17th Century Mas Catalan, 6 Bedrooms, Huge Living Spaces, 2 Gã®Tes, …

Property Description

This beautifully renovated, south facing 17th century Catalan mas is in a sought-after elevated position in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Occitanie, South of France. It overlooks a pretty valley, the Plain of Roussillon, mountains and the Mediterranean and gives the feeling of being really away from it all in the countryside but is just 5minutes’ drive from a bustling market town, with its schools, shops and services. The main living quarters on one side of the building and a large gîte on the other sandwich the central part of the building – a magnificent great hall worthy of medieval banquets on the ground floor and a large room on the first floor which can be used for themed retreats, yoga , art displays or whatever project you have in mind. The flexibility of the accommodation means that it is possible by closing one door to create a second gîte for additional rental income. A suberb example of a Catalan Mas, the house has been renovated with taste using high quality materials, and has a unique layout. Wooden beams and locally made floor tiles pay respect to the authenticity of this historic building. It is immediately habitable and possible to plan your first season and launch your gite business straight away. Or to welcome all your family to visit, because there is enough accommodation for everyone. This property is unique on the market currently in the region in that it gives all the feeling of living on an farmstead in the countryside but is so close to all amenities and social activities.Description of the Building
The house offers 436m² on 3 floors
Central part of the building
Access by large south-facing French doors to-
Great Hall  80m² wood burner insert with back boiler to feed central heating, locally made terracotta floor tiles, 4 radiators. Cupboard with solar heated water tank. Access to both sides of the house but equally each end has an independent entrance.
Staircase to-
Large room  81m², solid oak flooring, hand-made stained glass feature window, discrete kitchen fitted in corner which along with access to bedroom 4 of the main house can make a second self-contained gîte, 2 radiators.
Main Living Quarters
Enter from great hall or from kitchen
Ground Floor: Fitted Kitchen  18m² access to north terrace . Large open living area with large French windows, 2 rooms separated by beautiful stone arch, living area 1  20m², living area 2 34m² with chimney place and wood burning stove. Door to east terrace.
First Floor: Bedroom 1 19m², shower and washbasin, bedroom 2  16m², built in wardrobe, bedroom 3  17m², WC, Family bathroom with toilet, shower and double washbasin 8m².
Stairs to attic rooms- These rooms can create a second self-contained gîte connecting with the central part of the house by closing off the staircase that leads to the owner living quarters.
Bedroom 4  32m² floorspace, room under eaves, space for double bed and two singles
Shower area, 25m² floorspace, WC.

Swimming Pool 10x5m with wonderful views over the Vallespir and there is a pool room with toilet and shower.

Gite
Access from private west-facing terrace.
Ground floor: Large fitted kitchen 29m², bedroom 5 26m² with en-suite shower room 5m²
First floor: Large open plan split-level  living area – study 30m², lounge 29m², wood burner
Open stairs to - Mezzanine level bedroom 6 38m², en-suite bathroom 4m²

Grounds
A drive leads up to the house and there is space to park several cars. The land around the house is divided roughly equally between prairie and oak forest, with an established almond grove bursting into magnificent blossom each spring.  There is plenty of flat prairie land, with apple, apricot, cherry and fig trees, a vegetable garden, chicken coop and a workshop. It is a perfect garden for a large family and has the potential for keeping a few animals. At the top of the garden a gate leads to your private oak forest which easily provides enough wood for heating the house during the winter months. On the south side of the house there is a flat lawn, and on the other three sides various terraces for finding the right degree of sun or shade. Some of the paving has been artistically done by hand. There is an old bread oven outside the house.

General Condition
The house is in very good condition, renovated with very high quality materials, respecting the origins of the house, chosen with the environment in mind, and keeping original features wherever possible. Newer windows and doors in most of the property are double-glazed, and the original wood windows in the living quarters are single glazed. Most of the house is heated by wood or wood central heating with some electric. The hot water is provided by solar energy with electric back up. 8 new solar panels feed directly into the electrical system to reduce electricity costs. Town water supply and septic tank for waste water.

Comment
A mountain property, but with easy access and relatively flat land surrounding it. The feeling of 'zones’ in the garden makes one feel that there is much more land attached than is. If you love to hike you can access numerous mountain paths from your gate.  This is a rare property that needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.