Detached character house with large garden and superb views, two minutes from Ceret town centre

A detached house in a large garden, two minutes’ walk from the shops, bars and restaurants in Céret, with views of the Canigou and nearby hills. There are two terraces with garden furniture, to enjoy the sun at different times of day. The garden is part of an old cherry orchard, and guests are welcome to enjoy the cherries in season, as well as chestnuts and figs from other trees. In addition there is a lawned area and two terraces at the front and back of the house, to benefit from the sun at different times of day. There is parking available within the grounds for up to three cars.

The house has been recently improved to a high standard. The accommodation consists of a living room with dining area, three bedrooms (two double with king-size beds and one twin), a bathroom downstairs and shower room with a separate toilet upstairs. There is also an armchair available that’s convertible into a small single bed, which would suit a child. There is air conditioning in the living room and all bedrooms (much needed during the hot summers); these also provide heating in the winter. The living room also has a log burner. The kitchen is well equipped, with an induction hob, oven, microwave and dishwasher; there is also a washer-dryer.

This is my second home, and I and my family and friends use it regularly. There is therefore usually a supply of long-life foods in the kitchen and frozen food in the freezer. You are welcome to make use of any of these if you wish: I would just ask that you replace anything that is running short.

There is WiFi in the house, a TV and DVD player. There are also a number of books, games and children’s toys for the use of guests.

Céret is a picturesque small town with a great deal to offer. It is mainly known for its modern art museum, with an impressive collection for a small place, featuring artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Dali, Chagall and Braque, who all spent some time in the town. In addition it has a number of good restaurants and bars, and a lively atmosphere, especially in the summer, with regular festivals. There is a large Saturday market, which attracts people from a wide area. Being near the Pyrenees, Céret offers plenty of country walks with impressive views, several of which can be easily reached on foot from the house.

Within a short drive there are coastal resorts such as Collioure (another town famed for its artistic connections), and Argèles-sur-Mer, with its superb beaches, plus a number of pretty villages such as Banyuls des Aspres, Laroque-des-Albères and Corsavy. The Spanish border is only about half an hour’s drive, and for art lovers Dali’s museum at Figueres and house at Cadaques are an easy day trip. Further afield, Barcelona and Carcassonne can be reached in a couple of hours.

There are good transport connections, with flights and trains to Perpignan, about 40 minutes away, and a number of other airports within a couple of hours’ drive. There are regular bus services to Perpignan (only 1€!), so although a car is very useful, it is feasible to manage without for a short stay