Can Soler

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Farmhouse |8 bedrooms |Sleeps 14

Girona in Costa Brava/Catalonia

From £750 per week

3 nights minimum stay

Changeover Saturday

Be the first to write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, balcony/terrace, car advised, private garden, may take pets - please enquire

About the home

The 7 bedroom house sits in its own land of about one acre with a large private swimming pool, and is surrounded by cultivated farmland, pine and oak woodland, and meadows, with wonderful views. It is totally private as the nearest neighbours are way across the other side of the valley. There is immediate access from the house to marked walking, running and cycling routes. Horse riding, kayaking, golf and lake swimming are also available nearby.

Can Soler is ideally suited to visitors looking for a peaceful rural setting with immediate access to footpaths and trails. Walkers, runners, cyclists, triathletes and nature lovers such as bird watchers have all found Can Soler the ideal place for a wonderful holiday. Road cyclists are well catered for with excellent well surfaced local roads, and mountain bikers have immediate access to miles of marked trails right from the driveway. Nature lovers will enjoy the immediate surroundings and its diversity of bird life, and Can Soler is situated within 50kms of 5 nature reserves and sanctuaries, so there are plenty of places to explore.

The local village has three bar/restaurants which serve fresh, local food at very reasonable prices, and a small shop. It is a peaceful, relaxing place but is also within easy reach of the markets, shops and restaurants in Banyoles (8km) and Girona (30km). Beaches are 45 minutes drive away on the Northern Costa Brava. The Pyrenees are a similar distance to the north, and the nearest ski resort is about a 90 minute drive away.

There are medieval towns such as Olot and Besalu close by to explore. The Dali museum at Figueres is a 40 minute drive from the house. Barcelona is an hour from Girona by train, coach or car.

Contact details:
Tel UK: 01763 260319

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Can Soler comprises the original 4 bedroom farmhouse, and a 4 bedroom wing newly converted from old stables. It has 5 bath or shower rooms, 3 of these are en suite. It is ideally suited as a place which two or more families could share but with a high degree of privacy. Although there are 19 adult bed places, 1 child bed and 1 baby's cot, this maximum capacity of 20 persons would only suit 7 couples. A more realistic capacity would be, say, 3 adult couples with 7 children, or 4 couples with 6 children.

Cooking facilities include a gas range cooker in the main kitchen, an electric hob and oven in the terrace kitchen, and the barbecue on the covered terrace. The main kitchen is fully equipped with all crockery, cutlery, fridge, freezer, microwave, and there is a washing machine in the utility room. The terrace kitchen has its own dishwasher which can be convenient in the summer months.

Can Soler is fully equipped with all bedding and towels for internal use. Guests are asked to bring their own towels for garden, pool or beach use.

There are two sitting rooms. One with a TV, DVD player, and some UK satellite channels. There is a music centre for radio and CDs. Wi-Fi broadband access to the internet is provided for visitors' own computers.

Can Soler has full oil fired hot water and central heating and has open fireplaces in the two sitting rooms and on the terrace, and so is equally suitable for autumn to spring breaks as well as the summer time. Indeed for activity holidays spring and autumn are particularly attractive seasons.

Can Soler is reasonably suitable for people in wheelchairs as it has one ground floor double bedroom, and access to the dining room, sitting room, kitchen, shower room and WC, and the courtyard and barbecue terrace all on ground level. Help will be needed up a ramp over steps to the swimming pool. There are no specific aids fitted in the house but the access is there.

Further details outdoors:
Can Soler has a private garden of one acre with a paved courtyard and a grassed area leading to the 10mx4m swimming pool and garden shower. There is a covered terrace with built in barbecue which is ideal for al fresco dining spring to autumn. The BBQ terrace is adjacent to the terrace kitchen which is particularly convenient for food preparation and clearing.

The house is set in beautiful unspoilt countryside in a valley on a small track which heads up the valley to only three other houses, so there is little passing traffic other than the odd tractor and cyclist. This track leads on to a vast network of marked trails so you can walk, run or cycle for miles without touching a tarmac road.

In summer there is a lovely spot for river bathing just a short bike ride up the valley. Lake swimming is available at Banyoles.

Further details

Complimentary welcome pack provided on arrival.
Local English speaking neighbour available to answer any questions and handle any issues.
Guide to local restaurants and places of interest is provided.
Local maps for walkers, cyclists and drivers are provided for your use.
Internet WiFi access is available free of charge.

Conditions

Changeover day generally Saturday though more flexible in Low & Mid seasons.
Depart by 10.00, arrive after 16.00.
Booking deposit 20%.
Balance due 8 weeks prior to start of rental period.
Damage deposit: 400 Euros. Paid with balance.
All utilities included, including central heating and some firewood in winter.
Pool maintenance, cleaner (at end of rental period), and weekly linen change are all included. Extra cleaning is available by prior arrangement.
Rates for small groups for partial occupancy can be negotiated for Mid and Low Seasons.

