'Casa Olympe', Joch, France

Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays If you are looking for a great base for sightseeing, for trips to the mountains and the coast, walking, wild swimming, paddle boarding, cycling or sport climbing, this is the house for you. Park in the small car park next to the house. Cross the sun trap patio to enter Casa Olympe - a well equipped, fully modernised house, with fibre broadband and smart TV. With 3 beds and 3 bathrooms, ideal for up to 7 people. The space You enter the house through the large very well-equipped kitchen. Next door is the cool and spacious light living room with smart TV, super-fast fibre broadband (ideal for remote working), a wood burning stove for chilly evenings, games, books and jigsaw puzzles, and a range of maps and guidebooks to help you plan your stay. On that floor you will also find a double bedroom, bathroom and utility area with washing machine. Moving upstairs, you will discover the large, airy master bedroom, with ensuite bathroom. Also on that floor is the large roof terrace with fantastic views over the Tet Valley. The living and the two main bedrooms also share this wonderful view. The accommodation is completed by a large lower floor bedroom with three single beds and an en-suite bathroom. Once you have settled in, take a walk around the beautiful village of Joch. Now a ‘Village Fleurie” with a chateau, narrow streets, waterfalls and children’s play area to explore. Also check out the excellent restaurant/café with an attractive terrace with panoramic views. Start your next day with fresh bread and pastries from the bread van which visits 6 days a week, and have breakfast on the patio as you prepare for the day’s activities. For walkers, there are a range excellent paths from the house along the valley and up into the mountains. The high Pyrenees are nearby and offer a variety of hiking from the easy to the very challenging. If you want to paddle board or wild swim, there is a lake with a small beach 5 minutes away, as well as wild hot-springs, and more formal hot water sprimgs not far away. For sightseeing there are many picturesque villages, monasteries, wineries, ancient chapels and pre-historic remains to explore. For sport climbers there are a range of granite and limestone rock faces in the area. And within 45 minutes drive, there are Mediterranean beaches and picturesque towns including the famous artists’ ancient harbour of Collioure. Guest access The house is very much a home for us and is furnished and equipped to reflect this. Renters often comment on the good quality furnishings and equipment. For those who enjoy cooking the kitchen is well equipped and there are fresh herbs in the garden. The three bedrooms are all different. One has a king size bed, one a double bed and one three single beds. Each has its own bathroom. The south facing patio is a sun trap all year round. The roof terrace is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the stunning view with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Some of the stairs in the house are quite steep and for this reason we do not feel the house is suitable for toddlers and small children. Older children are fine. There is a large collection of maps and guide books in the house which you are welcome to use. Other things to note Our nearest small town - Vinca which is less than two miles away, has a range of local shops including artisan bakers, local produce, a small supermarket and a pretty lake-side swimming beach with lifeguards. There is also a small train station with regular trains to Perpignan at a cost of 1 euro. Further afield the area offers a huge range of activities and places to visit. The region abounds in Cathar castles, mediaeval monasteries and abbeys. The Mediterranean coast is only 40 minutes away with beautiful towns such as the artists retreat of Collioure and Banyuls sur Mer. Mt Canigou just behind the house is a relatively easy climb and further west are the high Pyrenees with wonderful walking and climbing. Closer to home there are local markets and many local wineries,offering free tasting. The mediaeval town of Carcassonne is easily accessible and Barcelona is a two hour drive as is Montpelier. We purchased this house after enjoying a family holiday in the village in 2001. It required substantial modernisation, extension and renovation to create a comfortable and attractive holiday home for our family and friends. We did much of the work ourselves , employing local craftsmen only for the major building work, such as creating the roof terrace and the upstairs bedroom. We love the village and the surrounding area and spend a lot of time here with friends and family. Family members also frequently use the house for holidays.