Photographs Finca Carolina Ordis

Villa | 6 bedrooms | sleeps 12

Key Info

Swimming Pool Great for children of all ages No pets allowed Private garden Car essential Nearest beach 23km

A spacious Mediterranean holiday Villa and pool, offering self catering accommodation for families or groups. Villa is situated in the picturesque Catalan countryside; yet just 6km. from the city of Figueres and the Costa Brava coast is only 30 mins away.
Enjoy a glass of Cava on the extensive south facing patio terraces as the sun sets over the nearby mountains. Log burning fire for those Romantic evenings at home.
Large gardens for you to relax and unwind in whilst the children can runaround and play safely.
The sides of the pool are 1.4 m high .The water depth is 1.2 m throughout the pool. We have a large floatation ring for the children's use. Entrance to the pool is only possible via a gate secured by a lock the key will be given to the parents on arrival at the house.

Size	Sleeps up to 12, 6 bedrooms
Nearest beach	Empuriabrava 23 km
Will consider	Corporate bookings, Long term lets (over 1 month)
Access	Car essential
Nearest Amenities	1 km
Nearest travel links	Nearest airport: Girona 35 km, Nearest railway: Figueres 6 km
Family friendly	Great for children of all ages, Suitable for people with restricted mobility
Notes	No pets allowed, No smoking at this property

Features and Facilities

Luxuries	Log fire, Internet access, DVD player, Staffed property
Pool	Private outdoor pool (unheated)
General	Central heating, TV, CD player, Satellite TV, Wi-Fi available
Standard	Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
Utilities	Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine
Rooms	6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms of which 1 Family bathrooms, 1 En suites and 1 Shower rooms
Furniture	Double beds (6), Dining seats for 12, Lounge seats for 8
Other	Linen provided, Towels provided
Outdoors	Private outdoor pool (unheated), Balcony or terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available
Access	Parking
Further details indoors	Spacious Villa will log burning fire and central heating. Large well equipped kitchen electric ovens and hob. There are 6 double bedrooms one of which is en-suite. Family bathroom and separate shower room. All windows are double glazed and fitted with Persian blinds to exclude the sunlight when required. Sky Tv (not sport or movie - try your own card)
Further details outdoors	Large garden with BBQ. Try the famous local Butifarra Sausage with Calcott Onions a Catalan delight. The above ground swimming pool measures 7.5m x 3.75m and is 1.4m deep Large terraces offer sun or shade throughout the day with Sun loungers provided; please bring your own beach towels. There are comfortable sofas and chairs too for quiet conversationalists and readers where birdsong is often the only sound you will hear. You will soon relax as you dine al fresco on the terrace at the 12 place table. There is Volleyball, Football, Petanqe equipment for client use. There are woodland and country pathways surrounding Finca Carolina ideal for strollers or ramblers. Mountain Bikers and Cyclists will find lots of testing routes to explore.
Further details	The owners live on the property in separate accommodation under the villa and will be happy to help or advise you if required. The Villa is set amongst other Fincas (farms). The village centre is 100 meters away. Nearest restaurant is 1.3km. Car rental essential. Bed linen and towels provided. Bring your own Beach towels for sun loungers. Please do not sit on upholstered patio furniture with sun tan creams and products, other guests as well as your own party will use that furniture on an evening.

The Costa Brava/Catalonia/Barcelona region

Alt Emporda (high market) is primarily and agricultural area with a long history of settlements by Greek,Roman & Visigoths all of whom have enriched the native culture; nearby Besalu a world heritage site is testimony to that.
The Volcanic mountainous regions lead down to the warm Mediterranean Sea with picturesque bays and coves.

Figueres

Figueres is perhaps best known as the home of Salvador Dali his theatre museum being an iconic image. There are several open air markets throughout the week as well as seasonal exhibitions of handicrafts, art and local delicacies.
There are many local fiestas and fairs held in surrounding villages ask Colin and Carol for details.

