Crickets & Clover

Despite being out in the peaceful Spanish countryside, this villa is within day-tripping distance of Barcelona and Girona by train or by hire car. Once you’ve had your fill of the city, return to your peaceful country manor, built back in the 18th century. The grounds are filled with ancient trees whose trunks are twisted with ivy. Natural canopies shade outdoor dining and reclining spots, and there’s a full outdoor kitchen for alfresco feasts. The piece de resistance is the turquoise pool, begging for a dip in the Spanish sunshine.

Inside, it’s everything you expect from a Spanish manor – terracotta tiled floors, wood-beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls. Several different sitting rooms packed with bookshelves and artworks provide the space to unwind and there are some laptop-friendly desks should you need to work remotely. We loved the tiled staircase at the centre of the home, a nod to yesteryear.

Home truths:
*Your host asks there be no fires outside
*Pets usually live at this home – they won't be around during your stay, but this means it may not be suitable for people with allergies
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair on request
*In a fairly remote location, having a car is recommended and there is private parking onsite
*The closest train station and grocery shop is a twenty-five-minute walk away
*There are some laptop-friendly desks in the sitting rooms, rather than in a separate office area
*Most of the bedrooms have a mish-mash of double and single beds, best suited to close families sharing, check the bedroom layout before booking