CLOS MIRABEL MANOR / JURANQON / FRANCE
With a panoramic view over nearby vineyards, overlooking the entire mountain chain of the Pyrénées Atlantique, the fifteen-acre estate Clos Mirabel is worth visiting for the views alone.
It is set in a private parkland among the hills of Jurançon, but still close to many of the area’s most visited spots (such as the towns Pau and Lourdes) as well as just a one-hour drive away from the Spanish border and the French Basque Coast.
The original house was a modest Béarnaise farmhouse, built in the 1730s. In 1825, the property was bought by Jean Mirabel, who also acquired several acres of surrounding land, including a vineyard.
When bought by current owners, it had been untouched since the end of the 1940s.
The renovation has retained as many historical features as possible, including fireplaces, wooden floors and most of the windows.
The most striking quality of Clos Mirabel is the tranquillity.
There is no noise or pollution, and as the estate is quite large, it is a perfect place for exploring, taking a short walk or simply relaxing by the pool, with an undisturbed view of the mountains and enjoying the quietness and fresh air.
It is family-run which reflects in the atmosphere: staying here is informal and casual, almost as though you are staying with your own family or friends.
Clos Mirabel has an ambitious plan to be lessen its impact on the environment: solar panels are used to partly heat the swimming pool, wastewater is cleaned by reedbeds, natural paints and varnishes are used and meals are prepared using fresh local and mainly organic produce with vegetables and herbs from the permaculture garden.
The Manor House has five bedrooms and the Winery three. An additional building, called the Gatehouse, has three bedrooms.
The best option is to stay for a while, in order to not stress the experience but instead allow the calmness of the place influence you.
