Apartment for activity holidays in the Pyrenees, Spain, two pools

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Rustical´s review                                                     See prices

This is a place where nature presides, ideal for quality rural tourism. We’re in the heartland of Catalonia, an hour and a half from Barcelona, close the Pyrenees.

The impressive estate enjoys a pastoral setting that is hard to beat, surrounded by Alpine firs and looking out to the high (2,500 m) peaks of the nearby Cadi mountains. Dotted here and there are exquisitely preserved hamlets and villages and farmhouses like those belonging to the estate, which have been excellently refurbished for holiday rentals.

It’s a superb location, harmonious and peaceful. Beyond, the mountainside is wild, penetrated only by foresters and mushroom and truffle-hunters, who delve deep into the woods in search of these special elements of local cuisine.

There are five independent holiday homes sharing some of the best facilities in rural Barcelona. There are two swimming pools, one of which is indoor and heated, as well as a sauna and a games and fitness room. We offer the two apartments we liked best, this and CA20. Both are striking and spacious, with separate entrances on either side of a huge masia, or Catalonia farmhouse.

This holiday home has its entrance on the ground floor, under a covered, furnished porch, looking out onto a broad lawn that is virtually private: great if you’re coming with children.

The accommodation is comfortable and well-finished, opening onto the gardens to let in a cheerful natural ambience. Decoration includes examples of modern conceptual art. Sturdy, original 18th century stone walls are complemented by sold wooden floors and ceilings, which also lend the building warmth.

The ground floor of living room and dining room / kitchen is divided by a wooden staircase that goes up to the two bedrooms, a double and a twin. These are welcoming and have quality furnishings and a rustical décor; each has its own shower room/WC.

Outside, the porch is very private and a perfect place to enjoy meals. The main, outdoor swimming pool is across the gardens. As you bathe, the views all around are wonderful. There are plenty of sunloungers.

Close by is the equally irresistible indoor pool, heated to 28º C, a sauna (which is charged at 3 euros, by the way), also a fitness room with table tennis, a pool table and table football. Facilities that one might expect of a high category hotel without the pressure of too many guests.

The estate is geographically situated at the threshold of the some of the most famous mountains in Catalonia. The north face of the Cadi range is especially formidable and Pedraforça (2,457 m), wrapped always in its own particular mystery, is a legend among Spanish mountaineers.

In less than an hour you can be in the Cerdanya, a spectacular high and sunny valley that borders with Andorra. Here, sub-Mediterranean woods alternate with Alpine meadows, beech forests, woodlands of red and black pine and conifer. Cerdanya is a privileged environment where outdoor sports are extensively practiced. There are trails for mountain bikes, hiking paths of various durations, cross-country or alpine skiing, golf courses, horse riding and fishing.

But you don’t need to go that far to enjoy these activities. Small local operators offer all kinds of fun experiences, hang gliding to canyoning or high altitude guiding. If you want to hire bicycles, they can be brought to the house. There’s even a small ski station 20 minutes away.

You’re in pristine countryside here, so it’s not built up with local shops and restaurants. There’s a little village nearby (population 76) with no services, but 15 minutes isn’t far to drive for some very good establishments in the small city of Berga, capital of the region. We'll send you details of at least two interesting restaurants with your holiday documents.

Access is pleasantly rapid from Barcelona: motorway all the way to Berga and then 15 minutes along a country road. Girona Airport may look much closer on the map but the roads are winding and the journey takes about the same time.


Facilities (private)
Central heating; open fireplace (firewood); flat screen TV with DVD; shaded & furnished porch; all linen provided.

Facilities (shared)
Open air swimming pool; heated indoor pool (28°C); gardens; sauna (charged at 3 € per session); fitness and games room; barbecue area.

Distribution
On two floors, 90 m² in total
Ground floor: porch and gardens; living room separated by staircase from dining area / kitchen
First floor: two bedrooms, one double-bedded; one twin-bedded; shower room/WC.

Notes:
-Changeover day for July and August is Friday.

Location and Distances
Farmhouse holiday complex in peaceful bucolic setting of woods and meadows.

Berga (all services, including good restaurants)	15 mins
Rasos de Peguera (small family-run ski resort)	20 km
Baga (main village in the Cadi mountains)	35 mins
La Cerdanya (alpine area, mountain sports)	50 mins
Pyrenees and major ski resorts	1 hr
France	1 hr 15 mins
Andorra (shopping and winter resorts)	1 hr 30 mins
Girona Airport	2 hrs
Barcelona Airport	1 hr 30 mins