Converted Barn In Pyrenean Foothills with Private Pool and Spectacular Views

OVERVIEW Situated in the foothills of Le Canigou, the sacred mountain of the Catalans, and above the valley of the River Têt, this house was once a traditional stone barn, converted earlier this century and with recent improvements by the new owners, and retaining many original features. Whilst having the individual character of a building 350 years old it also has the convenience of a modern house with a bright living area as well as its own private pool. It sits on a tranquil hillside surrounded by bird life, sheltered and secluded from nearby properties. There are panoramic views of the Pyrennean foothills and Rigarda village below. LOCATION The property is on the Traverse de Joch on the outskirts of Rigarda village. The village is conveniently located 3 kilometres from the old town of Vinça. LOCAL FACILITIES Vinça has 2 bakers, a butchers, a mini-supermarket, cafes, a pharmacy, 2 banks with ATMs and on the outskirts there are farm shops selling local produce in season. In the town of Prades (15 minutes by car) there are all the facilities you normally need including 2 supermarkets, post office, pharmacy, doctor and dentist. In the nearby town of Ille-sur-Tet there is a further supermarket. The major city of Perpignan (30 minutes by car) is the regional centre and very good for shopping. It has an old town and a number of historic buildings. There are restaurants in these towns and the surrounding area as well as two excellent markets at Prades (Tuesday) and Thuir (20 minutes by car, Saturday). ACCOMMODATION The house is an 'upside down' house on two floors. The accommodation is arranged as follows. Ground Floor: • Entrance hall – with coat hanging space and stairs to first floor having washing machine in cupboard underneath. • Master bedroom – with en suite shower room with power shower, basin and WC and door to walkway and steps down to pool. • Second double bedroom – with door to walkway and steps down to pool. • Third bedroom – with two single beds. • Second Bathroom – with power shower, bath, basin and heated towel rail. • Separate WC – with basin. First Floor: Very light open plan living space extending across the whole floor (approx. 60 square metres) and comprising: • Living area – with sofas and chairs, sideboard, central wood burning stove, 42" TV, DVD player & Bluetooth-enabled music and broadcasting system. There is complimentary wifi for guests (with a 15GB monthly limit so not suitable for music and film streaming). • Dining area - with dining table that will seat 6. • Fully equipped kitchen – with oven, hob, microwave, 2 fridges, freezer, dishwasher and double sink. • East facing double-glazed doors to balcony, with dining table seating 6 and gas barbecue. Outside: • Gravel drive with parking for 2 cars. • Garden and grounds – terraced on three levels, with shaded dining & seating areas. Safety gates to protect small children. • Swimming pool – 8 metres by 4 metres, fenced and surrounded by decking with pool furniture. • Separate parking space for 1 car. FEATURES OF THE SURROUNDING AREA The surrounding area provides plenty of opportunities and interest for all kinds of visitors: • Serious hiking and cycling in the Têt valley including the stunning Gorges de la Caranca. • Gentler local walks, with one or two starting from very near the house itself. • Swimming and waterborne entertainment at the lake and beach in Vinça which is safe for all ages having lifeguards present. • Public tennis courts in Vinça. • Caves and grottos and a variety of outdoor activities for all ages including rafting and canyoning at the river sports centre at nearby Marquixanes. • The beautiful old fortified town of Villefranche de Conflent is a few kilometres away. • A spectacular journey into the high Pyrenees on the Little Yellow Train (Le Train Jaune). • Music festivals, including the Pablo Casals Festival in July in Prades and the regular Thursday performances in Perpignan during the summer. • Mediterranean resorts with good beaches at Canet, St Cyprien and Argelès. • Beautiful mountain scenery around the valleys of the rivers Têt and Tech. • The picturesque fishing port of Collioure with its harbour and restaurants. • Religious buildings including Romanesque churches, two major abbeys at St Martin du Canigou and St Michel de Cuxa and priories at Marcevol and Serrabonne. • The spectacular Cathar castles of Quéribus, Peyrepetuse, Puilaurens and others. • Art galleries, including the Musée d’Art Moderne in Céret and the Dali Museum at Figueres in Spain. • The Catalan cities of Girona and Barcelona across the border in Spain.