Large, traditional holiday villa with private pool in Girona, Spain

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Rustical´s review                                                     See prices

The impression one has on entering the reception hall is more of a castle than a millhouse: the huge space, the vaulted ceiling and stone walls. Is this all for us? you might be tempted to wonder.

It’s surprising how quickly you can get used to the grand old Spanish style and make yourselves at home here. For families or a group of friends or colleagues, it has oceans of room and all the conveniences one expects and requires of a holiday home.

There’s a magnificent swimming pool, large paved terraces for dining or sunbathing, and wifi internet.

The proprietors live in a separate part of the extensive property, with its own entrance to one side. The lion’s share of the accommodation, the front gardens, terraces and the pool, are all for the exclusive use of guests, whose privacy is respected to the utmost. It’s also a small homestead with chickens, horses and lazy dogs which you’re welcome to visit (and fresh eggs are always available).

The area is very pretty: this is La Garrotxa in picturesque Girona with some of the most delightful walks in Spain through a region of extinguished volcanoes. You can go horseriding, cycling, paragliding, play golf, go rowing in the lake at Banyoles, but is the walks that most people find so rewarding. The options are innumerable but the new signposted network of trails through La Garrotxa Natural Park is enough on its own to satisfy hikers of all levels of fitness.

The millhouse was built in 1797. It’s stately yet comfortable, with six parquet-floored bedrooms sleeping twelve people. The predominant style is rustic Provençal. complemented by modern facilities.

A flight of stairs goes up from the imposing entrance hall to the first floor, which is where most of the accommodation is distributed. A very large main room with a long, formal dining table and informal living area opens to a balcony looking out at the countryside over terraces, swimming pool and the wooded slopes alongside them.

Stairs lead to a cosier living area, a gallery overlooking the main room whose beamed ceiling curves down to the floor. It’s a good place to hide away with a book or write emails, or for children to play.

One bedroom is situated by the doorway to the main room, the other five bedrooms lead off a corridor on the same floor. There are three double-bedded rooms, two of which have en suite bathrooms. The other double and the three twin-bedded rooms share a bathroom.

The kitchen is alongside the lounge and dining area. It is fully equipped to cater a full party of one dozen. It has also has access to the balcony at the front of the house.

The outdoor terrace and pool areas are private and not overlooked by the owner’s accommodation. The pool is smashing, twelves metres by six and chlorine-free, with plenty of terrace space to lie in the sun or take meals. If natural river dips appeal, the nearby River Llemena has safe bathing spots.

To the rear of the house are the owners’ gardens, which you are welcome to explore and enjoy, simply bearing in mind that they are a shared part of the property. The old feeding pool for the mill is here.

Food always plays a significant apart in any successful holiday and Catalonia is never going to disappoint in this respect. There is an excellent restaurant less than five minutes away and the local area has other, also very good, country restaurants. The house is on the edge of the village of Sant Esteve and there are two further bar/restaurants which we didn’t try. In Planes d’Hostoles (15 minutes drive), you’ll find first class butchers and bakers. As our Catalonia Guide indicates, this is Spain at its most sophisticated. Where Andalucia might have supermarkets, Catalonia is likely to have delicatessens.

The opportunities for cultural and scenic tourism represent a serious motive for choosing this area. Some may be drawn to the art, architecture and antiques in the local medieval villages and churches, where they will find themselves spoiled for choice. Others will want to venture into the fabulous landscapes of La Garrotxa which offering some of the best and most unusual trekking options we have come across.

The Vall d´en Bas, its little pretty villages and valley, is irresistible, while nearby mediaeval Besalu is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Olot, the regional capital, is replete with history and museums; the beautifully preserved village of Santa Pau is as impressive as the six-kilometre lava flow left by its volcano, El Croscat; and alking around the totally spectacular Castellfollit de la Roca is an unforgettable experience. This narrow village was raised on cliffs of volcanic lava that poured forth thousands of years ago.

And for those who find the sea irresistible, there are the great satisfactions of seeking out isolated beaches and some extraordinary views along the coastline. It takes an hour to reach here. Drive the same distance north and you’re in the Pyrenees.

Facilities
Large private pool (12m x 6m , 1.20 - 2.30m deep, chlorine-free); pergola and private terraces areas with sunloungers and garden furniture for meals al fresco; if clients wish they can access back gardens (unlike pool & terraces this space is shared with owner); fully-equipped kitchen including dishwasher; wifi internet connection; TV/DVD; central heating; open fireplace with firewood included; cot; all linen included.

Distribution
On three floors
Ground floor: large reception hall.
First floor: spacious dining room / lounge with doors opening to balcony overlooking pool; kitchen with door opening to balcony; 6 bedrooms: 2 double-bedded with en suite bathrooms, 3 twin-bedded and 1 double bedded; bathroom.
Second floor: sitting area / gallery overlooking first floor lounge.

Notes:
-The swimming pool is open from Easter until October 12th, subject to adverse weather conditions.
-A meals service can be arranged on request.


Location & Distances
Walking distance from Sant Esteve village, in the Lower Garrotxa (2 bar/restaurants)