Description Stone & Saffron: Garriguella

A medieval manor in the quiet Catalan village of Garriguella, this house wears its history in every vaulted stone arch – from the ground-floor living space to the gym that looks out over the pool. Warm evenings are best spent in the walled courtyard or out on the pool terrace, where weathered stone walls keep things cool and unhurried. When you need a change of scene, Cap de Creus – Spain's rugged easternmost point – is a forty-four-minute drive away.

Home truths:
* The pool is shallow – with a maximum depth of 1 metre – so it's great for cooling off and for young children, but not suited to swimming lengths.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot. You'll need to request it in advance.
* There's no lift here. You'll need to be able to climb stairs to reach the entrance of the home.
* While there's no air conditioning here, your host can provide fans for the warmer months.