Reviews
Holiday heaven!
Such a fantastic house with incredible views! The photos, though completely accurate, can’t show the true beauty of this French Idyll! A real home from home experience which had everything we needed, and more, for our 2 week stay. Everything from plates to platters are in plentiful supply. Our family of 6 ..with teenagers in the mix, were in holiday heaven, with the pool and garden a complete hit. The house is beautifully clean, warm and welcoming with wonderful spaces for all to enjoy if want quieter time or when sharing all together. The office space was needed for our stay and worked so well with the open plan layout. We enjoyed meals every day under the covered terrace, which has lights for added evening ambience when clinking those glasses and savouring the sights and sounds of the stunning, well stocked garden. We enjoyed great weather which of course meant that the upstairs rooms got hot, but the fans in the rooms worked well and the Velux blinds help cool the space. The downstairs bedrooms are lovely and cool and all the rooms are a great size with plentiful storage. It really is a well organised and well loved house that is looked after by a great team. Nothing was too much trouble. Tracey and Mark are hosts who truly care and their communication and attention to detail is outstanding …from the outset to the end of the holiday, it was the best. The area is perfect for exploring near or far with lake walks within a close drive or further afield we visited Tarbes, Pau, Lourdes and Cirque De Gavarnie. We had planned to visit San Sebastian but the weather was so good and the pool too inviting …next time! With huge thanks, Maison Acanthe! What great memories we are taking home of a perfect summer getaway. Suzy C, July 2023
What a find
Beautiful villa. Comfortable, spacious, all mod-cons included. The location is in a peaceful hamlet, elevated, giving views of the Pyrenees foothills and its peaks on a clear day.
The garden is chock-full of flowers and shrubs with plenty of lawn to play in and a perfect pool to cool off in day and night and to lounge around.
Local walks in the vineyards and cycling from the front door.
The local village Madiran, a 4 minute drive away, is small and has a great boulangerie and welcoming quality restaurant. We enjoyed both.
If you want a quiet, private, quality holiday, with access to the essentials (local towns are also only 15/20 minutes away) this is the place for you.
We had a great time, thank you!
Simon & Tessa, June 2022 Beautiful vacation home in idyllic location
This year we returned for our fourth stay in this wonderful property, and it felt like coming home. Like in the holidays before, we enjoyed the beautifully restored farmhouse, the lovely spacious garden, the inviting pool, and the fantastic view into the surrounding countryside and even the Pyrenees. The house is very well equipped and kept very clean. The owners are very accommodating, easily approachable, and caring for their guests. Thanks also for the valuable hiking recommendations, we enjoyed the trip to the Pyrenees very much. We will certainly return to beautiful Maison Acanthe again! Rainer M, June 2022 Serene and beautiful getaway in the foothills of the Pyrénées
This was our first stay at Maison Acanthe, and we are hoping it won't be our last! From the moment you arrive, there is a welcoming sense of calm and tranquility. The garden greats you with simply stunning views down the gently sloping garden to the beautiful pool, and then sweeps out over fields to the Pyrenees, it continues to give with the presence of so much nature, our young children (3 and 5) were completely enchanted by the birds, the little lizards and the butterflies! Inside the house, each room is really well appointed and equipped - we wanted for nothing, and awaiting us on arrival was a wonderful welcome basket, a really thoughtful touch from the owners, the house was also immaculately clean! We made a day trip to Pont D'Espange for a truly amazing walk in the mountains, ultimately ending at the breathtaking Lac De Gaube. On another occasion we visited the very child friendly Plage d'Hendaye where we spent a day paddling in the warm waters and soaking up the sun, our children made some very special memories. Maison Acanthe really is a jewel in the foothills, and we would very much like to return next year, we have been enchanted! Sarah L, May 2022 Perfect house with beautiful garden in the foothills of the Pyrénées
We spent two amazing weeks with two families in Maison Acanthe! It’s a great place for a relaxing holiday: the house is perfectly equipped - you won’t miss anything! It is beautifully decorated, in the kitchen you find everything to prepare a meal, there are lots of books to read ...The cosy bedrooms have all ventilation for warm summer nights. In the beautiful, well maintained garden you find shade given by different trees at any time in the summer heat or you can cool down in the big pool. The surrounding area is absolutely calm and wonderful for cycling without much traffic and in the night you have the sky full of stars! Madiran is a nice little village with a fabulous bakery ( the best “pain au raisin” ever). The vineyards in this area produce fantastic vines - you can try them in the nice little shop (Chez Madiran) on the main road. You find some really good restaurants in the surroundings, but it is also a pleasure to cook by yourself and stay with a glass of wine on the lovely roofed terrace with the amazing view to the Pyrénées! The owners of the house are very helpful for any questions and react professional if a problem occurs. You can’t find better hosts! Thank you again, Tracey and Mark, for sharing this place with us! We will definitely return! Claudia S, July 2020 Relaxing vacation in wonderful setting
Our second stay in this beautiful, well appointed restored farmhouse was even better than last year. The house was immaculate again, the extensive garden and the nice pool well maintained. The lovely owners are easily approachable and very supportive.
