The house is as gorgeous as images promise. A real gem of a medieval village, almost museum, with a swarm of cosy restaurants – and Joan's house right in the middle of it. A great combination of historic building (outer stone walls mostly) with quite a contemporary and stylish take on the interior design. Great taste, great place to spend your summer days. Don't expect marble staircases – it was modest enough, but cool.

Never met the host – the key was left to us and we dropped it afterwards. But he was most helpful on the phone and things mostly worked without err. The kitchen was modern and very well equipped (you learn to appreciate that) and the house featured two toilets – much appreciated feat when occupying it with a larger company.

The village has an occasional whiff of farm smell and the church bell clinks every 15 minutes – but that's a natural part of a vacation far away from the hustle of la Rambla.