At the end of a peaceful tree-lined private lane a few minutes’ walk from the center of Hossegor is Summer House, a five-bedroom house in traditional Basque style. The exterior features evocative of this distinctive region of France - white walls with dark green gables and multiple roof elevations – are strikingly attractive. The house was constructed in 1983 and extensively renovated in 2003. Bordered by the small Bourret River, with lush gardens and an expansive flagstone terrace surrounding the large pool, the outside of Summer House is very inviting. The promise of the exterior features is fully delivered inside, with luxury appointments and abundant comforts throughout.

Hossegor is well known throughout Europe for its excellent golf course, its plethora of outdoor activities and its intimate atmosphere. American travelers will be delighted to discover the town and the entire Landes region, with cosmopolitan Biarritz 20 minutes to the south and exotic Saint-Jean-de-Luz just a few minutes farther. The border of Spain is a half hour to the south, and Bordeaux is less than two hours to the north. Once in residence, however, guests will find it difficult to leave the comforts of and the conveniences and opportunities of Hossegor.

Entry to the house is up a short walk bordered by gardens. The foyer opens to the living room and the stairway, and a long bench with cushions, two wicker armchairs and a small writing table provide a convenient place to work on a laptop, read or take a phone call without disturbing others in the salon beyond. The luminous salon has an overstuffed rose sofa and two armchairs grouped around a glass coffee table before a broad working fireplace. A TV (French channels only) with DVD player is tucked next to the fireplace. The floors here and throughout the house are large block tiles, and area rugs are strategically placed for color and warmth. Light from the two sets of arched French doors that bookend the salon accentuates the white walls and beamed ceilings. The dining room, master bedroom and guest bathroom open from the salon.

The dining room is separated from the kitchen by arched openings and features a blond granite table for up to eight and generous wicker chairs with cushions. Numerous ceiling spotlights and picture window overlooking the terrace continue the luminosity of the salon. The kitchen is just beyond and is a paradise for the amateur or professional chef. Newly redone in Italian gray marble with multiple smooth-sliding drawers, smoked-glass cabinets and stainless appliances, the kitchen is attractive and practical. Appointments include a handsome five-burner gas stove, electric wall oven, dishwasher, coffeemaker, toaster and large two-door refrigerator with in-door icemaker. A round marble-topped table for four provides a space for breakfast. The laundry room is next to the kitchen through a door and features a washer, separate tumble dryer and ironing facilities. Two steps down from the laundry room is the garage, which is normally not available for renters.

The kitchen opens to the pool house and terrace. This outdoor dining area with arched openings houses a bar area and a marble table and chairs for eight. The traditional barbecue of the region, a flat grill called a plancha, is also found here. The plancha is gas-fired and is perfect for grilling fresh fish, meat or vegetables. A traditional charcoal barbecue is next to the plancha. The near part of the terrace is a C-shape formed by the covered terrace and the master bedroom. Palm trees are strategically planted between large flagstones, and various chairs and chaise longues are well-placed. The 6 m x 12 m (20’ X 40’) pool dominates the balance of the large terrace. The pool can be heated and has an electric cover for safety and to retain heat. Around the pool are several seating areas, with sofas, armchairs, marble coffee tables, and parasols. The part of the terrace bordering the river is wide wooden planks with a waist-high railing. Whether overlooking the river, gazing back toward the façade of the house or remarking on the tall pine trees and verdant landscaping, the outdoor area is a tempting place for all.

The master bedroom is accessed from the salon and has cathedral ceilings with exposed beams and French doors to the garden and pool. A wall of closets lines one wall and there is a queen-sized bed with matching bedside tables. The ensuite bath has a bathtub with handheld shower, separate stall shower and WC. The marble vanity has double sinks and a wide mirror with wooden border. The lighting is excellent.

Also on the ground floor is a large guest room with king-sized bed and a wall of mirrored closets. The atmosphere in this room is breezy, with flowered bedcovers and pastel area rug. Ensuite is a blue-tiled bathroom with double vanity, heated towel tacks, tub with handheld shower and separate stall shower. The WC is next door.

Upstairs are three further bedrooms and one bathroom. The first bedroom is medium-sized and has a 140 cm (55” across) double bed with simple night tables, views over the pool and a chest of drawers with a wide mirror. The second bedroom is a bit smaller, with queen-sized bed, views over the garden to the private road, and a small sofa. The last bedroom is somewhat compact, with twin beds and a slanted ceiling. This room is most appropriate for children or adolescents as the ceiling is somewhat low over the second bed and the room does not have a closet as do the other bedrooms on this level. The upstairs rooms share a large bathroom on the landing with full bathtub and wall shower with curtain, double vanity, cream tile with decorative accents and WC.

With its many comforts and amenities, Summer House is perfect for a group of up to three couples or one or two families. The house has an easy flow between the living spaces and is beautifully integrated with the terrace, pool and garden. The center of Hossegor is a five-minute walk, making a morning trip to the boulangerie for fresh croissants one of the few requirements for an enjoyable vacation. The sandy beach of Hossegor is a few minutes’ drive or five to eight minutes by bicycle. The renowned golf course is two minutes’ walk from the house and is open to the public, with club and golf cart rental available. With restaurants in all price categories as well as family-friendly pizzerias and cafés, the town offers myriad choices for dining.

Festivals take place at Hossegor year-round, including dance and music festivals in July and August, pelote (the Basque version of Jai Alai) and surfing competitions throughout the summer and into September, and various art and photography exhibitions. It is easy to imagine whiling away the days with a trip to the beach in the morning followed by lunch in town and an afternoon on the golf course or swimming and relaxing at the house, capped by an evening at the casino or a restaurant in Biarritz. At Summer House, the emphasis is on supreme comfort in luxurious yet comfortable surroundings. With so many activities in the immediate area and an array of cultural and historic towns of cities within a few hours’ drive, Summer House is the perfect place to truly discover all that the Landes region has to offer.