Nestled in a peaceful hill village, this intriguing cottage built into the rock is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or a base for families to explore the area. It's situated at the edge of a charming hill village halfway between the high Pyrenees and the sea, and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Both the house and private garden have spectacular south-facing mountain views. The house is built into the rock and remains cool in summer and retains heat in winter.
The layout is as follows:
Kitchen: Electric hob, washing machine, counter-top combination microwave/conventional oven, fridge, slow cooker, etc. Open plan to:
Living Room: Open plan kitchen/dining/living room. Wood-burning stove, Bluetooth speaker, games cupboard, then steep stairs to:
Bedroom 1: Double bed and single bed, steep stairs to:
Bedroom 2: Twin beds. Bathroom is reached via this room
Bathroom: Bathroom with wc, sink and shower. The bathroom is on the 2nd floor, adjoining Bedroom 2.
Towels and bed linen included.
Also a hairdrier, two plug-in electric heaters, hot water bottles for winter nights if required, iron, washing line and pegs in the garden.
Garden: swing, walnut trees, fantastic views of canigou, table and chairs.
The stairs up to the first and second floors are steep, so very young children will need to be supervised, and the house is not suitable for people with mobility issues. There is a safety gate available for use at the top of the stairs in bedroom 2, for children if required. No pets, thank-you.
The Neighbourhood:
It's a beautiful quiet village perched on the mountainside with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and right down to the sea on clear days. At the top of the village there is a small playground for children, plus a basketball/football court with views of Canigou.
The countryside around the house and throughout region is wonderful for those with an interest in nature, hiking, mountain biking, skiing etc. High mountains, deep gorges, caves, crystal clear rivers, natural thermal springs and lakes are all around.
The garden looks down into the river valley where the narrow gauge ‘Petit Train Jaune' (Little Yellow Train) takes passengers on one of Europe's most dramatically scenic train routes.
Close by, mineral rich hot springs flow out from the mountains, into bathable pools, both within their natural setting and within the lovely open air swimming pool establishment at St Thomas les Bains (10km away).
The village of Olette is 5 mins drive away, and has a cafe/bar, pharmacy, butcher and bakery/ mini grocery store for basic provisions. Prades is 25km to the east and has large supermarkets, restaurants and a wide variety of other facilities, including an excellent Tuesday market.
Skiing at both Font Romeu and Cambre D'Adze is 35 mins drive away. Les Angles is a wonderful family-friendly resort - it is approx 45 mins drive away.
The region is rich in historical interest with many Romanesque churches and ancient abbeys. Several of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France' are within a short drive.
Getting Around
A car is essential. Airport: Perpignan (1 hour), Girona (2 hours), Carcassonne (2 hours) Barcelona (2 hours 45 mins) Train: Olette (5km). The village is reached by 3km of mountain road with six hairpin bends and a few narrow stretches where two cars cannot pass each other. You may prefer to arrive during daylight hours if this concerns you. Car parking is available in the centre of the village, a two minute walk from the house. The location of the parking and the steepness of the internal stairs make the house unsuitable for those with mobility problems.
