Can Garraf Petit

About this property

To us, this home perfectly encapsulates the phrase 'old meets new', as stylish modern fixtures and fittings combine with traditional features and bags of authentic Catalan charm in this eclectic three double-bedroom home. We're talking original exposed stone detailing accented with sleek counter tops, swathes of glass in the large windows, and contemporary light fixtures, which really bring the space into the twenty-first century. While parts of this home feel historical, other areas are simple yet thoroughly modern – which we think makes the whole place effortlessly unique and timeless.

Part of a traditional masia complex, this home was once the smaller annexe to the larger manor house and now serves as a cosy base from which to set out and discover captivating Catalonia. The home is spread over two main floors, with inviting living spaces carefully laid out over the ground floor. These include a charming living room furnished with some funky contemporary pieces and opening into a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar. There is also another, slightly more elegant dining room where we already imagine sitting down with the rest of our group for a sumptuous meal bursting with Catalan flavours and plenty of zesty sangria - ¡Salud!

Most rooms on the ground floor offer direct access to the lovely outdoor area, which is surrounded by woodland. You will also find an unusually long and thin teal-hued swimming pool that's perfect for getting in a lap or two before breakfast. The pool area houses sun loungers and a laid-back seating area where you can kick back with a book and enjoy a slice of sheer serenity as the only sound around you comes from the gentle rustle of the myriad mature trees, the trickle from the pool's water feature, and the summer-time hum of the cicadas. With its peaceful location and the overarching sense of calm that permeates the air here, we think this place is perfect for anyone looking simply to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate – while still being within easy reach of plenty of action and amenities when the time is right.

If you are travelling as part of a larger group but are still hoping for a little peace, privacy, and much-needed 'me-time', then there is another similar though larger property (the original manor house) within the same complex, just around 160 metres away, named Can Garraf. You can rent both properties together as Can Garraf Estate!

Much like the interior of this home, its location also offers you the best of both worlds – not to mention the perfect opportunity to discover the very best of what captivating Catalonia has to offer: from its flavourful cuisine to its richly varied cultural heritage and fascinating language. Catalonia is, of course, culturally distinct from the rest of Spain, and while some things translate from the rest of the sunny Southern European country, this part of Spain really does feel like a wonderful world in its own right. Characterised by its swathes of unspoiled countryside filled with everything from olive groves to vineyards; its soft golden sand beaches; and the charismatic villages that dot the gently undulating landscape all the way to the coast until you reach bubbling Barcelona, there truly is something for everyone to fall in love with in this multifaceted region.

Spend a day rambling along Las Ramblas, taking in the myriad sights, sounds, and smells of one of the world’s most vibrantly alive cities, or top up your tan on the beaches of Sitges as you finally make some headway with that novel you’ve been carrying around. Stop in at hole-in-the-wall eateries, pick up fresh produce in village markets, or simply watch rural life unfold around you from one of the cafés that line the bustling town squares.

Wine buffs may well rejoice, too, as the famous Penedes and Cava-producing winemakers of Torres, Cordiniu, Freixenet, and Gramona are all nearby. A visit to any of them makes for the perfect (perhaps somewhat boozy) afternoon out. Another idea for a day trip would be a visit to the world-famous and undeniably scenic ancient city of Tarragona, just 30 minutes away, or the magnificent Montserrat mountain, about 45 minutes by car.

The owner personally recommends taking a stroll into Sant Pere de Ribes through the vineyards, having a coffee at Matt Café or going to “Placa Marcer” and watching Catalan local life passing by (nothing fancy, but one of her favourite Sunday morning outings!). Along with this, book a table at El Pou in Sitges (a couple of weeks in advance since they are always fully booked) and order the smoked aubergine, pulpo and, an absolute must, patatas bravas!

Accommodation

Ground Floor*
- Fully-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar and stools
- Dining room with large rustic table for 10
- Living room with large Smart TV and direct access to the pool and back terraces
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed, wardrobe, floor-to-ceiling windows, desk, TV, and en-suite shower, and access to the exterior
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed, wardrobe, floor-to-ceiling windows, desk, TV, and en-suite shower, and access to the exterior

First Floor*
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed, TV, and en-suite shower

Exterior
- Terrace and patio areas with seating
- Long saltwater pool with fountain
- Outdoor shower
- Sun loungers and parasols
- Barbecue (please see T&Cs)
- Lounge area
- Parking

*Please note that the double beds can be separated into twin beds on request. Please see the T&Cs.*

Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi connection
- Air conditioning
- Blankets
- Sound system
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Iron and board
- Cot
- Highchair
- Alarm system
- Exterior cctv