Description Over the Fields & Far Away: Santa Maria de Merlès

This renovated farmhouse sits in the beautiful tranquillity of the Catalonian countryside and offers a break of pure respite. It’s been updated to a modern vision of pine, black-wood and glass with oodles of space outside. The vast lawn can act as a football pitch, and there’s a fab triangular swimming pool with an infinity edge overlooking the fields and hills beyond. An old outbuilding has been turned into a barn-like games room with a built-in barbecue, loads of space to dine and a foosball and ping pong table. Then there’s the sunken hot tub, protected by a wall of glass and lined with loungers.

It feels like an ode to minimalism inside, with Scandi-style pine-wood features sitting against pristine white walls. A wall of windows and sliding doors lets the sunshine stream into the open living area and we enjoy the mid-century-style egg chairs at the breakfast bar. But this place has really been designed for days outside.

Home truths:
*You're in a remote location, so having a car is essential and there is private parking at this villa
*Pets are welcome with prior agreement from the host
*The pool is not fenced in, so keep an eye on little ones
*This villa is split over two levels so may not be suitable for those with limited mobility