Prices

Prices originally quoted in GBP United Kingdom Pounds Convert to

For up to 4 guests

Period	from	To	Weekly	Weekday night	Weekend night	Minimum stay	Changeover day
Summer	1 May 14	28 Sep 14	£800			1 week	Saturday

For up to 8 guests

Period	from	To	Weekly	Weekday night	Weekend night	Minimum stay	Changeover day
Summer	1 Jun 14	28 Sep 14	£900			1 week	Saturday

For up to 12 guests

Period	from	To	Weekly	Weekday night	Weekend night	Minimum stay	Changeover day
Spring	15 Mar 14	1 Jun 14	£850	£850		1 week	Saturday
Summer	1 Jun 14	28 Sep 14	£1,000			1 week	Saturday

Pais Catalans

Catalan culture in France and Spain: Homage to both Catalonias

Ferne Arfin samples Catalan culture in both French Catalonia and Spain's Catalunya, in an area straddling the French and Spanish border.

Catalogne Nord

French Catalonia, or Catalogne Nord, climbs from a small patch of coastal Roussillon, that includes Perpignan, up into the eastern Pyrénées.

Though local signs identify the regional capital in the Catalan language – Perpinyà la Catalana – this is a recent innovation and somehow you just know their hearts aren’t in it. Catalan was only recognised as a regional language in the Pyrénées Orientales in 2007. If you try the Catalan pronunciation for a place name or a menu item, Perpignan locals will still steer you back to French.

In the mountains, closer to Spain, it’s a different story. The air of the enormous Saturday market in Ceret resounds with Catalan; the market stalls are laden with Catalan specialities – bunches of vegetables and jars of sauces rarely seen elsewhere in France.

After visiting Ceret’s gem of a modern art museum (Picasso, Matisse, Soutine, Braque), we stopped in a café to try pain à la catalana (pa amb tomàquet), toasted bread topped with ripe tomato and olive oil, and calçots with romesco sauce, a combination of almonds, pine nuts, sweet peppers and garlic.

A pair of fortified villages high in the mountains might explain the cultural amnesia that, until its recent revival, turned French Catalan culture into a mountain outlaw.

When the 17th-century Treaty of the Pyrénées put most of Catalonia in Spain, Louis XIV drove the language underground by banning its public use. His architect, Vauban (whose works seem as common in France as pubs named the King’s Arms in England), fortified two border outposts in the mountains to make sure that France stayed French. The Sun King’s fortresses, Mont Louis and Villefranche-de-Conflent, near the base of Mount Canigou, are part of the Vauban Unesco World Heritage Site in the Pyrénées Regional Natural Park.

Mont Louis, at 96 acres and 5,250ft, is France’s smallest “commune” and highest fortified town. Though parts of it can be visited year round, its citadel is still an active military base where French commandos train.

Villefranche-de-Conflent is an unusually oblong-shaped walled town crammed into a narrow valley, between steep slopes and the River Tet. Though the fortifications had a Vauban makeover, most of the pink marble town and its walls date from the original 11th-century “enterprise zone”.

The local Count of Cerdanya and Conflent built it as a freetown in 1095 to control the valley and cut off his enemies’ wine supplies in winter. To attract a population of shopkeepers and craftsmen, he invited settlers to live tax free for three years, after which they could pay when and only as much as they wanted. Their stone shopfronts and tall, narrow houses line deeply shaded streets that open onto dazzling mountain views.

Several hundred feet higher, 18th-century Fort Liberia clings to an outcrop, protecting Villefranche from “aerial” attack. Visitors can take a shuttle bus from the parking area outside the town walls.

The reward is a view over three valleys Mont-Louis, Vernet-les-Bains, and Prades. While you’re there, take a

10-minute side trip to Vernet-les-Bains. The historic spa town is the site of the world’s only monument celebrating the Entente Cordiale.

Catalunya

The A9 motorway crosses the border into Spain near Perthus, flying over the high passes before descending to the plains of Girona, one of the provinces which, with Barcelona, Tarragona and Lleida, make up Catalunya.

Since 1978, Catalunya has been one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities. Its language, suppressed for four decades under Franco but now spoken by about half the population, has official status and is taught in schools.

This part of Spain feels like an empty quarter. The impeccably restored medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada are lovely but eerily quiet.

Crossing the small province capital of Girona, we came across a group of people outside the polytechnic faculty of the University of Girona taking part in a training session of the Colla Castellera dels Xoriguers. This peculiarly Catalan activity, known as castelling, is a feature of public holidays and feast days all over the region.

