Prades is idyllically situated between the golden beaches of the Mediterranean coastline and the ski resorts of the Pyrenees. There is a strong Catalan influence in the town which, combined with an exceptional climate and stunning scenery makes Prades a magnificent place to take a holiday.
Our home is situated on a leafy lane on the outskirts of this market town. The 7000m2 garden has magnificent views over the foothills of the French Pyrenees and Mount Canigou. There is an in ground trampoline and a 10m x 6m heated swimming pool, serviced by a pool house with a toilet and an outside solar shower.
The house has three levels with 5 double bedrooms and 1 single bedroom. An additional single room with limited ceiling height on the top floor would be suitable for younger children.
On the lower ground floor there is a self contained 2 bedroom apartment that overlooks the swimming pool. It has a spacious, well appointed kitchen with a large dining table, dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer and large french doors that frame a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape . The large comfortable living area has an open fire, a 50" smart TV and WIFI, as well as a selection of family board games, puzzles and lego for the young and the young at heart. The bedrooms both have king size beds that can be converted to twin beds if required. The bathroom has a large roll top bath and walk in shower.
This listing is for the main house.
Access to the main house is via the front door on the upper ground level. On this level, there are 2 double aspect bedrooms with amazing views; one has a super king size bed and one has a double bed. There is another well appointed kitchen with a small table and benches, dishwasher and american style fridge/freezer with ice maker. The light and airy living room has french doors to the side and rear that lead to a private wraparound terrace . There is a walk in shower and separate toilet. On the second floor there is a double bedroom, a single bedroom. The single bedroom also has a single futon if extra beds are required. There is a seperate toilet on this level and the bathroom has a Jacuzzi bath and walk in shower.
A 10 min walk from the house takes you into Prades where you will find a selection of shops bars, restaurants, supermarkets and a cinema. There is also a good bus service which will take you further afield for the flat rate of €1.
The Tuesday morning market is well known throughout the region and provides a wide variety of items, such as fruit, vegetables, clothing, household goods, and holiday mementos. The Farmers market is held on Saturday mornings in the main square, providing local produce.
Local attractions include the fortified town of Villefranche de Conflent where you can also take a trip on the Little Yellow Train; the abbeys of St Martin du Canigou and St Michel du Cuxa; there are the classified 'Prettiest Villages in France' of Eus and Mosset nearby; there is plenty of walking up and around Mount Canigou, the Gorges of Caranca and the Lac du Bouillouse.
Casino
Vernet Les Bains will be of interest to walkers and mountain climbers due to its location under the peak of Mount Canigou. The large casino here may tempt visitors to visit during the evening too.
There is a man-made beach at the lake in nearby Vinca. With a “Total Wipeout” style inflatable assault course, canoeing, paddle boarding and a beach bar/restaurant, this is a great location for a family day out.
The ski resorts are less than an hour away and the beaches 45 minutes. Spain is only an hour’s drive away and you can easily take a day trip to Andorra if you are tempted by stunning scenery combined with tax free shopping!
