Description

Together with the country villa EL MAS DE CASTELLTALLAT, “EL VIVER” has established itself as a place to disconnect and relax, and as a place for hosting workshops and activities related to growth, on both a personal and agricultural level. EL VIVER is fast becoming an example to follow for rural tourism and training in the region.

5 MAJOR PLUS POINTS

1. Remote location, set amidst farm and woodland, just an hour and a half away from Barcelona (90 km).
2. A house perfect for small groups or for families (4-6 people)
3. Did we mention the spectacular views of Montserrat? Enough said.
4. And as if that wasn’t enough, at night there is another breathtaking view: the stars! You will be neighbour to the Observatory of Castelltallat, where you will find some amazing information about the universe and even contemplate the night skies through their telescopes.
5. Do you believe in love at first sight? Well we certainly fell in love with the whole family! They have created such a warm and friendly environment that you’ll feel like another member of the family- just like we did!

THE SETTING

When we visited EL VIVER back in the spring of 2015, as soon we turned off the C-25, we immediately embarked on a trail through a varied landscape of woodland and countryside. As the road began to climb, the first houses came into view. A sign to the left saying  “Castelltallat – rural road”  was the first indication that we were about to enter the Sierra de Castelltallat, an area declared of Natural Interest that spans over 50km. Further along the asphalted road, steadily climbing, we were enveloped by an expanse of pine trees and oaks and juniper, followed by farmland dotted with cows and sheep, and even more stunning views. At 850 metres, the vegetation became less dense, the notable effects of the forest fire that raged here in the 90’s.

And then suddenly, just beyond the curve, on the tip of the Sierra de Castelltallat, the BIOSCA farmhouse appeared!

As soon as we got out of the car we understood why, generation after generation, the family has continued to embrace this property: pure air, cherry trees in full bloom, outstanding views of Montserrat… Just incredible!

Sometimes the colloquial name of a place says it all. The nearby town of Sant Mateu de Bages is referred to locally as “MiraBages” (“Bages” is thought to originate from “Bacchus”, so a rough translation of MiraBages would be “View of the Vineyards”). And indeed, from MiraBages there is a perfect view of “Pla de Bages”, the smallest of the wine producing regions of Catalonia to have been granted Protected Designation of Origin.

So really, this house could be aptly named “MiraMontserrat”, with the mountain range as the protagonist instead of vineyards!

THE FARMHOUSE COTTAGE

The house forms part of the main cottage, but it has its own entrance via a separate staircase. It consists of:

•     2 double rooms (one with a double bed and the other with two singles).
•     1 room with a study (1 single bed, that can open to accommodate 2 people) and access to a spacious terrace with views of Montserrat.
•     A living/dining area with an open fire, television and access to the same terrace.
•     A fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, freezer, microwave, gas hob, etc.
•     A bathroom complete with shower, sink and toilet.

It is also worth noting that the house has central heating, something to bear in mind given that temperatures here are a good 7 degrees lower that in Barcelona.

Pets are also welcome; the owners themselves have two dogs.

Events in former stables

For those who are interested in organising a family or business event, the ground floor of the house as a large area perfect for groups. A former stable, the space has two large wooden tables and an authentic open fire still in its original state.

The house is surrounded by a garden area with different varieties of trees, medicinal plants and geraniums. And of course el VIVER (plant nursery), with its all-important water tank, a for cultivating the land and for domestic use.

Natural Solarium behind walls sheltered from the wind

There is also a swimming pool in the garden, situated in a sheltered area that also makes it perfect for sunbathing. You can also enjoy a view of Montserrat from the water! The wall next to the pool has integrated natural seating, where you can warm your back thanks to the heat of the springtime sun.

SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND

• Livestock (chicken, goats, rabbits, cows, dogs). The kids will love it!
• Biomass fuelled heating
• Ecological and sustainable farming and agricultural activity.
• The family has written a guide with several routes through the land surrounding the property that includes a description of the lives of their ancestors.
• The owners work with local businesses to sell their organic, home-grown products.
• Partner of GeoParc, the Geological and Mining Park of Central Catalonia, formed by the Bages region and the municipality of Collbató, UNESCO heritage

PLACES OF INTEREST

The Observatory of Castelltallat (3 Km).

Castell de Castellar (15 km).

Calaf Market and “cuna de la pesseta” (17 Km).

The capital of the Bages province, Manresa (25 Km).

La Tallada Castle in La Segarra, (35 Km).

Montfalcó Murallat, a town with houses built on a hilltop (37 km).

Cardona Castle, Cardona and the Salt mine (38 Km).

Monastery of Sant Benet de Bages, Fundación Alícia and the Ramon Casas exhibition, (40 Km).

And of course, the emblematic Montserrat (50 Km).

‘SLOW’ ACTIVITIES

Day and night star gazing.

Excursions on traditional horse-drawn carriages

Sessions for tasting local produce

Sierra de Castelltallat (Area of Natural Interest) provides the perfect setting for hiking (for example, the Biosca to Perebaldes route, that passes through old Barraca de Viña).

HOW TO GET THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The closest train stations are: Aguilar de Segarra (the closest, but only 3 trains stop daily), Manresa and Calaf (Calaf and Manresa are at the same distance from the house, but trains to Manresa go more frequently).
If you don’t want to come by car, it’s possible to take advantage of a pick up service from the Fons i Duocastella family  They look for you at the train station or get groceries for you.

HOLIDAY RENTAL LICENCE

The official Tourism Licence No of the Generalitat de Catalunya is PCC0023

ThanX Jennie for the wonderful translation!

PRICES to rent la Casa Rural

Capacity: max. 5-6 persons

Price includes:
– towels (only to use in the house)
– bed sheets
– cot and high chair for a baby
– internet WiFi
– water, electricity, heating
– VAT of 10%

Price DOESN’T include:
– final cleaning: 100€ extra to pay once
– towels for the pool and the beach
– tourist tax of 0,50€/night for each person older than 16 years (max. of 7 nights)

Supplements:
– 15€/ night per extra person from 6th person on

REVIEWS