Castellers form human towers, or castells. The castell is complete when the person at the top – often a child – raises one hand in a four-fingered salute. While we watched, the castellers reached three, four and finally five storeys.

In the Costa Brava town of Palamós we watched a sardana, or Catalan circle dance. It seemed to happen spontaneously, like a flash mob, as people gathered to listen to the oddly harsh woodwind music. Family groups, elderly couples, teenagers and children put down their handbags and toys, linked arms and began the lively, complicated dance.

Within minutes, the entire seaside was alive with wheeling circles of dancers.

Catalonia essentials

Getting There

Girona Airport is the gateway to the region. Ryanair (0871 246 0000, calls cost 10p per minute; www.ryanair.com) has flights from Stansted to Girona from £35 one way. Car rental is available at the airport.

THE BEST HOTELS

Hotel Ciutat de Girona, Girona ££

In the centre of the city, this is a smart modern hotel with a stylish, Catalan-influenced restaurant (0034 9 7248 3038; www.hotel-ciutatdegirona.com; doubles from €90/£79.50 per night).

Le Mas Trilles, Ceret ££

A traditional Catalan farmhouse, just outside Ceret. Colourful rooms have views of Mt Canigou or of the gardens (4 6887 3837; www.le-mas-trilles.com; doubles from €93/£82 per night).

Hotel Aigua Blava, Begur £££

This luxury hotel is difficult to get to but worth the trouble for its dramatic views. Rooms are arranged in several buildings, giving the hotel the feeling of a small coastal village (9 7262 2058; www.aiguablava.com; doubles with terrace from €223/£196 per night).

THE BEST RESTAURANTS

Le Cedrat, Le Boulou £

Near the French/Spanish border, in the unlikely setting of a casino. Chef Jean Plouzennec puts a modern spin on traditional ingredients (Joacasino Le Boulou, Route du Perthus; 4 6883 0120).

Restaurante Aigua Blava, Begur ££

First-class restaurant at the Hotel Aigua Blava, presided over by chef Lluis Ferrès. Fresh, local ingredients, with very good seafood and shellfish (9 7262 4562; www.aiguablava.com).

Bo Tic, Girona £££

Molecular cuisine, along with nouvelle-ish interpretations of the traditional flavours of Baix Empordà. Young chef/owner Albert Sastregener has just landed his first Michelin star (9 7263 0869; www.bo-tic.com).

What to avoid

• Delicate shoes – everything interesting seems to be cobbled. The Call, Girona’s old quarter, is worth exploring on foot but, again, only in comfortable shoes.

• Paella – cheaper restaurants feature it but it’s not a local speciality and it can be dreadful.

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• Talking politics – Catalan nationalism isn’t much of an issue but plenty of mid-20th century, civil war and fascist history still is. This is one kettle of zarzuela to avoid.

Castellfolit before the storm

The town of Castellfollit sits on a basalt mountain in Catalunya, Spain's only basalt rock source, an important agricultural mineral and decorative stone. The setting of the town on a mountain over a river is spectacular and just a short drive from Finca Carolina.

Alt Empordà ski and snowboarding rural Costa Brava

Ski and Snowboarding are just two of  the winter sports which prove popular with visitors to the to the mountains of  L' Alt Empordà.  


The resort of Vall de Nuria reports excellent snow conditions in the weeks before Christmas.

Pals Catalonia

Golf holiday Costa Brava Spain

Torremirona Golf course Figueres 

A Golf holiday in the Costa Brava might sound ideal for you, though possibly a family holiday with an occasional round of golf would be preferable to your family.

You can choose either when staying at Finca Carolina in the Girona countryside.

Your holiday villa is only 3km. from the Torremirona Golf and Spa resort at the town of Navata which is just outside our village. Green fees are payable locally.

Castelló d’Empúries

The parish church of Santa Maria de Castelló d’Empúries is often mistaken for a cathedral because of its impressive gothic architecture and large proportions.

Holiday information

Catalan culture has a written history which dates from the 8th century the people have their own language 'Catala'. The vast fertile plains with their mountainous background of the Spanish Pyrenees are the picturesque country setting for numerous medieval villages and hamlets of the Alt Empordá.

