The Ibex

From rugged peaks to picturesque walking trails, the Pyrenees mountains of Catalonia present a heady mix of wildlife, flora, fauna, and spectacular scenery. But this rocky wilderness is not short of quaint towns and villages. Your traditional house in the old town of Vielha allows you to experience local life in the mountains, around a five-minute stroll from the River Garonne, passing Sant Miquèu church en route.

This settlement certainly has an old-world vibe, and this home doesn’t exactly make up for lost time. Rustic, understated furnishings take pride of place in the living space, alongside cowhide upholstery and a vintage clock. The natural world also comes into play, with exposed stonework and rich wooden floors. It feels somewhere between a ski chalet and mountain cottage, with sloped ceilings supported by pine beams telling a story of the ages.

Once you’ve explored every floor of the home, open up the French windows in the lounge to peer over the balconette. We recommend doing this with a glass of regional wine in hand as you savour the views (and the taste). Or even better, take your glass down to the bathroom on a winter’s evening to enjoy from the comfort of the tub.

Home truths:
*If you need a high chair or cot, your host can provide this for free if you request it in advance
*The entrance is private to your home
*Private parking for one car is available on-site
*One of the bedrooms sleeps three guests in total with bunk beds plus a trundle bed (we recommend this room for kids)
*There’s no dedicated workspace, but plenty of laptop-friendly spots such as the dining table