The view of the mountains was as gorgeous as before, which together with the absolutely quiet location ensures for a very relaxing time. The central location of the house makes it easy to explore the local gascony region and the foothills of the Pyrenees, with its fortified towns and castle villages, as well as many nature trails. We also enjoyed the culinary speciallties and the multiple flavors of this wine growing region. We will certainly return next year! Rainer M, September 2019
Swim, eat, cycle, eat, drink, sleep....Repeat!
Our second visit to Maison d'Acanthe did not disappoint. We were well and truly blessed with fabulous weather and couldn't believe how quickly our 10 day sejour passed. We found the perfect formula: swim, eat, cycle, eat, drink, sleep.... and repeat! Many thanks to Mark and Tracey for giving us the opportunity to enjoy their beautiful home once more. PS many thanks also to Sue the housekeeper who made us feel most welcome.
Darrel V, August 2019Fantastic holiday villa
We had a wonderful two weeks here in August and couldn't fault it. The pictures don't do it justice, we didn't want to come home.
The house was clean and tidy, and there was plenty of room for nine of us. The kitchen is very well equipped with a large fridge freezer which came in handy with a large party.
The large garden has plenty of room for children to play whilst the pool was easily large enough to accommodate all of us. The views are incredible and it is extremely quiet.
In the end we only left the house for one day out as we had everything we needed for an enjoyable relaxing holiday at the house. Tracey, the owner answered all our questions and queries promptly, and could not have been more helpful.
We would definitely return. TFL, August 2019
Paradise!
The house is well set out in an idyllic location. We had everything we needed for a perfect week away en famille. The owner was very prompt in answering my incessant messages (and patient too!) The house is accurately described and if anything, even better than we hoped it would be! Definitely recommend.
Cressida, July 2019 Beautiful restored farmhouse in a great location
We spent a very relaxing week at the end of September in this beautifully restored and well equipped farmhouse. Absolutely gorgeous view of the mountains across the beautiful garden. Quiet location, but still well connected to towns, restaurants and the must-see locations in the area. The house has everything you could think of, perfectly equipped kitchen, nice sitting areas and well appointed bedrooms, everything at a very high standard. Best of all is the absolute silence and the stunning view of a million stars at night We will certainly return! Rainer M, September 2018
Paradise found in the foothills of the Pyrenees
Quite honestly we would have been happy to just pitch our tent in the garden on arrival and take in the stunning views offered by the Pyrenees. Instead we felt obliged to take up residence in quite simply a most beautiful home. Maison Acanthe was immaculately presented throughout and equipped to a very high standard. Everything you could want was either available at the residence or within a short drive - from the fabulous pool, and sizeable, private, well maintained garden, to the local bars and restaurants in the surrounding villages and towns. We will definitely be returning to Maison Acanthe, but will travel further afield next time as there is clearly so much more to explore in the area.
Darrel V, August 2018
3rd consecuitve stay
I think the title sums it all up. The best property we have stayed in within France and the owners are extremely helpful. Lovely layout, kitchen and bathrooms, everything provided - don't want for anything. Lovely gardens, pool and mountain views and bags of animal and bird life. Pyrenees very accessible - take ya bicycle and do the Tourmalet!
Greg B, July 2018 Amazing place
The house was beyond our expectations: large, beautiful and peaceful view with a securised swimming pool. The place was perfect for our kids who could run in the big garden. The house is fully furnished, convenient and clean (thank you again Sue!) Everything was well described and we had a lot of information from the hosts Tracey and Mark.