Gastronomic delights will be found in the Mediterranean restaurants serving local produce. El Buli in Rosas was voted a world class restaurant. Wine, Cava and Olive oil now has their own 'DO Emporda-Costa Brava' certification.

Neighbouring Aragon will host EXPO 2008 in the city of Zaragoza

Local Markets Figueres

Colourful specialist local markets selling, Poultry, Fish, Meat or fruit and vegatables occur throughout the week in Figueres.

City guide Figueres

Figueres Tourist information

Golf

Torremirona Golf resort is only 3kms away. Enjoy a better standard of accommodation at the Finca Carolina and pay green fees for a bargain golf vacation.

Casino

If you think that lady luck is on your side you may wish to visit the casino in Castell de Peralada, also the home of The Peralada International Music Festival each August.

Monuments, Castles, Art and culture

Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, 1st Marquis of Púbol
"I have Dalinian thought: the one thing the world will never have enough of is the outrageous". 

Museu d'art Naïf - El Far d'Empordà
Carme Sanglas - Ordis



La Real Plaza de Guerra de San Fernando

Puig de Sant Andreu d'Ullastret 

Empuries


Castelló d`Empuriés

The monastery Sant Pere de Rodes

Restaurants

Borrassà1.5 km
Mas Pla - Grill

Mas Pau 3km 
Mas Pau

Navata3km
Can Janot
El Petitot
La Oca Pintada
El Canigo - Torremirona golf

Creixell 1.5km
Ca l' Asina

Fly or Sky dive

Ordis has it's own airfield currently being expanded

Sky Diving Empriabrava

Natural world

Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Emporda

Beaches

The Costa Brava coastline is a series of rocky coves and sandy beaches all within a short drive of the Villa. The nearest beaches are Sant Pere Pescador, Empuriabrava, Bay of Roses, L'Escala

Aquabrava waterpark - Roses

Fishing

The river Fluvià runs close to the village, fishing is permitted in those waters.

Costa Brava villa rental

Costa Brava Villa rental

Village of Ordis Village Street City of Girona Church Figueres Dali theatre Figueres Besalu

Costa Brava Villa rental for the Independent traveller. Well appointed and spacious accomodation sleeps 8 - 10 people in comfort and style. Quiet countryside location within Catalan village of Ordis. Shopping facilities nearby. Car advised. You can see photographs of the villa on the Gallery page Location of Finca Carolina The property is within the village of Ordis within walking distance of a village shop and bar. The village is in the centre an important barley growing area. Villa Carolina provides the following accommodation over three levels. Ground floor:  A comfortable lounge with wide screen satellite Television. Spacious Dinning room. Well appointed kitchen. Family bathroom. Double bedroom. First floor Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Double bedroom Double bedroom Double bedroom Office Shower & WC The tower A lounge Amenities and Recreation Having relaxed and unwound in your comfortable surroundings you may decide to explore the region a little further. Perhaps a short hop to Barcelona for some retail therapy or maybe explore historical sites in the old quarter of Girona. Nearer still are medieval village of Besalu and the beautiful lake of Banyoles. La Bisbal d'Empordà is the centre for ceramics and handicrafts just a short drive away You can read more about the local area in our local information page The Landscape, Flora and Fauna of Catalonia Forests of Beech and Oak trees adorn the rolling hills and valleys between Figueres and Olot and the Garrotxa volcanic field. Ancient olive trees and fields of amber grained barley punctuate the scenery. The Pyrenees are an ever present backdrop to l'Alt Empordà. In winter these snow covered peaks of Catalonia boast 12 ski resorts, with 116 ski lifts, able to carry up to 90,000 skiers per hour, at altitudes between 1,450 and 2,600 metres. There are also 13 places with facilities for cross-country skiing. Snow boarding is increasingly popular.  In springtime when the snows melt carpets of wildflowers adorn the slopes where shepherds watch over their flocks of sheep and goats. Eagles fly high overhead and flocks of migrant birds pass by returning from an African winter to their breeding grounds in northern Europe. How to find Finca Carolina However you wish to travel either by road, plane, boats or trains you will find useful advice on - Our travel page.