4 bedroom Country House For Sale: Besalú

Approached by a private road, the Masia, which was the farmhouse to a working farm until 1995, was totally refurbished some eight years ago and the work was carefully and sympathetically carried out to ensure that its many original features were retained as much as possible. These included the exposed stonework, wooden beams and vaulted ceilings.

All the windows were replaced with high quality wood framed double glazed units and doors and floors were also renewed, all the living area floors being finished in ceramic tiles. The home has the benefit of oil fired under floor heating. The electrical installation was completely replaced and the water supply service was also renewed.

The ground floor is entered from the stone faced open porch by a handsome entrance door and comprises large entrance hall, lounge, large kitchen, breakfast room, dining room, cloakroom, utility room and boiler room.

The reception hall has feature exposed stonework to almost all its wall surfaces, a wide stone archway and fine original exposed ceiling beams.

The ground floor lounge, which is also used as a study, has a feature stone archway and exposed stonework to most walls, this continuing to the matching fireplace with built-in log burner. A further stone archway leads back to the reception hall.

The dining room, breakfast room and kitchen all have exposed ceiling beams and feature stonework, whilst the kitchen is very well equipped, including a range of oak wall and floor units, double sink, two ovens and an indoor barbeque.

Upstairs, there is a large lounge with a stone fireplace incorporating an open fire. A stone archway leads into the bar area. There are four double bedrooms, three of which have an en suite bathroom. There is a wonderful stone faced terrace to this floor, from which there are beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and across the stunning Parc Natural de la Garrotxa.

Outside, the large terrace and barbeque area leads to the swimming pool, measuring 10 m x 5 m. Lawns surround this area and the gardens also include a fish pond. The original well is no longer in use but remains a picturesque feature.

GARAGE, STUDIO AND TWO ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS

Situated alongside the house is a recently restored two storey building comprising a garage with a large studio above. A further outbuilding contains the oil and water tanks and central heating boiler.

The studio offers potential for a variety of uses, one of which would involve its conversion to two double bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. Such a project would enhance the rental potential of the property to a very considerable extent. The owners, who were responsible for the tasteful restoration of the main house eight years ago, are prepared to have the work carried out prior to completion of the sale, should the buyer require it. The sum of €90,000 (or as otherwise agreed) will be added to the purchase price on account of this.

A FINE REPUTATION FOR HOLIDAY RENTALS

In accordance with regulations in Spain, the owners have a licence to rent the property. To obtain this, the property has to be certified by the local mayor and inspected by the tourist board. The licence is transferable.

The owners have embarked on holiday rentals on a relatively small scale and will be happy to provide details of rental income to an intending purchaser. As has been stated above, the conversion of the studio will add to the rental potential very significantly.

Testimonials from some who have taken advantage of the holiday accommodation testify to the fine reputation which the property and its present owners enjoy. These will also be available to an intending purchaser.

PROPERTY OUTGOINGS AND MORTGAGE FINANCE

As this is classified as a rural property, the current amount payable in local rates is only €155 a year.

It is common practice in Spain for a mortgage, which is secured against the property rather than the owner, to be transferred from the seller to the buyer.

Known as mortgage subrogation, this has many advantages and may be significantly cost effective for both parties. Such an arrangement is possible with this property, which has a reducing mortgage amounting to about €170,000 at the time of posting this feature.

Further details of the scheme will be provided on request and prospective purchasers should be aware that, in Spain, mortgage payments may be offset against tax.

THE LOCATION

This is truly an outstanding property in an outstanding location. It is situated just 3 kilometres from the historic town of Besalú, of which more follows below.

The property is just 30 minutes drive from Girona Airport, 45 minutes from France and is convenient for the award winning Costa Brava beaches and the ski slopes of the Pyrenees, which can also be reached in about 45 minutes.

Besalú is situated in the comarca, or administrative region, of Garrotxa, a highly desirable area within the Province of Girona, itself being a part of the Community of Catalonia.

A remarkable feature of Garrotxa is the Parc Natural de la Garrotxa, over which there are some stunning views from the property. Thousands of years ago, this was an area of intense volcanic activity, resulting in the fascinating green topography which is evident today.

THE TOWN OF BESALU

Besalú is a beautiful historic town, well known for its Roman eleventh century L-shaped pedestrian toll bridge and its warren of ancient streets and alleyways.

The town was declared a site of National Historical Interest in 1966 and most of what survives dates from the tenth to twelfth centuries. Its medieval remains are considered to be amongst the most important and best preserved in Catalonia.

In addition to its fascinating history and numerous fine ancient buildings, Besalú provides a full range of facilities, with shops, banks, bars, restaurants and a medical centre, to name just a few. Various fairs and markets are held in the town at different times of the year.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

These details are provided and intended as a general guide only and do not form a contract or any part of a contract. Intending buyers must make their own investigations and are advised to take appropriate independent legal advice. The final sale price may vary due to currency exchange fluctuations.

Key Features:

Beautiful, fully restored 300 years old Masia (former farmhouse)
Totally refurbished 8 years ago, retaining many original featuress
Superb accommodation with a total floor area of some 500 m2
New double glazed windows, doors, floors, under floor heating
Recently restored 2 storey garage/studio and further outbuilding
The large studio can be converted to 2 more en suite bedrooms
Swimming pool, terrace/BBQ area, gardens, pond, 10.13 acres
Beautiful views over surrounding countryside and Parc Natural
3 kms from historic town of Besalú with a full range of amenities
30 minutes from Girona Airport, 45 minutes to beaches & skiing Ref: 36696-PS-WDMM-LAB