Self catering apartments in Spanish Pyrenees, Catalonia

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Rustical´s review                                                     See prices

On its own, in the gorgeous solitude of wooded countryside, is an ergonomically designed group of houses and apartments that, in our opinion, offer one of the best experiences of rural tourism In Catalonia.

Here we are just 3 km from one of the emblematic and charming towns of the the early Catalan Pyrenees, Sant Joan de les Abadesses (see on Catalonia map), and 10 km from Camprodon, the small town that serves as the focal point of this delightful area, gatherin together hikers and other practitioners of mountain sports all year round.

It’s not that expensive, either, just good, restful accommodation in a lovely spot. Walks start from the moment you set your foot on the earth, there are bikes for rent locally and the Catalonian mountain dishes at restaurants are justly famous. Everything is within easy reach: you hardly need a car here.

For its location, natural warmth and quality, this accommodation ranks among our favourites in the Catalonian Pyrenees. Couples and families who want to explore an area whose state of conservation is virtually intact will love this place.

There are five rural lodgings and gardens arranged around the owners’ house (originally restored in 1854) in such a way that privacy and views of the surroundings are maximized. The evenly lawned gardens are perfect for children at play and there’s a communal garden lodge.

On this page we offer two self-catering apartments, each with a double and twin bedroom. A larger, three-bedroomed, apartment can be viewed here.

The apartments have an attractive, rustic, distinctly artistic style. We weren’t surprised to learn that they have found their way onto the pages of more than one “House and Country” type magazine. You’ll inevitably be wanting to spend a good deal of time out of doors here, enjoying the almost idyllic beauty of the area, but each apartment is so inviting that days in with a book in the comfortable, light-filled living room are seriously appealing, also. Plenty of wood has been used (in bedroom flooring, for example), lending an appropriately natural feel and scent to the place.

Each apartment – one is called Galliner, the other Cabaña (see photos for the decorative differences) – has its independent entrance and garden. In another and larger shared garden to one side we find a communal lodge with games, music system, sofas, barbecue, hammocks and an honesty bar.

The owners are a very hospitable couple who take it upon themselves to assist with information, help with directions – there’s plenty of printed info on the fantastic walks in the area – and recommendations for activities and restaurants. They also have a small shop that caters to basic needs.

They have kayaks which you can hire for navigating a river just 300 metres away and in the village of St Joan (2.5 km) you can hire bicycles for some truly sensational rides. It’s also where you will find excellent places to eat out, although you don’t need to go that far for good food. Seven hundred metres from the houses is the Agrobotiga restaurant, which serves barbecued local meats as well as first class breakfasts to fill the belly before a hike the forests (that’s if you don’t fancy making use of the apartment kitchen).

With such a lot on your doorstep and the helpful collaboration of the owners (they also offer an airport pick-up service), this is one place where you can get by without a car. But do try taking the Vall de Nuria train while you’re here: it’s a 12.5 km rack railway that takes you through an unforgettable landscape while climbing over 1,000 metres.

Obviously, having the use of a car opens up more opportunities for exploring. The Camprodon Valley (10 km) is another walker’s dream with its mild climate and average 300 days of sun a year (curiously, it rains more here in the summer signposted than at any other time). Camprodon has easy signposted hiking routes, ideal for all ages. They are circular, designed with natural features in mind, such as an oak or beech wood, and none is over 10 km. There are also half a dozen cycling routes through more demanding terrain.

You are not far from the volcanic area of La Garrotxa and within easy reach also of special villages such as Hostalets and Santa Pau.

There are ancient hermitages and sanctuaries to be discovered and the monastery at Sant Joan de les Abadesses is now a historic national treasure.

St Joan is a gem of a town with a distinctive arched bridge. Its virginal setting seems to have been lost on the occupants of the Benectine monastery which was founded by Wilfred the Hairy in 885 AD for his daughter, Emma. Two centuries later, the entire female community was expelled from the cloisters for misconduct, with which the legendary young Count Arnau evidently had much to do.

History, then, good food and natural splendor all year round, with great skiing at Valter 2000 only 35 minustes away.

A wonderful choice for natural holidays.

Facilities
Both apartments: central heating, fireplace (firewood not included), barbecue, wifi internet, TV, latex mattresses, parking; small private garden with garden furniture shared use of washing machine (in exterior utility room); large garden spaces and garden lodge with games and music system; all linen provided.

Distribution
All on one (ground) floor: open-plan living / dining room and kitchen; two bedrooms, one double-bedded, one twin-bedded; bathroom (shower over half tub).
Exterior: prívate, furnished garden area.

Location and Distances
In the lower reaches of a valley, surrounded by woods (nearest bar/restaurant 700 metres)

Sant Joan de les Abadesses (all services)	3 km
Camprodon (Pyrenees)	10 km
Ripoll	10 km
Olot (Garrotxa)	23 km
Ribes de Fresser (mountain train to Vall de Nuria)	35 mins
Valter 2000 (ski resort)	35 mins
Girona (town and Airport)	1 hr 15 mins
Barcelona (city and Airport)	1 hr 45 mins

NOTES ON AVAILABILITY FOR THIS PROPERTY:

*Special price for Spring 2010