From there we have visited the villages surrounding (Bassoues, Lupiac, Madiran, Marciac...) and Tarbes. We enjoyed a lot the quietness of Maison Acanthe and recommend this address warmly. Johanna D, August 2017An amazing house, with a great view and lovely owners
An amazing and large house with a view you can only dream about. Fully equipped kitchen, large rooms and a big pool. Everything was clean and everything you needed was available. The owners are really friendly and very helpful. All the info you want is available and a lot of possibilties to visit (Lourdes, San Sebastian, Pau...) The region is also known for its wine. We will visit again! Tim V, August 2017 Second excellent stay
Our second year running here which is very positive in itself. We had another great fortnight. The house was immaculate again and had all the facilities described. Wow, do I like their fridge.
Good cooking facilities, washing machine etc. Pleasantly furnished and two nice bath rooms. Lovely pool with great views of the mountains when the weather was good.
Lovely quiet garden surrounded by fields. Green Wood Peckers, Hoopoe, Red Squirrels, Black Shouldered Kite, Golden Orioles - wonderful for nature without being too insect ridden.
There are some good restaurants 20-30 mins away and 2 even had vegetarian menus. Weather wasn't good this time but c'est la vie.
Tracey the owner is very contactable before and during the stay which is very reassuring. Make sure this is the area you want to stay in, well recommended stay, although that means more people will book it! Damn! Greg B, July 2017A great property in a stunning setting
Grandparents, parents +12 week-old baby, had a terrific week's holiday in this lovely property. The setting couldn't be bettered for its stunning view and peaceful surroundings, and with its lovely private garden and pool. The house was well-equipped and everything worked. The local restaurant was excellent and great value for money. This is a lovely rural area but lots of nice places to explore such as Marciac. David M, August 2016
Amazing holiday
We had such a wonderful holiday! The house is even better than the pictures suggested, and in our 15 years of using Vrbo (inc when called owners direct, homeaway etc) it is honestly one of the best we have stayed in. Many houses have been great, but you know very quickly that they are really setup just as rentals, Maison Acanthe is the opposite. As soon as you walk in for the first time you can tell Tracey and Mark spend time here and love it as only a homeowner does. We had the best welcome pack we've ever had, the kitchen is well equipped, house spotless, beds comfortable, good showers, beautiful garden, the pool is huge and well maintained, just perfect. A car is essential as it is in a rural location but that was just what we were after for two weeks of quiet bliss. There is nothing quite like opening your bedroom shutters in the morning and seeing the Pyrenees in the distance! We absolutely loved it and were sad to leave. We cannot recommend this more highly, and we've never said that before!
Chris, August 2023 Le calme
La maison ne manque de rien. Elle est vraiment bien équipée et décorée. La piscine au top. Et quel calme. On a vraiment passé de très bonnes vacances. Concernant la propriétaire, elle est vraiment très disponible. Bref on ne peut que recommander. Eric C, July 2023
Fabulous holiday at Maison Acanthe - it is an outstanding property. We cannot recommend it enough
The property is amazingly and well appointed, the kitchen has everything you need and more. Beds are really comfortable, furniture throughout beautiful and in keeping. The outdoor seating area by the kitchen is well protected and perfect for al fresco dining even when the weather is not so good. Fantastic views of the Pyrenees and the beautiful garden from all sides of the house. The pool is a delight, great for cooling off or doing daily lengths. The area is quiet with good walks from the property and others further afield. There are a number of local wine producers who welcome tastings. All in all we were delighted by our holiday and would happily return again. DW, June 2023 Amazing holiday farmhouse
We spent 2 fabulous weeks at this farmhouse.
The facilities and pool were excellent, clean and it was kitted out with everything we could need.
The views of the Pyrenees from the farmhouse were stunning.
Great location, very peaceful and with local amenities not too far a drive away.
Would definitely go back! Kat, August 2022 Séjour très agréable
Très belle masion très bien équippée avec une vue magnifique et grande piscine. Même à distance, Tracey est très soucieuse du bien être de ses hôtes. Julie D, August 2020
Perfection
We came from one lockdown to, due to a broken down car, another. If you want to stay 2 weeks without going out, this is the place. Tracey and Mark’s home is everything you could want with the right amount of space not to go mad with 4 children. I am sure someone said there were sugar tongs, but I couldn’t find them!
