Located in the heart of the beautiful Catalonian hills north of Barcelona, this lovely farmhouse is perched on a ridge with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and rolling farmland.  Here the air is clear and guests can relax informally in the countryside of rural Spain, explore famous art cities (Barcelona, Girona, Figueres) or swim and sun on the famous sandy beaches of the chic Costa Brava, less than 30 minutes away. The house has easy access to the highway, which is just 5 minutes from the farmhouse. You can cross the border into France in less than an hour making it easily possible to dine in Perpignon.

The surrounding countryside, dotted with medieval hill towns, woods and green fields, is reminiscent of Tuscany.  Lance Armstrong lived in Girona and trained in the hills and Pyrenees Mountains, because the area is excellent for bicycling and walking with many trails.  Guests can explore village markets, craft and pottery shops and marvelous restaurants.  Catalan cuisine is absolutely delicious, with fresh produce and ultra-fresh fish; several world-class restaurants are within reach.  But guests are also delighted by the small country restaurants that can be found in the nearby perched villages.

This beautiful stone "masia" (farmhouse) has a red-tiled roof, ancient well and stone walls with climbing bougainvillea.  It dates from 1806 and is a comfortable accommodation for up to 15 people with 7,600 sq feet indoors and a large covered terrace with fireplace and BBQ area outside.  It has been thoughtfully renovated to keep the original flavor with exposed-stone walls, vaulted ceilings, huge exposed beams, terra cotta-tiled floors, and color-washed walls.  All six bedrooms have individually controlled installed air conditioners.

Ground floor (sleeps 2+2) Enter into a large elegant entrance with original terra cotta barrel vault ceiling and terra cotta tile floors. Also on the floor is a large livng room with satellite-TV, pool table, card tables, sofas and large library with books in English, Catalan and Spanish. The heart of the home is a spacious eat-in country kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, fireplace and sitting area. One bedroom with queen bed and bathroom with shower over tub. There is also a library/office with a computer and twin beds to provide sleeping space for two additional guests, as well as a pantry and laundry room with washer and dryer. The kitchen door leads right out to the marvelous covered terrace with dining table for 14, fireplace and buffet.

Second floor (sleeps 10+1) Upstairs are 5 double bedrooms (3 queen-bedded rooms and 2 twin-bedded rooms) with 5 bathrooms, and a large center room with hand hewn beams, antique furniture, table and chairs. All bedrooms have window screens in all of the windows and all bedrooms are air- conditioned.

Outside are a garden with sunny and shaded areas, pergola, BBQ, swimming pool (5 x 10 m or 17 x 32 ft), Ping-Pong, bocce (petanque), basketball, and soccer field with goalie posts and a bicycle shed. All sport equipment is supplied. This is lovely country for biking to several nearby villages on quiet country roads to visit a coffee bar. Bicycles are available on request. Daily maid service is included. 

Amenities include pool table, computer with Internet access and printer, satellite TV, DVD player and stereo.

Mas Talaia is a marvelous place for a family or friends to enjoy a relaxing vacation in a fascinating and beautiful location.