Category: Region

Heritage is important to the vast majority of us. After all, preserving our heritage helps to protect the future for future generations. Many of like to retain traditional features in our homes if we have an older property, and we often like to visit historic places of interest whilst on holiday.

In recent months we have shared stories of two heritage projects, one which was completed a few years ago in Dax and another planned for the future in Orthez. Understanding our culture and the local traditions are therefore extremely important to us.

A couple of other stories from across our region further illustrate this point.

The luxurious Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz – built in 1854 by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie de Montijo – opens for reservations in early November. This is following its successful renovation into a hotel that forms part of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation empire. In the summer of 2022, the hotel will be open to the public[1].   The Hôtel du Palais is a lavish affair – 86 guestrooms and 56 suites which the company is hoping will blend tradition with modernity.

Another renovation project is similarly interesting and inspiring. Less opulent perhaps, but an undertaking which embraces France’s heritage and traditions: the frigate Hermione.

Currently undergoing renovations to its hull and other repairs in a dry dock in Bayonne, the Hermione is a replica of the 18th century ship of the same name. This vessel is celebrated because it was used by an American General to travel back to the United States, allowing him to re-join his forces in the wars of independence.

Today, the Hermione is the largest seaworthy replica in the world. Managed by an Association, the Hermione undertakes a variety of training projects, travelling around France and the world. It is a magnificent boat. We wish it a speedy return to the high seas, hopefully by the spring of 2022[2].

Two different projects; each serving different needs, with varying budgets and objectives; but which share a common purpose: to retain the heritage and protect the future.

It is no different to a housing project in many respects. By combining the use of modern and traditional techniques and materials, here at Kiwi Construction we are able to design and renovate properties that reflect both planning requirements and the local heritage.  

If you would like to discuss your own renovation or construction project, please get in touch.

Joeline & Grant

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Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact :

Grant & Joeline Norris

+33 (o) 6 11 80 21 86

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

[1] https://tophotel.news/hyatt-unveils-the-new-look-hotel-du-palais-biarritz/

[2] https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/societe/l-hermione-restera-plus-longtemps-que-prevu-a-bayonne-1630991863

We love Hossegor. If I had to explain in one sentence why, Grant and I would say:
It’s naturally beautiful with an amazing coastline; it is a foodie’s paradise and you can put your car keys away – because it’s a great place to travel around by bike.
However, that is not all! So I thought this month we’d share with you a few highlights of the time we spent this summer in this charming Landaise town, surrounded by the peaceful pine forests.

🚴‍♂‍ It’s better by bike. Hossegor is incredibly bike friendly – and great for pedestrians, too. There are bike lanes everywhere to go to the beach, travel into town or venture out into the countryside. Pop out to the boulangerie in the morning, head to the seafront for a cooling dip or enjoy a peaceful evening on the beach.
🥐🥘🦈 Food, glorious food. There are plenty of great cafés, bars and restaurants in town plus superb markets to buy the freshest of fruit, vegetables and seafood. For us, there is nothing better than an evening spent watching the sun go down enjoying some oysters, bulots and a cool glass of rosé. Perfect.
🌲 It is close to nature. Perhaps unlike some other towns nearby, Hossegor has magnificent natural surroundings and is easily accessible; close to the forest, the marine lake and within an hour of the Pyrénées mountains.

There cannot be many places with so much to offer: the sandy dunes and beaches, plenty of walks as well as cycle routes, the fab food and it is THE place to go for water sports.
We hope that you enjoy the photos – and if you have never visited, hopefully it inspires you to go someday…
Enjoy the rest of the summer,
Joeline
Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact :
Grant & Joeline Norris
+33 (0) 6 11 80 21 86

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

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Looking for a beautiful, modern home, tastefully renovated – where all you need to do is to move in and start living your dream?

Our 3 bedroom property is for sale at 330,000€ in the lively little village of Amou in the Chalosse, part of France’s historic Béarn region. Walk to the Sunday Farmer’s Market, sit and enjoy life go by in a local café; Amou is ideal place for young families or retirees seeking a different pace in their lives. The village has schools from maternal to college and in nearby Orthez there are 3 lycées (one of which is bi-lingual from maternal to lycée). There is a public swimming pool.

We love this delightful property – we built it! However it’s time for someone else to enjoy this lovely home which is still under its 10 year decennial guarantee.

Located in a quiet street within walking distance of the village, the house is light and airy benefiting from the large windows and skylights.

On the ground floor, the entrance leads to an en suite bedroom, the living room and a good sized kitchen with space for a dining table. The bay windows open onto a terrace with a low maintenance garden and a fabulous swimming pool, perfect for relaxing on a sunny day.

The first floor has two large bedrooms with built-in cupboards, a bathroom with shower and a bathtub.

The house is perfect for couples and families who prefer modern living in a classic French village. Amou is also located 45 minutes to both the mountains and the beaches in one of the natural and enchanting parts of France.

For further information please get in touch below.

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:

Grant & Joeline Norris

+33 (o) 6 11 80 21 86

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/