Property details

Ref:

202

Property type:

Unspecified

Location:

Department: Pyrenees Orientales Area: Ceret Town: Reynes

Region:

Languedoc-Roussillon

Département:

Pyrenees-Orientales 66

Habitable Space:

Not Known

Summary

This ancient mas lies tucked into the hillside near a small trout river in the Reynes Valley - an id

Property description

This ancient mas lies tucked into the hillside near a small trout river in the Reynes Valley - an idyllic, sheltered location just 5 mins from the ancient market town of Cret.

The Spanish border is just 20 mins away, and a short stroll will give splendid views of Mt Canigou to the north, and to the south - across the Roussillon plain - the Mediterranean Sea (25 mins).

Set as it is in a lush and beautiful valley, this old farmhouse oozes character with its many huge beams and heavy wooden doors.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation comprises a range of individual self-catering apartments of character and charm - the majority of which have been converted from within the original farmhouse, often retaining many of the original features.

These apartments vary in size from 2 to 6 person accommodation. These are very comfortably and tastefully furnished with well-equipped kitchens (some with dishwasher) and bathrooms. There is shared use of the washing machine in the summer kitchen. Electricity & gas are provided without extra charge. Bed linen & towels are provided on a weekly basis on request.

Outside, in the mature, informal garden, there is a large swimming pool (12 x 5), garden/pool furniture, barbecues & table tennis. From the garden one can walk - via a trout river - through vineyards and orchards from which one can see Mt Canigou, Spain, and the distant Mediterranean.

THE ENVIRONMENT

This general area offers a wide diversity of attractions. It is at the gateway to the VALLESPIR - a region of great natural beauty with abundant forests of pine and cork oak, rivers and breathtaking gorges. Throughout the year the varied flora - from the first golden mimosa to the abundant pale cherry blossom of Spring and exotic, scented jasmine of summer - provide an ever-changing spectrum of colour and perfume to delight the senses and inspire even the dullest of imaginations. As well as the wealth of flora, thre is wild boar; deer and chamois; butterflies and rare birds. It is a place where one may rest or play; wind down or recreate; lose oneself or find oneself again.

Nearby, the old Catalan market town of Cret with its medieval arches and sleepy squares, lies amidst fertile orchards and vineyards, producing some of the earliest cherries in France, as well as some of the finest wines in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Cret is also becoming a well-known centre for arts and crafts. Some of its more famous residents have included Picasso, Dali, Matisse and Soutine, all of whom - intoxicated by the great natural beauty and clear, luminous light of the region - produced prolific works of art during their sojourn here. The Musee d'Art Moderne in the town houses a permanent selection of some of Picasso's works.

SPORT & LEISURE

Take some time one balmy evening to wander through the friendly old town stopping perhaps for a meal in one of the local restaurants/bistros. Do not miss Cret's lively Saturday market, threaded through the streets and squares, with its colourful array of cottons; leather goods; freshly baked breads; pickles; cheeses and various charcuteries, to mention just some of the delights on offer.

But, perhaps it is the Mediterranean coast you yearn for, with its temperate, cobalt waters. If so, why not visit lovely, arty, Collioure complete with Templar Castle, which for two centuries served as the residence of the Kings of Aragon & Majorca, or Banyuls where you may lunch in one of the many waterfront restaurants. If that does not appeal, venture into Spain for the afternoon to soak up the sun on the Costa Brava.

For the young, the beaches and nightlife of Argles and Canet, will almost certainly prove more enticing. Or, if you are more historically orientated venture into the very heart of the Vallespir, to the bustling spa town of Amelie les Bains (10 mins), or Arles sur Tech (15 mins) with its fascinating gorges and boasting the most ancient Benedictine abbey established in Catalonia circa 778 AD. A little farther and you will find the 1000-year old town of Prats-de-Mollo, birthplace of the Catalan resistance. In fact, there is a wealth of castles, abbeys, and Romanesque architecture to satisfy the historical interest. But, whatever your choice, there is sure to be something for you.

For the more active, as well as the usual water sports such as surfing, diving, kayacking and sailing, there is much on offer:- from trekking the many trails (the Trans-Pyrenean path GR10, is close-by); climbing (Mt Canigou approx 20 kms); horse-riding; cycling; paragliding, to ski-ing (nearest slopes 1 1/2 hrs). The quite exceptional climate, which is the sunniest in France with over 300 days of sunshine a year, allows for holidaying here most of the year.

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Available now for

€1,800,000

Agency Fees Included? Not Known

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