The Barn and its surroundings:
The original 'mas' (farmhouse) was probably built in the 19th century. Built with local river stone and cement, the beautiful stone walls are more than half a metre thick and studded with small pieces of terracotta - a method of keeping the walls free from moisture, which goes back to Roman times. The thickness of the walls ensures a natural temperature regulation - cool in summer, and warm in winter. The barn part of the property originally provided shelter for the horses which were used to work the vineyards which surrounded the mas, as well as for the storage of hay. The principal agricultural activity of this area of Languedoc Roussillon is now predominantly one of fruit growing: particularly peaches and nectarines. The sight of the orchards in full blossom in late February against a backdrop of snow capped mountains and blue skies is truly breathtaking!
Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter:
The barn has been sympathetically converted, keeping many of the original stone walls exposed and lime washing the others. The beautiful 'rose' terracotta floor tiles add to the delicious feeling of freshness and coolness during the long hot summers, Pretty rugs and an extremely efficient wood burning stove provide a snug and cosy contrast after a sunny and crisp winter morning walk or ski (the slopes are just an hour's drive away).
We have tested the local theory that you can really ski in the Pyrenees mountain resorts close-by in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean sea in the afternoon if your timing is right!!
Active or non-active. Something for everyone:
The house is between 20 and 40 minutes comfortable drive from a wide range of beaches along the Mediterranean coast. Choose between long sandy stretches of beach such as Argeles, St Cyprien and Canet Plage or quieter, smaller beaches, such as Racou and Collioure. Or drive along the old coastal road and the corniche towards and over the Spanish border, with its tiny coves and out of the way but excellent little tapas bars, restaurants and cafes, all the way to Dali's home at Port Lleucat.
Ski:
With the season getting longer (sometimes from November to April) there is easily accessible skiing to be had an hour's comfortable and pleasant drive from the house, in the traditional French Pyrenneen resorts of Les Angles and Font Romeu.
Les Angles is small by Alpine standards and biased to the beginner and intermediate skier. There are 29 slopes (2 black, 16 red, 5 blue and 6 green), 19 lifts (including a 16 person cable car) and 311 snow canons. Of the 11 downhill Alpine ski stations in the French Pyrenees, most offer cross-country (Nordic) skiing. There are also 10 Spanish ski stations over the border towards the principality of Andorra. Andorra itself has its own ski stations and the added advantage of being a tax-haven (2 hours drive from the house).
Golf:
There are several very good golf courses a short drive from the house. The French course at St Cyprien is just half an hour's drive and the 18-hole championship course (par 70 at 5177 metres) at the beautiful Spanish Spa of 'Domaine de Falgos' is an absolute 'must see' just over the border and under an hour's drive from the house.
There are other excellent Catalunyan courses to be found at Torremirona and Peralada (an area which incidentally also just happens to produce some really excellent wines to be sampled while you are there).
marks the location of the property in Aspres
