Les Hauts Pâturages

01/06/2024

Loving my David Austin roses, surviving and thriving in the mountains makes me smile ... .kitchen

15/11/2023

2023 was the year of Sunday Brunch. Many weekend guests requested a late check out to enjoy brunch before heading home. Top favourites were :
American fluffy pancakes with seasonal fruit, yoghurt & smashed strawberries.
Poached eggs with asparagus (spring) or Avocado (summer) on toasted sourdough
Dougs homemade yoghurt and fruit from the orchard
.kitchen

27/04/2023

A moment when, tonight, the weather and the season seemed to change in an instant. I wanted to share the birds chirping and the light across the valley hitting the house and the swimming pool.

15/03/2023

Last week we experienced heavy rain and howling winds. When we finally managed to head out the the fields we discovered the solar panels for the swimming pool in pieces. Doug is working full speed to repair and replace; to get the panels back on line ready for the swimming to open in May. Life in the mountains can be a challenge!!!

03/03/2023

Had to buy these tulips - not seasonal I know, but its been a long snowy winter here in the Hautes Pyrénées and I long for Spring....
.kitchen

27/02/2023

One of the joys pre covid-19 was leafing through our Visitors Book (livre d'or) and reading all the comments guests left along with pictures and sketches. On the re-opening of tourist accommodation after covid we were instructed to remove all paper including tourist information, our beloved visitors books, guide books, novels and board games etc., We had to embrace all things electronic and guide books became apps for mobile phones and holiday platforms i.e. Airbnb etc., encouraged everyone to leave online views by clicking tick boxes, mask wearing and standing metres apart became the norm. No more pictures and funny sketches, our nature walk quizzes were consigned to the bin and the lovely collections of leaves, flowers and stones somehow never made it over to our house.

After spending a couple of happy hours looking through the comments and pictures I have put back the visitors books and nature walk quizzes etc., the electronic guides will still be sent to give guests an flavour of the area and help to plan their stay and I'm sure we will all be clicking on the online reviews but I'm looking forward to those lovely pictures, children empting their finds from the nature trails and bunches of flowers. Roll on summer....

25/02/2023

A couple of stunning photos from Robin who lives across the valley.

22/02/2023

Check out Hautacam! Just 40 mins drive from the house takes you to a Winter Wonderland. Leave your skis at home and discover family fun from sledging, snowshoeing, climb aboard a snowmobile, rush down the mountain luge, try a dog sledding trip or simply take a moment and enjoy the majestic setting of the pine trees and unique panoramic view over the valley.

19/02/2023

A return visit to my local Brocante where I fell in love with a couple of antique linen sheets, although narrow they are 3 metres long - perfect tablecloths for our supper clubs, afternoon teas and weddings! Originally used as part of a trousseau the bride will have spent many hours embroidering sheets etc., to take to her new home.

The tiny teacups are perfect for invidual desserts!
.kitchen

09/02/2023

Holiday ready! Reserve the last few places in JULY and AUGUST 2023!!
Check out our website for current availability or message me.

07/02/2023

Guest out ski-ing gave me a chance to visit my favourite Brocante. Fell in love with this beautiful linen tablecloth which is perfect for our afternoon teas. The linen came up beautifully white and the embroidery has a lovely folk feel. A piece to treasure
.kitchen

04/02/2023

“The great thing about reaching the top of the mountain is realising that there’s space for more than one person"

31/01/2023

A few dishes from our Vegetarian Winter Feast Menu - perfect after a day spent ski-ing in the mountains... .kitchen

26/01/2023

Enjoying a trek through the forest at Val D'Azun - perfect for nordic ski-ing and snowshoe adventures. .kitchen

11/08/2022

08/06/2022

Hitting the heights here in the Pyrénées! Just a short drive from the house and you will discover the most amazing views. A pair of walking boots, suncream and a picnic and you are good to go!
gitedecharme

10/08/2021

Bumble bees and honey bees 🐝 loving the lavender!

01/08/2021

Surprise gifts for Doug and I from our lovely guests. A wonderful week meeting old and new friends! .kitchen

26/07/2021

Just arrived in Marciac for the jazz festival (just over 1 hours drive from the house) sitting in the sunshine, slipping a glass of the local white whilst soaking up the atmosphere listening to great music. Tonight it’s Cool and the Gang!! Can’t wait. .kitchen

17/07/2021

Early morning meditation with Sophie around the pool grounds us before the madness of Saturday changeovers. .yoga .kitchen

06/07/2021

Quick visit to Bayonne to stock up on air dried Bayonne ham and basque aperitif in our favourite charcuterie Etxe Peio

04/07/2021

A couple days with Annie Sloan chalk paint and wax renovated this mahogany piece which was lovely but dated. Guest ready!!!!

28/06/2021

Gabriel met à friend on his morning walk in the forest. I think it may be a pine Martin. I’m not sure - if anyone can identify this cheeky animal please let me know .kitchen

27/06/2021

Morning coffee around pool with the delicious Apricot & Almond Crumble Muffins! Recipe from the wonderful Anna Jones e-mail which arrives in my inbox every Saturday morning giving me inspiration for the week ahead. -paturages .kitchen

24/06/2021

Perfect way to start your day! Yoga class around the pool - holiday heaven! .yoga

08/06/2021

First batch of Elderflower Champagne - perfect for lazy lunches in the sunshine. Made from elderflower heads, lemons, tiny bit of sugar and a splash of white wine vinegar. The natural yeasts in the flowers combine with the ingredients to create the fizz. Simple and delicious!!! .kitchen

30/05/2021

Meet the neighbours...

16/05/2021

Guest ready! Looking forward to getting back to normal.... .kitchen

17/01/2021

Last peek at the Christmas decorations in La Bigourdane!