I had never been North of Barcelona before and I was/still am stunned at how beautiful it is. The Costa Brava has had a bad reputation in the U.K. in the past so I was bowled over by it’s richness in history, culture and natural beauty.

We stayed just East of Girona in the stunning Catalonian countryside about 2 hours from Barcelona. There are many medieval villages in this area and we were fortunate to stay in one of them at the wonderful Can Bassa boutique hotel in Madremanya.

Can Bassa offers a range of accommodation from a few hotel rooms to a 2-bedroom house. We stayed in the latter in a house named “Lledoner”.

From the moment we arrived we knew we were going to love our stay here. We were met by the lovely hospitable Isobel (the owner) who took us into the most wonderful reception area to check-in and show us around.

Isobel and her husband clearly have great taste and have put a lot of love into this beautiful old farmhouse, restoring the original stonework and keeping things paired-back but with all the creature comforts and a few quirky details to keep things interesting.

Our house could not have been better equipped and we fell into holiday-mode as soon as we stepped over the threshold.

Downstairs is a generous patio, living room/kitchen, shower room and twin bedroom and upstairs is the master bedroom with a lovely terrace overlooking the sunflower fields and ensuite shower room. Perfect for a family of four.

We adored the muted colours, exposed beams and stonework mixed with the modern bathrooms & kitchen… and having lots of space; inside and out. A real treat and so peaceful too. When you live in a city you really appreciate the little things; seeing the stars at night, hearing the birdsong in the morning, the peace and quiet and the uninterrupted views. It’s so restful.

The hotel also has a small but perfect salt-water swimming pool and provides breakfast on request, an honesty bar and rental bikes.

The garden is beautifully kept and inside the main house is just the same. This is clearly a labour of love.

My hubby and I are endlessly struggling and searching to find beautiful boutique places to stay with our children (any recommendations let me know). If only there were more places as welcoming and aesthetically pleasing as Can Bassa!

If you are fortunate enough to stay here do take Isobel up on her restaurant recommendations as she has great taste in food too. We had some wonderful meals in this region (you definitely need a car). Isobel will also kindly reserve a table for you if like us, your Spanish is seriously lacking!

Pop out the back gate and the friendly resident dog will take you for a walk around the tiny village of Madremanya.

There is so much to see in this region from the fascinating city of Girona to medieval villages and rugged coastline. I cannot recommend it highly enough and if you love boutique hotels Can Bassa is the icing on the cake. (For further info visit the hotel website here.)

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