La Casa del Gorbill (VIN.66)

La Casa del Gorbill is a 1-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 2 (+ baby), In the mountain village of Py (Pyrénées-Orientales), 6km S of Sahorre, 11km SSW of Vernet-les-Bains, 20km S of Prades, 34km E of Saint-Thomas-les-Bains, 64km SW of Perpignan, 75km from the sea at Canet-Plage (Michelin map: 526). VFB is delighted to have feaured this property since 2006. Wednesday arrival.

A former bergerie, this spacious 18th-century village house has been recently renovated and beautifully restored to provide very appealing accommodation of a high standard. Peace, tranquillity and clear mountain air are the prize at this gem of a property which, situated at an altitude of 1000m, enjoys panoramic views from the sunny roof terrace to the Massif de Canigou. Inside, the North African roots of the owner are very much in evidence in the many ornaments and artefacts which decorate the house. Particularly worthy of note are the appealing Moroccan tiles used in the kitchen and shower room, delightfully contrasting against the traditional backdrop of exposed stone and heavy beamed ceilings. In the area the open-air natural hot springs of St-Thomas-les-Bains at Fontpedrouse (35km) are a must after a long walk in the mountains! Further afield lies the ski resort of Font-Romeu, Andorra and the Spanish border. A splendid rural mountain retreat of much character with superb views.

Accommodation: Ground floor: living room, king-size bedded room, shower room with wc. First floor: open-plan kitchen/dining room partly separated from living room. Second floor: roof terrace. This property is particularly suited to indoor and out-of-season living, due to a higher than average level of comfort.

Services: Bar/café with basic groceries in the village. Grocer’s van on Thursdays. Butcher and baker at Sahorre who come to Py several times a week. Supermarket and most other shops and services at Vernet-les-Bains or Prades. Market in Prades on Mondays, in Perpignan on Saturdays and Sundays and Céret (60km) on Saturdays. Parking in the village square 50m from the property. 

Activities: Excellent walking and horseriding from the doorstep (horseriding in summer only). River bathing in the village. Tennis and public swimming pools at Vernet-les-Bains and Prades. Golf (18 holes ) at Perpignan.

Location
In the mountain village of Py (Pyrénées-Orientales) – altitude 1000m - 100 inhabitants. 6km S of Sahorre, 11km SSW of Vernet-les-Bains, 20km S of Prades, 34km E of Saint-Thomas-les-Bains, 64km SW of Perpignan. 75km from the sea at Canet-Plage. Michelin map: 526.

Activities
Excellent walking and horseriding from the doorstep (horseriding in summer only). River bathing in the village. Tennis and public swimming pools at Vernet-les-Bains and Prades. Golf (18 holes ) at Perpignan.

Services
Bar/café with basic groceries in the village. Grocer’s van on Thursdays. Butcher and baker at Sahorre who come to Py several times a week. Supermarket and most other shops and services at Vernet-les-Bains or Prades. Market in Prades on Mondays, in Perpignan on Saturdays and Sundays and Céret (60km) on Saturdays. Parking in the village square 50m from the property.

Description
A former bergerie, this spacious 18th-century village house has been recently renovated and beautifully restored to provide very appealing accommodation of a high standard. Peace, tranquillity and clear mountain air are the prize at this gem of a property which, situated at an altitude of 1000m, enjoys panoramic views from the sunny roof terrace to the Massif de Canigou. Inside, the North African roots of the owner are very much in evidence in the many ornaments and artefacts which decorate the house. Particularly worthy of note are the appealing Moroccan tiles used in the kitchen and shower room, delightfully contrasting against the traditional backdrop of exposed stone and heavy beamed ceilings. In the area the open-air natural hot springs of St-Thomas-les-Bains at Fontpedrouse (35km) are a must after a long walk in the mountains! Further afield lies the ski resort of Font-Romeu, Andorra and the Spanish border. A splendid rural mountain retreat of much character with superb views. Featured by VFB since 2006.

Note: At the owner’s request this is a non-smoking property.

Accommodation
Ground floor entrance into:

·    Sitting room (9m x 3m20).  Tiled floor.
·    (1/2 step down) Bedroom (4m50 x 3m95) with king size bed (1m60), electric radiator. Tiled floor.
·    Shower room with shower cubicle, wc. Tiled floor.

First floor open tread stairs to:

·    Kitchen/diner (4m90 x 3m) with electric oven, halogen hob (4 rings), microwave, fridge with icebox, washing machine (in utility room), dishwasher, grandfather clock. Wooden floor.
·    Living room (5m x 4m) with television, DVD player. Wooden floor.

Second floor: open-tread stairs to roof terrace.

Bed and household linen included – Heating (gas central) not included – Electricity not included.

Breakage deposit: 125€     Sleeps: 2 + baby MAXIMUM (cot not provided)

Comments
“This is our seventh holiday with VFB and this is easily one of the best properties in which we have stayed.” “We have been very impressed by this beautiful property.” “Everything in the gîte made our 2 week stay most comfortable. Many thanks to Bruno for letting us share his exceptional house.” "We enjoyed the walking above the village of Py - the wild flowers were wonderful ... we also really enjoyed meeting and talking to M Vinci, who is a great enthusiast for 'La chasse'. It is this rapport with the owners which makes a VFB holiday special - we have been with you for 27 years!"

Description updated June 2009