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4 rooms
Rooms sleep 2
The Experience
This 14th-century fort has a fascinating history. Originally the Earl of Beaumont’s under British rule, it was built to control the entrance to the Basque Country. Now, it is an incredibly special B&B – delightful Ana puts so much effort into the finer details and loves to fuss over her guests.
She used to be a Cordon Bleu chef so you’ll eat well here: homemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, pastries, scrambled eggs with salmon or brioche French toast for breakfast; nibbles, aperitifs, tea and cake in the afternoon, and globally inspired dinners. Find three of the bedrooms in the main house with views over the garden or river, and the fourth in the garden lodge with its own private terrace.
Borrow a bike or set out on foot to explore the Basque country, drive to the coast in half an hour or head to San Sebastian for the day – it’s just under an hour’s drive. Return for a swim in the pool, and a glass of wine on a terrace shaded by fine old plane trees next to the river.
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We think you'll love
- The wonderful riverside setting and exploring the undiscovered Basque countryside
- Relaxing in your comfortable and pretty bedroom
- Being within such easy reach of Spain – it’s only 50 minutes to San Sebastian

You should know
- You can’t easily walk to the nearest town
- No children
Essentials
- Swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Garden
- Open fire / woodburner
- Breakfast included
- Breakfast available
- Meals available
- Vegetarian meals
- Oven
- Parking on premises
- Free parking nearby
- Accessible by public transport
- WiFi
- Television
- Spa
- Central heating
- Limited mobility
- Wheelchair access
- Mobile reception
- Hob
- Bar
- Barbecue
- Licensed premises
- Paid parking nearby
- Air conditioning
- Relaxation areas
- Washing machine
- Tennis court
- Microwave oven
- No smoking
- Credit cards
- Working farm
- Owner has pets
- Dishwasher
- Pets welcome
Family friendly
- Baby monitor
- Books and toys
- Children welcome
- Babies welcome
- Stair gates
- High chair
- Cot available
Nearby
- Pub/bar within 3 miles
- Restaurant within 3 miles
- Shop within 3 miles
Activities
- Bikes available
- Food courses
- Kayaking
- Other courses
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Wild swimming
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Information
& pricing
Booking information
- Check in
- Flexible.
- Check out
- Flexible.
- Booking restrictions
- Minimum stay: 2 nights.
- Closed
- Until April 2020.
- Owner has pets
- Animals living on the property
- Meals
- Dinner, 4 courses including cheese, from €35. Wine at cost price.
Pricing
- Nightly price
- from €155
- 1 Twin/double
- From €155
- 1 Studio for 2
- From €180
- 2 Doubles
- From €155
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Accommodation
Reviews
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It was lovely to discover a lesser known corner of the Basque country and meet bubbly, eccentric Ana who loves to chat. The beds looked supremely comfortable!
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This is a truly amazing place with the incredible Ana as host. We have stayed many times at Ana's previous residence in Bordeaux, which was fantastic. Fort de Pitres is exceptional in terms of the location, extremely high quality of accommodation, the pool and grounds and the food and wine. Luxury in the countryside and pure relaxation. Looking forward to staying again this year and also having some time in nearby San Sebastian, which Ana has organised every detail for us. Congratulations Ana on another amazing place.
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Location
The neighbourhood
There are lovely walks from the house which start once you cross the nearby bridge and great cycle paths all over the countryside, or stay put and go boating, canoeing and fishing on the Adour. There are four golf courses within 20-30 minutes, and plenty of worthwhile sites within half an hour: Bayonne, Biarritz and St Jean de Luz for museums, beaches and shopping; the charming traditional Basque town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port; surfing beaches at Anglet. The nearest train station is in Bayonne, and Ana can pick or and drop you off.
Local points of interest from Ana Bockmeulen
- Lots of village markets nearby in the Basque country e.g. Espelette, Sare, thermal baths in Cambo les Bains, shopping Bayonne, Biarritz, St. Jean de Luz etc
- Many Michelin starred restaurants and St. Sebastian's unique gastronomic and artistic scene within an hour's drive.
- Beaches, fishing on the river all nearby, e.g. Cap Breton, Hossegor, the Landes holiday areas.
- 4 golf courses nearby, skiing in winter, kayaking, cycling river boat cruises.
- A historic fort with beautiful garden areas nestled next to the river Adour. Within easy reach of an infinite variety of activities and places that will delight you.
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Introducing
Ana Bockmeulen
Venezuelan Ana has been a Sawday's owner for years. Her former B&B, Château Claud-Bellevue was on a vineyard near Bordeaux and she also used to sell wine to Michelin-starred restaurants – you can pick up a bottle here too. It took her a year to renovate the Fort to the beautiful standard it is now. Ana is warm, kind and ensures that attending to her guests’ needs and well-being is paramount.
I thought Ana's place in Bordeaux was fantastic but the Fort De Pitres is truly amazing. The house is beautiful, the views and surrounding area spectacular. As ever Ana and her daughter were great, the food and wine was excellent and the accommodation perfect down to every little detail. We are already booked for this summer. If you want relaxation, lovely walks and to be spoilt in a beautiful setting, this is definitely one to visit.