I'm an exploratory photographer. After working in the world of fashion and advertising in Paris and New York, I devoted myself to artistic work on indigenous tribes and spiritual traditions around the world. Then ten years ago, I turned to traditional photographic techniques from the early days of photography. I also practise yoga and sound yoga, meditation and qi gong. The Argia house, which means light in Basque, is located in the middle of nature, close to surf spots, mountain ranges and Spain. Here, I want to share my passions with guests in a historic 18th-century Basque house that I have completely restored and decorated with my photographs.
The house overlooks the River Bidouze, and is catches the eye with its high roof structure, large wrought iron balcony, huge prickly pear trees and hacienda feel. The property comprises three buildings arranged in a U-shape: the main house in the centre, the Basque house on the left and the stables on the right, which can accommodate livery horses. The accommodation is on the first floor. It is accessed from the central courtyard via a grand stone staircase leading to the balcony.
The house, named after Gauchet, was built in the early 18th century by the shipowner who transported stone from the quarries in Came and Bidache along the towpath linking the port of Came to Bayonne. The port of Bordeaux, as well as numerous châteaux and mansions in the Basque country, were built using this stone.
It is an environmentally-friendly location. There is a wood-fired boiler, a water recovery system, a permaculture vegetable garden, an orchard, a swimming pool with salt filtration, wood wool insulation, lime-painted walls, carved stone from the village quarry, all fashioned by local artisans. It is a place where you can take the time to reconnect with the surrounding nature and focus on your well-being, joy and conviviality. Numerous courses are offered by established artists and designers: photographers, film-makers, writers, clowns, actors, painters, skate designers and chefs. People I've met on my travels also offer sessions in sound yoga, meditation, vastu, qi gong, ayurveda, organic cooking and much more! In front of the house, there is private access to the Bidouze river for picnics, fishing, paddling or kayaking, as well as the towpath for walking, cycling or running. The estate provides a concierge service for a fee to organise any activities or services on request.
In Biarritz, the “Comptoir Umani” celebrates fine Japanese cuisine, “Chistera et Coquillage” serves refined gourmet dishes and “Bar Jean”, a local institution, offers authentic Basque cuisine. In Peyrehorade, "Les Gourmandises de Nicolas" specialises in kiwi products and sorbets from the Adour region and "Les pépites des Landes" - chocolate-covered peanuts from the south-west of France. La Bastide Clairence, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and with the "Ville et Métiers d'Art" (Town and Crafts) label, where you can meet around 15 craftspeople, artists and gallery owners from all walks of life: textiles, glass, ceramics... The Camino de Compostela, the Scandibérique and the V81 routes pass in front of the house. A treatment at the Salies-de-Béarn thermal baths, where the water, containing 26 trace elements, is the most mineralised in the world.
The 280 m2 gîte is on the first floor of the house. It comprises a fully-equipped kitchen with a dining area, a living room with a large table seating 14 people and a library, and a sitting room with a working fireplace, a grand piano, table football and a home cinema television. Three of the six bedrooms have a bathroom adjoining them. Four are equipped with two twin 90 cm beds, one with a 180 cm bed, and one with four 90 cm beds. A large bathroom with a toilet, bath and shower as well as a shower room are available to share.
ref 827527
A la carte photography courses - digital, traditional, 4 x 5 and 20 x 25 cameras, collodion - are offered by the owner and take place on site or in the surrounding countryside.
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