Photos

 

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Can Soler

 

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Aerial view

 

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One of the two sitting rooms

 

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One of the two sitting rooms

The Costa Brava/Catalonia region

Catalonia is a region with a strong cultural identity and its own language, Catalan, which is widely spoken. Spanish is taught in schools as a second language so most Catalans speak both languages. The chic beach resorts of the northern Costa Brava and the rolling countryside around Girona, with its old stone farmhouses, are sought after holiday locations for those who live and work in Barcelona. Places of cultural interest include the Dali museum at Figueras, the artist’s house near Cadaques, and the castle Dali dedicated to his wife Gala, at Pubol. Should you wish to extend your art tour, drop over the French border for lunch beside the sea at Collioure, a favourite haunt of Matisse, Dufy and Picasso.

Girona, a stylish city with a vibrant atmosphere, is sometimes described as ‘the Florence of Spain’. It has colourful houses that back onto the river in the centre of the city and the historic ‘barri antic’ around the cathedral with narrow, medieval streets and squares with pavement cafes and restaurants.

Catalans are justly proud of their cultural traditions and local cuisine. Villages and towns throughout the region have their own festivals and there are many excellent country restaurants which serve local food and wine.

The cyclist, Lance Armstrong, chose Girona as an ideal place to live and train. When he mentions going out to cycle ‘the hills north of Girona’ he includes the area around Banyoles, where quiet, country roads wind up to the scenic, green foothills of the Pyrenees. It is here that the village of Sant Miquel de Campmajor sits in a green valley with fields for cattle and sheep, sheltered by wooded hills. There are tracks through the valley which join up with the GR2, one of the main walking routes that cross the region. Mountain biking routes are easily accessible too and are marked and graded according to difficulty.

While Sant Miquel and l’Estany area provide accessibility to the coast, to Figueras, Girona and Barcelona, the place is so beautiful that visitors rarely want to leave it. Even the most hard-to-please teenagers have called it ‘the ideal place to chill.’

The weather is generally superb in this region, with clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine, but without the extreme heat of the more central and southern areas. Rainfall has been very low in recent years. Spring and autumn are particularly attractive times to visit Can Soler if you are looking for an active holiday. In winter the days may be delightfully sunny and warm but the evenings can get very cold. Ideal for a glass of local wine around a blazing log fire.

The Girona area

Banyoles is the local town with a twice weekly market around the main square for fresh local produce. There is also an excellent local Farmers' Cooperative shop there which sells a wide range of local produce.
Banyoles lake hosted the rowing events of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and this remains a major centre for sporting and recreational activities today. It's also a lovely place just to walk around with a backdrop of the Pyrenees in the distance. If the coast attracts you the best of the northern Costa Brava is just 45 minutes away with L'Escala, Begur, Pals, Tamariu and Llafranch some of the best places to visit.

Can Soler is situated in the district of L'Estany, but is very near to the districts of La Garrotxa, Pirineus and Girones. Cycling is very big in the area, and one known and well marked route passes by the house. There are many footpaths that pass the house too. We have some maps of the immediate area, however, it is not difficult to navigate by the scenery and we have enjoyed some stunning walks from the house in this manner. The main walking or cycling routes are marked with posts and can be followed using the various guides and maps at the house.

Some useful websites are below, some in Catalan; give them a try, you will probably understand enough to make it worth while! These are not click through links. You will need to Copy and Paste these addresses into your web browser.

Tourism in Girona Province:
http://www.turismegirona.com/costa_brava.htm

Bike Rental: Nearest Bike Rental Centre is in Banyoles
Reception Area at the Catalan Cycling Federation´s Pla de l´Estany-Banyoles Mountain Bike Centre.
Carretera de Circumval.lació a l´Estany, s/n
Casa de Colònies El Vilà
17834 Porqueres
Tel. 686 38 57 97 / 699 77 06 47
centrebtt@plaestany.net
http://www.plaestany.cat/centrebtt

Kayaking and canoeing on Banyoles lake: also at the BTT above.

Horse riding
Hipica La Fageda at Santa Pau, 10kms away. Tel +34 696 70 94 93

Golf Courses in Girona province:

PGA Catalunya:
http://www.pgacatalunya.com/

Girona Golf Club:
http://www.golfgirona.com/

This site accesses 3 courses within 5 minutes of each other:
http://www.golfgironabarcelona.com/

The 3 courses are these:
http://www.empordagolf.com/index.php
http://www.golfplatjadepals.com/
http://www.golfserresdepals.com/

The Torre Mirona Club:
http://www.torremirona.com/uk/torremirona.php

A basic list of 15 golf related places in Girona province:
http://www.golfandbooking.com/spain/catalunagirona.htm


The Information office on the lakeside in Banyoles supplies a free excellent monthly publication of local events which is worth getting a copy of.

How to get there

Can Soler What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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Fly Ryanair to Girona airport, only 40km from the house.
Perpignan at 80km is a good alternative.
High Speed Train TGV is a good option to Perpignan for non-flyers.
Try doyouspain.com for car hire. They have an excellent English language web site and you collect at Girona airport.

