Stag of Ivory

Stag of Ivory: Catalonia

This home makes the most of Val d'Aran's idyllic scenery, whether it's the snow-dusted peaks in the wintertime or the rolling green valleys come spring. Warmer weather calls for a glass of sangria and alfresco tapas in the sun-kissed garden, watching as the dusk descends over the mountain. With the stars twinkling above you and the fresh air on your skin, you couldn't ask for a better spot to while away those summer evenings.

During the frostier times of year, head inside to the charming living area and get cosy in front of the pellet fireplace. White-washed beams, black-and-white artwork and clean-lined furniture give the place a distinctly Scandinavian feel – it's a modern take on cabin chic and we can't help but love it. You can easily rustle up hearty meals in the kitchen for dinner – and you'll never miss a beat while doing so, thanks to the open-plan layout.

Arties is a small village straight out of a fairytale, with its 14th-century church, stone houses and babbling stream running through the town. Although it's tiny, it has some of the best après-ski, restaurants and gourmet food shops in the valley – perfect for those nights when you don't fancy cooking. It's an excellent spot for outdoor adventures, too – be it hiking through The Pyrenees or flying down the ski slopes at Baqueira, only a short drive away.

Home truths:
*One guest will sleep on a trundle bed in the third bedroom – we think this room is best suited to children
*You'll have keyless access to this home
*At full occupancy, there isn't enough seating around the dining table for all guests here – this home may be a better fit for six guests
*You'll have an on-site parking space here – we suggest renting a car if you're keen to explore the area
*This is a self-catering home – the hosts may provide a small number of complementary items to start you off (such as one roll of toilet paper per bathroom and a small cleaning kit) but you'll need to supply your own food and other provisions