“…tucked away in the quaint port of Lequeitio….”
An intimate table, a beloved sailor's dish, and an afternoon dedicated to the Basque whalers and sailors.
“…tucked away in the quaint port of Lequeitio. Think the Hamptons—but centuries older, where humble fishermen's houses stand alongside beautiful Baroque manors.”
This private lunch meant for comfort and friendly laughter took place at 17th-century estate has long been one of the Upper Basque Country's most treasured summer residences.
Home to one of the region's most influential historic families, it carries generations of Basque history within its walls. Set beside the estuary, the palace opens onto a landscape that leads to two beaches and a small island, making it easy to understand why this corner of Lequeitio has remained a beloved summer retreat for centuries.
“The celebration fills the streets throughout the town. Here, we gather more privately.”
A day for celebrating the Basque whalers and sailors, or arrantzales. The town comes alive with people dressed in traditional indigo-blue clothing, honoring the generations who shaped this coastline.
The meal of the day is marmitako—a simple sailor's stew of fresh bonito, potatoes, local peppers, and a rich fish broth. Originally made aboard fishing boats, it's one of the Basque Country's most beloved comfort dishes.
For our table, we chose pieces that feel rooted in the Basque Country. Traditional Basque linen with its signature red stitching was layered with classic Bidasoa china and heirloom cutlery.
“Antique blue-and-white Chinese vessels from my mother's home in Canton echoed the indigo tones worn throughout the celebration, while hand-picked Queen Anne's lace, gathered from the surrounding countryside, brought the summer landscape to the table.”