Activities near Girona

Guestbook for Can Soler

"The cycling around here is fantastic. No wonder so many professionals base themselves near Girona. The roads are smooth and the scenery is breathtaking. I'll be back."
"Can Soler is just perfect to unwind and relax in beautiful surroundings, and the countryside is great for exploring when you need some exercise."
"Best week's running ever!"
"This valley is like another world, yet we are only half an hour from the buzz of Girona. You leave all that behind when you cross the hills from Banyoles."
"That lunch in the local restaurant must go down as the best value and freshest tasting meal I have ever had."

Rental prices

Prices for group size 6
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Low season	7 Jan 12	11 Feb 12	900€ 900	0-	0-	3 Nights
Holiday	11 Feb 12	18 Feb 12	1125€ 1125	0-	0-	1 Week
Low	18 Feb 12	24 Mar 12	900€ 900	0-	0-	3 Nights
Easter	24 Mar 12	14 Apr 12	1200€ 1200	0-	0-	1 Week
Spring	14 Apr 12	26 May 12	1125€ 1125	0-	0-	3 Nights
Holiday	26 May 12	9 Jun 12	1200€ 1200	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid	9 Jun 12	30 Jun 12	1125€ 1125	0-	0-	3 Nights
Summer	30 Jun 12	1 Sep 12	2500€ 2500	0-	0-	1 Week
Autumn	1 Sep 12	3 Nov 12	1125€ 1125	0-	0-	3 Nights
Low	3 Nov 12	22 Dec 12	900€ 900	0-	0-	3 Nights
Christmas & NY	22 Dec 12	5 Jan 13	1200€ 1200	0-	0-	3 Nights
Low	5 Jan 13	9 Feb 13	900€ 900	0-	0-	3 Nights

Prices for group size 10
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Low season	7 Jan 12	11 Feb 12	1500€ 1500	0-	0-	3 Nights
Holiday	11 Feb 12	18 Feb 12	1875€ 1875	0-	0-	1 Week
Low	18 Feb 12	24 Mar 12	1500€ 1500	0-	0-	3 Nights
Easter	24 Mar 12	14 Apr 12	2000€ 2000	0-	0-	1 Week
Spring	14 Apr 12	26 May 12	1875€ 1875	0-	0-	3 Nights
Holiday	26 May 12	9 Jun 12	2000€ 2000	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid	9 Jun 12	30 Jun 12	1875€ 1875	0-	0-	3 Nights
Summer	30 Jun 12	1 Sep 12	2500€ 2500	0-	0-	1 Week
Autumn	1 Sep 12	3 Nov 12	1875€ 1875	0-	0-	3 Nights
Low	3 Nov 12	22 Dec 12	1500€ 1500	0-	0-	3 Nights
Christmas & NY	22 Dec 12	5 Jan 13	2000€ 2000	0-	0-	3 Nights
Low	5 Jan 13	9 Feb 13	1500€ 1500	0-	0-	3 Nights

Prices for group size 14
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Low season	7 Jan 12	11 Feb 12	1920€ 1920	0-	0-	3 Nights
Holiday	11 Feb 12	18 Feb 12	2400€ 2400	0-	0-	1 Week
Low	18 Feb 12	24 Mar 12	1920€ 1920	0-	0-	3 Nights
Easter	24 Mar 12	14 Apr 12	2560€ 2560	0-	0-	1 Week
Spring	14 Apr 12	26 May 12	2400€ 2400	0-	0-	3 Nights
Holiday	26 May 12	9 Jun 12	2560€ 2560	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid	9 Jun 12	30 Jun 12	2400€ 2400	0-	0-	3 Nights
Summer	30 Jun 12	1 Sep 12	3200€ 3200	0-	0-	1 Week
Autumn	1 Sep 12	3 Nov 12	2400€ 2400	0-	0-	3 Nights
Low	3 Nov 12	22 Dec 12	1920€ 1920	0-	0-	3 Nights
Christmas & NY	22 Dec 12	5 Jan 13	2560€ 2560	0-	0-	3 Nights
Low	5 Jan 13	9 Feb 13	1920€ 1920	0-	0-	3 Nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

All rates are shown in Euros. Payments are prefered to be made by bank transfer in Euros in the UK or in Spain. UK pounds will be accepted at the Barclays exchange rate at the time of booking. All bank charges to be paid by renter.

The Basic Rental Rate applies to groups of 10 persons. For larger groups to 19 maximum there is an extra charge of 70% pro rata per head for adults, or half that for children, so the net effect is that the rate per head becomes lower. See the examples for 14 adults above.

Below 10, and outside the summer, Easter & Christmas periods only, a reduced rate applies on a pro rata basis, to a minimum of 600€ a week, as shown above for a group of 6 for example. Please enquire for details and a tailored quotation for your group.

Booking deposit 20%.

Balance due 8 weeks prior to start of rental period.

Damage deposit: €400 (£350). Paid with balance.

All utilities included, including central heating and some firewood in winter.

Pool maintenance, cleaner (at end of rental period), and weekly linen change are all included. Extra cleaning is available by prior arrangement.

Rates for small groups for partial occupancy or shorter stays can be negotiated for Mid and Low Seasons. Please contact the owners for information.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact the owner

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4 years listed You are contacting Ian Mitchell Landline +44 01763 260319 Mobile +44 07726 936635 Languages spoken The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2008. This farmhouse has so far received 0 reviews.