Our detached house in St Pée-sur-Nivelle is in an elevated position overlooking the valley with a large, private garden and many trees. The house, on three levels, is comfortably furnished and possesses two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, two sitting-rooms, dining-room, kitchen, three offices/studios and fitness room. For outside dining there is a substantial balcony, and a choice of terraces.

I live in a rural but not isolated situation just two miles from the village centre where a full range of facilities can be found. The Pays Basque is one of the most beautiful regions of France. We have golden beaches, stunningly beautiful villages, the mountains of the Pyrenees (rising up just behind the house), and green, lush scenery more frequently associated with countries such as Austria and Switzerland. The Spanish frontier, with its tantalizing opportunities for shopping, is less than five miles from the house, affording the experience of a completely different culture, vegetation and style of living. We are fifteen miles from the famous and stylish coastal resort of Biarritz; ten miles from the quaint fishing port of St Jean-de-Luz; and only twenty five miles from the very attractive city of San Sebastian on the Spanish Atlantic coast. With so much to see and do in the region, we can promise that you will never be bored! I would welcome the opportunity to look after any pets that you may have. We love all animals and would take the utmost care of any put in our charge..

I too am seeking pet-care as the one requirement of any exchange. Our own pets are four cats (all related) who spend a lot of their time outdoors particularly in summer and use a cat flap for entry and exit when they choose. The care and treatment of our cats is of paramount importance to us and therefore we must insist that any couple we exchange with do not invite any friends or family to come and stay with them. I'm sorry to say that experience has shown that it is necessary to write this.In addition, just putting food and water out twice a day is not enough. We would expect that the cats are involved in your stay by talking and playing with them as well as seeking them out in the garden etc. It is also worth dwelling on the fact that should one of them need veterinary care we would expect you to act promptly and see that they receive treatment, with us of course paying any bills. We should add that all four cats are young and healthy. This doesn't mean of course I expect that you devote your holiday to them, but they are important.

Lastly, and if you are not already put off (!!), it has been our experience that many senior exchangers have very restricted mobility and physical fitness. Overweight and awkward people stumbling and thumping about frighten the life out of me let alone the cats! It is most unfortunate that I have to write in such a blunt manner but past events have made these comments necessary.