Can Garraf

The villa

When we look at this home, the first phrase that springs to mind is the old adage 'old meets new' - and we really think that this place encapsulates what it means to take a historical, traditional building and, by restoring it with care and sensitivity, bring it straight into the twenty - first century so that it offers modern conveniences and sophisticated style accents alongside bags of authentic character. Think exposed original stone detailing, set off by sleek stainless steel, swathes of glass, and modern light fixtures, which really bring life to the space. Walking through the carefully designed spaces of this home feels at once like stepping back in time and being completely at home within its cosy environs.

Once a manor house, this quintessentially Catalan - style masia is spread over two main floors and offers not one but three living spaces, including warm and inviting seating areas in rooms with wonderfully tactile wood accents, a dining area with a distinctive blend of farmhouse - charm and industrial - chic, and a fully - equipped modern stainless steel kitchen complete with contemporary gadgetry. Then there are the seven calm - inspiring bedrooms, six of which are ensuite. The main suite even has its own private bathroom with a luxurious Jacuzzi bathtub.

Step outside, and you will be greeted by the beautiful private swimming pool surrounded by a terrace with a laid - back seating area, as well as the seemingly never - ending expanse of rugged countryside filled with Mediterranean flora and fauna between mature trees that characterise the area here. What's more, this property is located on the Garraf Natural Park, a protected area that encompases 50 acres of gorgeous landscape.

The home enjoys a great location just a fourty - minute drive from the colourful Catalan capital of Barcelona - a non - stop parade of fun, frivolity, and mouth - watering food - while the beautiful beaches of Sitges are also within easy reach. Despite its proximity to these major spots and enduringly popular coastal resorts, the positioning of this home amid the countryside of Catalonia means that the pace of life is slower here, allowing you to truly escape it all, taking the time to relax, rejuvenate and reset.

If you are travelling as part of a large group but are still hoping for a little peace, privacy, and much - needed 'me - time', then there is another similar though smaller property just around 160 metres down the road - perfect if you want to stay together, but have some privacy. Check out Can Garraf Estate for more information!

Much like the interior of this home, its location also offers you the best of both worlds - not to mention the perfect opportunity to discover the very best of what captivating Catalonia has to offer: from its flavourful cuisine to its richly varied cultural heritage and fascinating language. Catalonia is, of course, culturally distinct from the rest of Spain, and while some things translate from the rest of the sunny Southern European country, this part of Spain really does feel like a wonderful world in its own right. Characterised by its swathes of unspoiled countryside filled with everything from olive groves to vineyards; its soft golden sand beaches; and the charismatic villages that dot the gently undulating landscape all the way to the coast until you reach bubbling Barcelona, there truly is something for everyone to fall in love with in this multifaceted region.

Spend a day rambling along Las Ramblas, taking in the myriad sights, sounds, and smells of one of the world’s most vibrantly alive cities, or top up your tan on the beaches of Sitges as you finally make some headway with that novel you’ve been carrying around. Stop in at hole - in - the - wall eateries, pick up fresh produce in village markets, or simply watch rural life unfold around you from one of the cafés that line the bustling town squares.

Wine buffs may well rejoice, too, as the famous Penedes and Cava - producing winemakers of Torres, Cordiniu, Freixenet, and Gramona are all nearby. A visit to any of them makes for the perfect (perhaps somewhat boozy) afternoon out. Another idea for a day trip would be a visit to the world - famous and undeniably scenic ancient city of Tarragona, just 30 minutes away, or the magnificent Montserrat mountain, about 45 minutes by car.

The owner personally recommends taking a stroll into Sant Pere de Ribes through the vineyards, having a coffee at Matt Café or going to “Placa Marcer” and watching Catalan local life passing by (nothing fancy, but one of her favourite Sunday morning outings!). Along with this, book a table at El Pou in Sitges (a couple of weeks in advance since they are always fully booked) and order the smoked aubergine, pulpo and, an absolute MUST, patatas bravas!