OCC11 - Ceret - Le Grenier

Beautiful, tranquil countryside setting between the Mediterranean and Pyrenees. This characterful and tastefully decorated apartment within an old Mas farmhouse boasts beautiful views from its terrace over the pretty garden, pool and surrounding countryside. The apartment is situated a short drive from the historic market town of Céret and nestles in the foothills of the Pyrenees just a 30 minute drive from the beaches of the Mediterranean. The Spanish border is 20 minutes in the car with Barcelona only a 90 minute drive away. This is an ideal location to get away from it all with numerous options to explore the many attractions nearby. The apartment’s terrace and front door is approached through the garden and up an attractive spiral staircase. The good-sized terrace has a table and six chairs and 2 sun loungers from which to admire the views whilst sipping a glass of delicious local wine from one of the many local vineyards. The front door leads directly from the terrace into the lounge where there is comfortable seating and a TV monitor and DVD player. Through the next door is a large kitchen/diner/family room with stunning high beamed ceilings. The room is well-equipped with ample space for dining and relaxing. The two bedrooms and bathrooms lead from this main living area. The master bedroom has a double bed, plenty of storage and an adjacent shower room. The second bedroom has good storage, an en suite shower room and toilet and 3 single beds which can be configured as a double, a twin or with all three beds if required for three children. The apartment benefits from air conditioning which is vital in the summer but also has central heating in the winter should there be cold weather. There is an extra charge only for central heating. The property shares a large, secured pool, with great views and sun loungers, with the other 3 similar-sized apartments in the Mas. The pool measures approx. 10 by 4 m and has a deep and shallow end. Other shared facilities include a 4 person sauna (small charge applies), a table tennis table and an exercise room with treadmill and a laundry. Washing machines are available also at a small charge. This is truly a beautiful location with the gardens in constant bloom. Opportunities for walks in the hills are endless and can be accessed directly from the house. The nearest boulangerie and bars are a 15 minute walk with a supermarket a 5 minute drive away. Nearby Céret has a magnificent Saturday market and is very popular with artists. It boasts a Museum of Modern Art featuring regular exhibitions including works by Picasso, Matisse and Soutine among others. The picturesque seaside town of Collioure is 40 minutes away and it is only 30 minutes to the nearest beach for a swim or snorkel in the Mediterranean. There are many watersports at Argeles Beach and boat-trips along the coast available daily from Port Argeles where you will find endless fish restaurants selling the catch of the day. The snorkelling is best at Le Racou (the far end near the Criques). The proximity to Spain means that you get 2 countries for the price of one! Many locals do their weekly shopping in Spain at La Jonquera, where you will also find duty free cigarettes and excellent inexpensive Spanish wine and Cava. The beautiful cities of Girona and Barcelona are an hour and 90 minutes down the A9 autoroute where you can experience the culture of Catalunya and admire the work of Dali and Gaudi. You can visit the Dali house in the beautiful fishing village of Cadaques or swim at one of the many Costa Brava beaches such as Roses or Empuriabrava all of which also boast fantastic restaurants.