Beachfront holiday villa with a swimming pool

This exceptional find inspires a long list of superlatives: from the style to its setting, it ticks every box for a luxury French holiday by the beach. From the exceptional location in one of the most discerning spots on Arcachon Bay, to the high-end facilities that ensure laidback leisure, this is the perfect choice for large groups, seminars or special family gatherings.

It truly offers the best of Cap-Ferret, with prestige guaranteed throughout.

A historical home

Cap-Ferret was developed in the early 1800s. The first to settle here were fishermen, who arrived by sea before the roads existed. They built the iconic huts that give the region the authentic charm it is famed for. However, the appeal of the region’s outstanding beauty soon spread among the wealthy population. Cap-Ferret Prestige came about as part of that era. It was built in 1896 by a doctor, a friend of Gustave Eiffel, who then lived there.

A stylish family villa

The current owners have renovated the villa while preserving its historic features. Enter the property and you’re whisked away to a 19th-century seaside holiday villa. The living spaces and bedrooms are in harmony; the decoration is refined and elegant throughout, and perfectly captures the essence of the villa's origins.

The living rooms are located on the upper level and open onto the terrace facing the bay. The living room has an inviting historic feel, with a portrait hanging over the fireplace and an elegant chandelier combined with sofas you can sink into and a real log fire. There is a billiard room with a piano, and many of the rooms follow the same theme: warm blocks of colour that set off the wooden panelling to create a bold and assertive backdrop. The kitchen is a clever blend of old and new with a marble-style credenza and retro-influenced island, and the dining room which extends off the living room has the same feel. The harmonious décor and a high ceiling give a feeling of space.
The façade is flanked by doors and windows that present breathtaking views and fill the house with fresh sea air and the fragrant scent of the pine trees that line the coast.

This period villa is a large family holiday property and has seven bedrooms that can sleep 17 guests.

The bedrooms are spread over two levels, with four spacious suites on the upper level, all with resolutely chic bathrooms. Two of them have a view over the bay to the Dune du Pilat. Some of the bedrooms have stunning mural paintings and an elegant Belle Epoque theme.

On the lower level, on the ground floor, is a dormitory for five children and an adjoining bathroom with a large shower.

Finally, the garden level includes an annexe apartment with separate access, which has two double or twin bedrooms and a bathroom with a shower. It also has a kitchen, so guests staying here can be entirely independent from the main house.

A luxury rental house with a swimming pool by the sea

Outside, the seaside garden has direct access to the beach. There is also a jacuzzi and a heated swimming pool, so that all guests can enjoy pure, laidback leisure. At low tide, when the water recedes from the bay, you can head to the pool for a dip instead. Or, for yet another option, venture over to the ocean, less than two kilometres away.

A holiday home between Arcachon Bay and the Ocean

The Cap-Ferret Prestige villa was one of the first villas on the peninsula, in the area that was initially built on in Cap-Ferret. This dune land has always been preserved from the crowds and has one of the most pleasant beaches, ideal for families and not much frequented by tourists. It is also the best place in Cap-Ferret for swimming, which is a huge advantage, as not all the beaches in the bay are suitable for swimming. Over by the Ocean, the beaches are more for surfers. The nearest surf club is 1.5 kilometres away. La Pointe beach offers the best of both worlds, although it is slightly further away.

A car-free holiday rental

Another great advantage is that you won’t need a car at this Cap-Ferret holiday home. Shops, restaurants and amenities are all within walking distance. The Cap-Ferret market is held every morning in high season and is a 15-minute walk. Within a two-kilometre radius, you can buy food, clothes, flowers, and newspapers, along with a pharmacy, boat and bike hire, bars and restaurants. Finally, there is a wider choice and plenty to explore on the opposite side of the bay, in Arcachon. The crossing takes 30 minutes and leaves from the jetty, one kilometre from your luxury villa.

From here you can also embark on a sight-seeing excursion to discover Cap-Ferret and Arcachon Bay including the Ile aux Oiseaux, the Cabanes Tchanquées stilted huts, the Banc d'Arguin sand bank, and the famous Dune of Pilat – Europe’s highest sand dune. There are plenty of cruises to different places, as part of a group outing or a privatised service. Choose from a shuttle boat, catamaran, or traditional pinasse, day or night.

Cap-Ferret is always a magical place to explore. And the best thing is that you get to enjoy its VIP views wherever you go - from the terrace, the lounge or the bedrooms at the villa, or from anywhere else on the headland. The Cap-Ferret lighthouse is 57 metres tall and offers a 360° panoramic view and a glimpse of the many listed sites in this unique natural area.

Location of the rental Cap-Ferret Prestige (Aquitaine and Basque Country)

Location, for information purposes only