Holganza

There can be little doubt that when the renowned Barcelonan architect Josep Pratmarsó was commissioned to design this delightful villa he had in mind the luxuriant lifestyle enjoyed by the Romans and Greeks who once inhabited the surrounding area.

Holganza lies on a gentle slope just over 1km from the remains of the once glorious Greek-Roman city of Empúries, where magnificent mosaics and stone columns reach gently down the hillside and create a unique backdrop to the sandy, unspoilt beaches that shelve into the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean, the nearest of these being just 1.4km from the house itself.

Laid over one level, an abundance of light floods throughout the house with each bedroom opening to the garden and pool area. Families will no doubt appreciate the larger than average private swimming pool and undulating lawned garden where children can play, whilst adults can enjoy the welcome areas of shade provided by the soaring cypress trees.

The open plan living/dining area sweeps through to a well equipped kitchen backed by a splendid covered dining terrace adorned with curtains to keep out the midday sun or the evening breeze, an ideal place to relax with a glass of local wine and a platter of grapes whilst contemplating how life might have been for those Greeks and Romans who came to settle here so many centuries ago.

The picturesque medieval stone village of Sant Martí d'Empúries is a mere 700m away and once again plunges us back into history. Early evening is a great time to have a casual wander around its narrow cobbled streets and medley of street cafés and restaurants. Alternatively, head north towards the sweeping bay of Roses to reach the beach of Sant Pere Pescador, a paradise for kite and windsurfers.