In July we (two parents and two teenage kids) stayed at the house of Mariona in Santa Maria de Batet near Olot, a magnificent place to stay! We only saw Mariona when we arrived, because she went on a trip herself the same day. She welcomed us, was very kind and gave tips of attractions in the neighbourhood. During her absence we could have contact with her parents, who live next door, and who were kind to us too, Her father even escorted us in the old church and churchyard, and climbed the churchtower with us. He doesn't speak English, but understands French. Mariona can speak English.
When we entered the house we thought the 'entrance hall' was the living room, it was so spacious, but then we entered the next room, the official living room, that was even more spacious! The house has a good kitchen and three bedrooms and three bathrooms, all with new equipment and furniture. The house is recently restored by Mariona and her family, with excellent taste and a good eye for detail.
The view from the garden, facing east, is spectacular, with many mountains and between them we could even see Roses at the Costa Brava!
There is a star observatory in a neighbouring house, which was open one night we stayed there. An ideal spot for star watching! And during the day an ideal starting point for hiking in mountains, vulcanoes and woods, horseriding, or visiting villages and little towns nearby, like Santa Pau, Olot, Besalu, Castellfollit de la Roca and Sant Joan les Fonts.
It is an ideal place to return to and relax after a day of activities.In the garden you have a lot of privacy. Only two dogs visited us frequently. The kids loved them. They were nice dogs, very obedient and if you wanted them to go, they went. It is a big garden with a dining table and chairs, sunbeds, a hammock, and an outdoor kitchen with BBQ.
Staying here, you feel almost in paradise!