A few years ago, we gathered up enough courage to leave Holland. We found a home, nestled in the Catalan hills, surrounded by meadows, forests and even a babbling river, that was as close to perfection as can be. “Can Portell” with its 7 rooms, has both the sea and mountains on its doorstep, is not far from the vibrant town of Girona, and only half an hour’s drive from the airport. Not only is it easy to get to, but Can Portell caters to everyone’s needs. The house is an old masia farm and dates from 1690. The main building is surrounded by a beautiful plot of land with a swimming pool, stables, trees that provide shade and an original, abandoned corral where once we had our horses. The house comes complete with a truly unique décor, intriguing corridors, steps, rooms aplenty and a charming veranda – the perfect spot for a morning coffee, for reading the papers and for surveying the garden. This is where you will be served breakfast, and the occasional dinner if you so desire. The shady area underneath the veranda, furnished with loungers, offers cool relaxation. Each season here has its own charm and beauty, so our doors are open to guests all year round. See you soon

Debbie, who – after 25 years of working as a producer for Dutch television – decided to chuck it all in for a life-changing experience. Our children Sam and Roos, aged 24 and 21, who soon came to realise that this move was a great idea and whom are now studying Movie en Barcelona A bunch of animals that share their lives with us, either because we brought them in or because they just happened to walk by and decided to stay.

Figueres, Girona, Barcelona, Besalù, San Feliu de Guixols, La Bisbal d´Empordà and all those gorgeous seaside towns and villages, such as s´Agarò, Tamariù, Cadaquès and Calella de Parafrugell it´s all in our neighbourhood. - In Figueres, you will not only find great shoes but also the Dalì museum. - What to say about Barcelona? A burst of culture, style and elegance plus a vibrant nightlife. - Girona, at 20 minutes from our house, along the river Onyar, has a lovely old, walled town centre, with an almost immaculately preserved Jewish quarter. You can shop till you drop and... play golf. One of the most beautiful golf courses of the Costa Brava is situated just south of Girona, near the airport. - La Bisbal d´Empordà is a somewhat rugged cowboy town which, apart from being an episcopal see, is the antique and ceramics centre of Catalonia. It is also home to a busy and vibrant Friday market. Or perhaps you would prefer to drive to Santa Pau in the heart of the Garrotxa, excellent walking, horse riding and biking country. For the experienced walker, we recommend the old smuggler’s route to the St. Aniol falls.