Whispers from the Past

Whispers from the Past: Catalonia

Some homes just have that special something which makes them quite magical – and this beautiful garden apartment situated on the ground floor of a grand nineteenth-century house in the charming town of Martorell is certainly one such home.

If you’re like us you’ll likely fall under the spell of this place the moment you arrive – firstly, you’ll be greeted by the imposing building itself, set against the lush greenery of its garden. Your host is here to welcome you – a personal touch which can make all the difference to a weary traveller.

The apartment is full of character – while it has been meticulously renovated, it still retains all of its period elegance, and the many quaint pieces and lovely furnishings scattered throughout will make you feel right at home. There’s plenty of room inside to kick off your shoes and relax, whether on one of the comfy sofas or in the shady serenity of the garden. We love the wood beams on the ceilings and the gorgeous tiled floors – not to mention all the family treasures you’ll encounter everywhere you turn.

Let yourself get creative in the bright and well-equipped kitchen and serve delicious meals either at the large indoor dining table or outside, where you can also make use of the barbecue oven. The terrace is surrounded by beautiful plants and it features a comfy seating area, ideal for evenings of wine under the stars. Your host will also arrange complimentary tastings of Catalonian cuisine here during the summer months.

Get a restful night of sleep in the plush and elegant bedrooms and awake refreshed and ready for another day of sun. While you could easily pass entire days inside this tranquil oasis, if you do decide to venture out the town of Martorell offers plenty of historical sights to visit, as well as a string of fantastic restaurants and bars. You can also explore the picturesque countryside around on bikes provided by the host. Should you fancy a day trip to Barcelona you’ll find the city a mere thirty-five-minute drive away, and you can reach the coast with its sandy beaches in under that time.

Home truths:
*There is a private garage here for up to two cars as well as free on-street parking
*The apartment is situated on the ground floor and has step-free access
*The host offers free laundry service for stays exceeding one week
*In the summer months, the host organises free tastings of Catalan cuisine on the weekends
*Children's books and toys are available here
*You'll have your own private entrance here
*It's possible you might hear some light noise from neighbours during your stay