Can Solaric is a magnificent restored farmhouse, known to the Catalan
as a traditional Masia, with spectacular views of the Pyrenees Mountains.
It is situated in northeast Spain close to many historic towns and
villages and within an easy drive time of the old fishing ports
of the Costa Brava and their splendid beaches, but also skiing in
the mountains of the Pyrenees. The property sits in the middle of
the Catalan region, close to the famous lake of Banyoles which is
famous for a network of 5,000 kilometres of signposted paths to
explore the regions famous mountain ranges, lakes, streams, rivers,
valleys and vast woodlands. For the ornithologist and cyclists this is paradise.
The property itself
is in a unique location. Although close to the highway network,
it is situated at the far end of the 11th Century village of Serinya,
which is famous for its historic church and prehistoric caves. Also
within walking distance of the villa are several shops which supply
daily needs, a bakery and several bars and restaurants. One local
interesting restaurant in the village square offers daily a three-course
lunch or dinner for €10 including as much wine as you can
drink! The property is accessed by a private road that leads only
to 2 or 3 local farms and therefore ensures virtually traffic free, quiet
environment.
The property itself
is totally secluded and fenced set in its own 2 acres of beautiful wooded
grounds and landscaped garden, with many fruit trees including lemon,
fig, grape and walnut which gives an idealistic setting with the fabulous
views of the mountains.
The gardens are maintained by our local
gardener who will also be responsible each week for maintaining
the swimming pool to a high hygienic standard.
The original property
has been lovingly restored in sympathy with its original architecture
by the present owners in the last year, retaining all the unique
features that were uncovered in the restoration, including the antique
floor tiles and vaulted ceilings and also retaining the 18 inch
thick stone walls which ensure the property remains cool in the
summer, but warm in the winter. The property includes many original
artefacts and antiques, such as the inglenook fireplace. A large
300-year old urn found between two of the internal walls has been
opened up and on display using internal lighting, as is the original
bread oven.
The property is beautifully appointed with the very latest in
home comforts, including unlimited internet access with Microsoft Office, A/C in bedrooms, full central heating and heating to the
30 x 15 ft pool for off-season rentals. There are several covered terraces
with three outside separate patios and chairs and a bar-be-cue
area for the summer. The accommodation includes 6 double bedrooms,
each with A/C and all with en-suite bathroom, and comfortably sleeps 12 guests. There is a Jacuzzi and sauna, together with a fully
equipped and spacious kitchen, which includes the working inglenook
fireplace.
We have aesthetically carried out an extension to the kitchen in keeping with the traditional design of the farmhouse, but incorporating all the latest equipment that you would expect in any 21st century kitchen of today.
This extension has enabled much larger working surfaces on new granite tops and there are numerous cupboards. In addition to the automatic dishwasher, oven and burners there is a press button ground coffee machine and finally, an in-house washing machine and spin dryer. At the end of the new kitchen, we have incorporated a small breakfast bar
Access by the front door leads into the stone flagged entrance
hall with open access to the garden room with table, chairs and
a small fountain. This leads directly into the bar with its own
seating area, an ideal meeting place for pre-dinner drinks. All
the rooms on the ground floor have the original vaulted ceilings.
However, one of these bedrooms is smaller than the others are is better suited to children. Stairs lead into the dining room for 12.
Doors lead from the dining room to the kitchen
with an open plan breakfast room (doors from the kitchen also lead
out on to the largeopen terrace with tables and chairs) or into a comfortably appointed TV sitting
room. The sitting room has satellite television and there are French
doors leading on to the terrace overlooking the garden and a 10
by 5 metre swimming pool. This floor also includes the master bedroom
with an open balcony and leads into the very large bathroom, which
includes the Jacuzzi.
Stairs lead to the second floor with its large arched covered terrace and magnificent living area seating 12 very comfortably. There is a split-level lounge area with comfortable chairs, table, ideal for coffee after dinner. The views from this top terrace are spectacular as they overlook the Pyrenees see the sun set slowly over the Pyrenees. This area can be opened up for dancing if required..
In the secluded garden there are numerous loungers
for use by the large swimming pool, a large selection of outside games
and outside dining table / chairs and parasol. There is a further
seating area outside the entrance to the sauna and the garden
room opens directly on to the bar-be-cue enclosure with a built
in bar-be-cue. Four mountain bikes are supplied.
An equestrian centre is in walking distance and
special rates have been negotiated for guests interested in horse
riding. Tennis courts are available a short drive away at Banyoles
and golf and fishing are also available nearby. All these activities
can be arranged by our English speaking agent who will greet you on arrival,
recommend local restaurants and arrange reservations if required.
Can Solaric is eminently suitable for cycling with cycle paths immediately outside the villa, enabling the cyclist to cycle via numerous paths which intercept fields through superb regional scenery.
In addition, there is an extremely popular and attractive cycle track around the famous Olympic lake of Banyoles and finally, within 30 minutes, is the start of the Pyrenees Mountains for the more enthusiastic cyclist.
Serinya has easy access from three airports Girona, Barcelona and Perpignan, all of which are serviced by the low cost airlines, or drive by motorway from any of the Channel ports. We have arranged special concessionary rates locally for car hire and can arrange airport pickup if required.
A magnificent villa, with the surrounding countryside similar to Tuscany, but with mountains. This is paradise.
