The loveliest farmhouse, perfect for a little getaway, is located in Puigcerdà, close to the French border. Already the road up to Mas Sant Marc is stunning: when you get about 45 minutes away you find yourself surrounded by mountains and breathtaking views.

Once you get through the mountains, the plains of La Cerdanya stretch out and the scenery is stunning. Very close to Puigcerdà you’ll find beautiful Mas Sant Marc: a charming and rustic masia.

This lovely guesthouse is surrounded by mountains (with great ski slopes close by), and horses grazing around the house. All you hear in the mornings are birds, roosters, and the occasional horse; it’s beyond peaceful.

The guesthouse is so cozy inside. It’s rustic yet chic, with several common areas including one with an open fire and a pool table. There’s an honesty bar where you can pick a drink and a snack for when you’re craving a little something.

Each room here is different, and the whole building maintains that feeling of a family house. It is still owned by the same family that once built it, and just next to the reception you can see a portrait of the great-grandfather of the current owner. There are both individual rooms and rooms for families, all of them cozy and cute.

There’s a restaurant in the building; in high season it’s open every day. They offer seasonal specialties with local ingredients, and nice wines. Breakfast is served next door in the mornings, or if you prefer to enjoy it on the terrace. The full breakfast is pretty mind-blowing: you get a tower of fruit, vegetables, charcuterie, excellent, flaky croissants, fresh bread, eggs any way you wish, coffee, tea, and fresh orange juice. They have different, home-made cakes available too.

Once you’ve enjoyed your breakfast, there is plenty to get up to in the area. Go horsebackriding, skiing in winter, visit nearby Puigcerdà, lend a bike and go for a ride, take the nearby yellow train with unforgettable views, go to a little French village a few minutes away and pick up lots of delicious cheeses, visit the thermal baths, or go golfing at the nearby golf course. There are also numerous great restaurants close by.

Mas Sant Marc has a pool, perfect for when the weather is nice. The large, old trees cast much-needed shadow on days when you prefer to stay out of the sun. They also organize weddings, and they are family (and dog!) friendly.

You can reach Puigcerdà from Barcelona by train, but it’s a bit faster by car. It’s very easy to get to, and it is a wonderful escape when you most need it.

Mas Sant Marc, Camino de Sant Marc a las Pereras s/n, 17520 Puigcerdà, Girona.

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