BAÑOLAS, BANYOLES: This exceptional country property, located just 8km from the beautiful Lake Banyoles in 16 hectares of private land, has been restored to the very highest standards and is one of the stand out properties in the area.Originally dating from the 16th Century, the property has been superbly restored by its current owners over a period of the last four years. From the exterior the house still possesses all the features and characteristics of a typical Catalan stone masia, whilst the interior of the house offers something totally original - a wonderful blend of contemporary and traditional with a distinct oriental influence (much of the interior decoration was specially hand crafted for the property and imported from Bali and other Far Eastern countries). The architect (Oriel Roselló) has also made clever use of space and light with a large open stairwell to all three levels of the property and generous sized living areas and bedrooms, all flooded with natural light.The property is located in a beautiful hillside countryside setting within 16 hectares of private land and boasts exceptional views across the volcanic hills of the Garrotxa to the snowcapped Pyrenees. Directly adjacent to the property is a beautiful 12th Century Chapel for the exclusive use of the owner 364 days per year (except August 26th when a lovely public Mass is held and attended by the families whose ancestors occupied the area for many generations).Whilst offering total privacy, the property is by no means isolated being just 8km (7-minutes) from the town of Banyoles with its shops, cafés and restaurants and spectacular lake (host to the rowing events at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games).The house is constructed across three levels offering 645m2 of space. The distribution is as follows:Ground floor: Large kitchen with central work island, bespoke stone oven, breakfast dining area and access to an exterior terrace for al fresco dining; pantry; living / dining room of over 80m2 with some of the largest vaulted ceilings in the province, a beautiful stone fireplace and direct access to the front terrace; double height reception room / library with access to the terrace; guest bathroom; installations roomFirst floor: Main entrance hall; four double bedrooms; 2 bathrooms (1 with bathtub); large study/office (potential to convert into an additional bedroom); gallery overlooking the library belowSecond floor: Master bedroom with three dressing room areas, fitted wardrobes, en-suite bathroom and steam room. The bedroom offers superb, unbroken views to the PyreneesExterior: Ample exterior terrace spaces; project and licenses to construct a swimming pool and a pond; specially constructed wine cellar with traditional vaulted ceilingAdditional features: Under floor heating (optional Gasoil and/or wood burning systems); mains electricity; water from a private wellThe restoration was completed in June 2010. Outline costs to construct the swimming pool and finish the exterior landscaping is estimated at around 50.000 euros.This is a one-off property in a superb location and is one of the best that we have seen. It would make a wonderful primary residence or holiday home in one of the most beautiful areas of Girona province.
