards (40km)
- Visit the cities of San Sebastian (1h) and Bilbao (2H15)
- Visits to Basque coastal towns: Biarritz, Guethary, Saint Jean de Luz, Anglet
- Visit the pretty towns of Béarn: Sauveterre, Salies de Bearn
- The Gaves de Pau and Bidouze rivers also offer bathing in the heart of nature, just a 10-minute drive away.
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