El Caracol

• Sleeps: 8
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

Lovingly designed and built by its owners, El Caracol is a completely unique and contemporary family home, found on the edge of a mountainous nature park and surrounded by two sparkling rivers – meaning exceptional views are guaranteed!

Constructed from steel and wood, and hidden partly underground, the house boasts a host of cutting-edge design features to ensure both breathtaking style and cool comfort. The immediately striking domed shell structure and glazed front cut a truly impressive dash as you arrive, while an innovative beamed ventilation space at the centre allows natural air to flow freely throughout.

The spacious ground floor living area is immediately welcoming, with light flooding inside through floor-to-ceiling windows, and steel supports cleverly acting as room dividers. Innovative, contemporary and comfy furnishings invite you to relax and admire, while the kitchen, bar and dining area, with its ‘floating’ cooker and worktop, provide the perfect setting for morning coffee catch-ups. You’ll find a handy bathroom, pantry and storage space on this floor, too.

Head up to the first floor, divided into three sumptuously tranquil bedrooms – two of which are ensuite. You’ll find one bedroom ideal for children, featuring two single beds, while the other two feature king-sized beds and exceptional forest views (a double sofa bed in the living area can easily accommodate any extra guests, in case you’re having trouble choosing your lucky holiday companions!)

Outside, enjoy the shaded, softly-glowing indoor/outdoor space that’s ideal for eating, drinking and relaxing as you fire up the barbecue and prepare a sizzling supper, surrounded by sweet-smelling pine trees, olive and almond orchards, with views that stretch all the way out to the mountain range. Why not grab a few fresh tomatoes from the vegetable garden to complete that supper?  Also a brand new pizza oven has been installed so you can extend those al fresco summer dining hours even longer.

Meanwhile, a sparkling circular six-metre infinity pool means you can take a refreshing dip, admire the views and work up the perfect appetite all at the same time!

Indeed, water babies will have discovered their paradise here. Surrounded by two wildlife-steeped rivers, the area is adorned by rushing gorges, waterfalls, canyons, warm shallow waters and deep, natural swimming pools all to be enjoyed (you may even meet an otter or two on your travels!)

At a glance

• Contemporary holiday home featuring cutting-edge design, sleeping 8 guests in total, set within 8 acres of pine forest and orchard land in the Spanish village of Lledo.
• Fly to Reus (Tarragona) airport, then hire a car for the 1 hour 30 minute drive to the house. A car is recommended due to the rural location.
• A range of services can be provided, including transfers, guided walks/horseriding, massage, hairdressing and a private chef. Bikes can be hired.
• Close to a wide range of swimming options, from the home’s 6-metre infinity pool to open river gorges. There is an abundance of walking and cycling routes, and the house is surrounded by local villages offering a variety of places to shop, dine and sightsee.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Off-Grid
• Swimming Pools

More information

Cyclists will adore the gently sloping Via Verde cycle route next to the house, created from a disused railway line and offering outstanding scenery as you whizz along your way.

The neighbouring hilltop villages provide a beautiful insight into rural Spanish living, as you immerse yourselves in the rich local history and culture. Come away with exceptional hand-made produce, taste exceptional wine, participate in the many lively fiestas, and make a few new friends!

Of course, Els Ports National Park is a must-visit, perfect for horseriding and sightseeing at the awe-inspiring connection point of Catalonia, Valencia and Aragon. Why not treat yourselves to a guided tour, or take advantage of the many maps and walking trail routes provided by El Caracol’s friendly owners?

In short, you’ll have to be quick to take advantage of this architectural wonder of a holiday home, in a location still relatively undiscovered by the rest of the world. So don’t wait a moment longer – get a group of your favourite people together and get ready to dive right in!

Things to note

El Caracol now open year-round, with wood-burning stove, oven and outdoor pizza oven. Low season price is €1,500 per week with minimum stays of 2 nights outside summer months. Christmas is charged at €2,000 per week. Highchair and cot are available on request, well-behaved pets are permitted upon prior arrangement, we recommend a hire car to explore and get around the area. Minimum stays of 7 nights during high season between June-Sep, shorter stays are possible outside of these months.