We are all armchair travellers now.

Curbed by Covid19, all that is left to us for the foreseeable future, is to revisit our photographs and memories.

Memories of Ferme Elhorga, a 17th Century farm just a few kilometers from the French resort of St Jean de Luz on the Basque coast, have stayed with me more than most by virtue of the B and B’s own Ferme Elhorga linen spray (Brume de Linge) that I purchased on my fleeting, one night stay there. As we know, scent is strongly associated with certain memories, and a quick spritz is all it takes to transport me back to this exceptional home.

That a Bed & Breakfast establishment has its own fragrance produced by Vallebelle of Saint Jean de Luz, informs you that it takes the ‘perception is everything’ mantra to heart.

Style, charm, quirkiness, contemporary cool (enhanced by covetable vintage elements) and a blissful feeling of bien–être were collectively guaranteed to give rise to a sense of regret that this was only going to be – at least on this occasion- a one night stand.

From the cheery old bicycle with its ‘Ouvert’ sign greeting visitors as they arrive, the ornate gate that leads to nowhere, the comfortable candle-lit loggia and adjoining well equipped kitchen exclusively for guest’s use, the sleek swimming pool with views of the Pyrenees, the utterly gorgeous Mexican style cantina breakfast room with its colourful displays of ephemera (for some reason this space made me think “if Frida Kahlo was a room”) to the bedrooms planned with sound sleep in mind, I absolutely couldn’t take my eyes, or camera, off it.

To induce a perfect night’s sleep, adjustable electric beds, juxtaposed with the ancient and timeless sound of the sheep as they meandered across the hillside outside the window, their bells ringing gently in the deep violet dusk…

At breakfast, the true piece de resistance was the divine ‘pain perdu’ topped with luscious red fruits. I heroically refused the offer of a second slice, and I think that is all I need as an excuse to go back as soon as possible…to claim my second helping.

I expect that most folks would have taken a photo to share, but sometimes an experience is so good, it is best enjoyed with all senses fully engaged. Take my word for it though…you will be hard pressed to find a more heavenly pain perdu (although should you ever find yourself in Bury St Edmunds in Cambridgeshire, Gastrono-me’s version is quite awesome).

I recommend taking a browse through the owners website, as the photos and descriptions will enhance and amplify all that I have written here.

https://www.elhorga-en.com/home