This house is a dream. As has been noted in another review, the pictures don’t represent just how beautiful it is. We were in the midst of a heat wave and yet the many wide glass doors set all around the villa created cross breezes throughout the day. The thoughtful landscaping invited us to eat under shade trees in the front yard. The indoor and outdoor pools each offered their own advantages. Both were gloriously refreshing when we weren’t making trips to the many beaches along the Costa Brava. (The closest was about 20 minutes away.) The kitchen was a pleasure to cook in with its gorgeous stove, oven and indoor grill. (Another grill poolside sits alongside a large dining table and fridge and another full bathroom.) There were plenty of pots and utensils to use and we wanted for nothing. If anything it was hard to decide whether to cook at home or eat at the many delicious restaurants— simple or elaborate, traditional or innovative— all over the emporda region. Shout out to a lovely local bakery Pa Negre just a few minutes away that ensured a steady stream of fresh croissants and an olive bread we will never forget. There’s also a great farmer's market in Palafrugell (30 minutes) for fresh produce, fish, meats and local delicacies. There are closer markets but we enjoyed this one. Charming, under valued wineries with fresh natural wines are scattered around the region. We made a habit of strolling out of the two main bedrooms flanking the indoor pool to epic views of farmland and mountains that stretched all the way to the sea. The en-suite bathrooms were spacious with good water pressure and bidets and adjacent walk-in-wardrobes with full length mirrors. Brand new mountain bikes were provided for our use. Julio and Montse, the caretakers, were responsive, friendly, communicative and helpful. We were grateful for the overall well functioning AC, and an issue during the heat wave was addressed immediately. Additional smaller connected bedrooms, in what they call the dependency, are located down the driveway from the main house, with a full bathroom and easy access to the outdoor pool. The wifi works in the central rooms of the main house, kitchen and living space.
Yvan and Michel sent us many suggestions for restaurants, beaches and other places of interest in neighboring towns. The capital of Girona province is a 30 minute drive from the house and accessible by express train from Barcelona. (The local train goes to Flaça, even closer to the house.) Girona is a labyrinthine medieval town and can be a little crowded with tourists but also with vibrant shops, restaurants, bookstores and one of the best preserved 12th century Jewish quarters. The house felt ideally located to us— away from the city hustle yet short drives away from all that the emporda has to offer. We did find a car necessary. Our friends and family all agreed that the villa in Foixa was a luxurious yet cozy and comfortable escape. We hope that our fortunes take us back some day. Very grateful. Thank you, Yvan and Michel, for your hospitality and an unforgettable stay.