House in Cataolina - about the house
about the house - and the locality
The French corner of Spain? Yes, this is how we were first attracted to the area (by an ad. in the Sunday Times) in 1983. We first bought an apartment and then a plot of land, where we built our one-off house in the mid 90's. This house is now for sale. Our friends think we are mad to leave it but we are building another in the same village.
The village is Port de la Selva, in the foothills of the Pyrenees about 7 miles from the French border. It is still a working fishing harbour, albeit on a small scale, which is famous for its anchovies. Although unspoilt by commercialisation and high-rise there are enough restaurants (including El Bulli 'the best restaurant in the world') and other amenities in the village and surrounding area to make a superb holiday or second home environment. The village has a sandy beach and there are dozens of rocky coves nearby - all forming part of the Cabo Creus Parc Natural, or wild life reserve, which includes both land and sea. The ski slopes of the Pyrenees are close enough to make day visits practicable.
Access to the area from the UK is now easy, thanks to Ryanair flying to Girona (about 1 hour from the house), but the majority of holidaymakers are still Spanish. The high speed rail link from the French TGV network to Barcelona is under construction and will temporarily terminate at Figueres (about half an hour away) pending the resolution of construction problems further south. Travel by car takes about 11-12 hours from Calais, without breaking any speed limits.
Now for the house. It stands on a sloping plot of about 850m2 with superb panoramic views of the village, the harbour, the open sea and mountains extending to the French border. The built area is about 350m2. There are four bedrooms (three with en suite) with space for a fifth and an en suite. Entrance is via a large dining hall, leading to a separate 4.5m square lounge with fireplace. Central heating is under-floor. The kitchen is fully equipped and has granite worktops. The pool is 11m x 7m with covered and open terraces on 2 levels, in sun or in shade. There is garden all round, with two ancient olive trees and a lemon tree, and a drive leading to the garage. Below the main living accommodation there are a large cellar, laundry room and garden store.
For more information, give us a call on 0115 933 4464 or 07710 130955 - or email carol_and_howard@hotmail.com. We would be happy to show you round if a mutually convenient time can be arranged. Otherwise we have a local agent who can help. The price is negotiable but our agent has valued the house at 900,000 Euros.