Juliet B, July 2020Beautiful house, pool and views in a super quiet location
The house is beautifully decorated yet functional and not cluttered, and most importantly EVERYTHING works (showers, washing machine, pool cover, knives etc!). The size was perfect for 9 of us. The furniture was comfortable (especially the beds). The WiFi reliable in most rooms. Madiran is a very pretty village with a good and friendly bakery and the region around it is underrated and therefore not crowded: the perfect location to visit both the Gers and the Pyrennees. Freedom, July 2019Just perfect
Surrounded by fields and vineyards, Maison Acanthe, with its swimming pool and beautiful garden, is just the perfect place to spend some nice, relaxing holidays far from the crowds. With views on the Pyrénées from both terrasses, the house offers full comfort, with excellent beds and lots of space. Photos speak for themselves. We just did not want to leave ... Roving, July 2019Idyllic location and wonderful property
Garden & pool fabulous amazing location with fantastic views. House has everything you need, family friendly. Great for walking and cycling in the beautiful surrounding countryside. We had a fabulous time in this quiet and private property. We will visit again as we just loved it and the area. Thank you Tilly, May 2019
Relaxing vacation in wonderful setting
Our second stay (it would have been our third but I left the booking too late last year). The house is perfect in every way - beautiful, well equipped house, wonderful garden with flowers and mounatin views, and huge pool Great cycling all round in traffic fee lanes, and lovely walking on tracks in the fields. Very quiet and private, but walkable to the boulangerie. Thank you Tracey and Mark!
Polly and Rob M, July 2018
Gorgeous house, garden and THAT VIEW!
Fantastic in every way. Wonderfully comfortable house, beautiful garden with view of the Pyrenees, huge pool. Great cycling on quiet lanes for miles around, lovely footpath walks through vineyards, village boulangerie is walkable (2 miles). No close neighbours; very peaceful. Good wifi, good TV etc for those that want them. Easily the best house we have ever stayed in. Thank you Tracey and Mark.
Anonymous, July 2018
Wonderful views and pool
We booked the house for its fantastic view and pool - both of which turned out to be even better than in the photos. House is well thought out, very clean, with great internet, BBC on the TV and a fridge that makes ice (something for everyone!) Fantastic area for cycling - wonderful views at every turn and absolutely no traffic. Could not have been better. Thank you Tracey and Mark.
Polly and Rob M, August 2016 Must be good, the only place in France we've rebooked
Pretty immaculate facilities. Good sized rooms with everything you want. Lovely gardens and great pool with genuine mountain views. Quiet area, hardly any noise at night. Plenty of wildlife (non insect) which can be noisy at night
The best , medium priced, restaurant we have ever eaten in in UK or France in Madiran - fantastic local wines. Some lovely villages 30-45mins away.
Minor Gripes - Intermittent TV reception (seems common in France ) and we didn't get on with the electric pool cover so left it open
A recommended stay Greg B, July 2016
Wonderful rural holiday
We had a wonderful holiday at Bidos, where 7 of us stayed for a family celebration being held nearby. The house is huge and very well equipped - we wanted for nothing and were even able to host a party for 20 family and friends without difficulty. The garden and pool are beautiful and very well kept. Views from the house and garden are stunning and we were able to enjoy them while eating our meals on the shaded terrace.
Jane M, June 2015Wonderful house in a stunning spot
Beautifully furnished, clean & well maintained, this house has everything you could possibly need for a self catering holiday. The garden is lovely & has great views from every direction, even to the Pyrenees on a clear day. (We were so impressed with the outside space on arrival, it took us ages to even open up the house!) With temperatures in the mid 30s, our family spent hours in the pool which again is very well maintained. Although remote there are plenty of interesting places to visit for a day trip - Pau, Tarbes, Hautacam, and we even squeezed in a visit to San Sebastián After many great self catering holidays in France over the years, this house is definitely our favourite yet. Anonymous, July 2015A perfect place to relax and unwind!
This house truly is a gem and was enjoyed by our large family including six adults and three children. We have been holidaying in France for the past 6 years and this is our clear favourite, for which we broke our rule and returned for a second visit.
It did not disappoint and Tracey and Mark, the new owners, have even managed to improve it!!
The property is very spacious and beautifully maintained and well equipped for a relaxing stay. The garden is extremely well kept with lots of different seating areas, all giving you fantastic views of the countryside and mountains beyond.
The pool is fantastic and we spent most of our days lazying around soaking up the sun.
When we could drag ourselves out we found lots of places to visit, from vineyards to the mountains and caves, to the Jazz festival in Marciac.
Tracey and Mark, the owners were very helpful and promptly replied to all our questions before we left making sure we had a superb holiday. Rachel, August 2015 |