Flight of the Snowfinch

If you’re looking for a comfortable base for your next mountain getaway, you can’t do much better than this rustic apartment which we found tucked away in Gessa, a small village in the heart of the Aran Valley.

You won’t be able to get enough of the alpine interior here, which comes complete with gorgeous, beamed ceilings and an old-school gas fireplace, perfect for keeping cosy on chilly winter evenings. Cuddle up on the cushioned sofa or gather everyone around the dining table for a home-cooked feast, which we highly recommend washing down with a glass or two of red before retiring to your cosy bedroom for a good night’s sleep.

Whether you’re travelling with friends or family, there’s plenty to keep you occupied during the day here. Hit the slopes of Baqueira Beret or treat little ones to a fun day out at Aran Park, a family-friendly zoo on the France-Spain border. Or, if you fancy staying closer to home, simply settle in at one of the nearby tapas bars and soak up gorgeous mountain views as you dine on delicious local dishes.

Home truths:
*This home is spread over two floors, with no internal lift
*For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom here
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace