Despite being out in the peaceful Spanish countryside, this villa is within day-tripping distance of Barcelona and Girona by train or by hire car. Once you’ve had your fill of the city, return to your peaceful country manor, built back in the 18th century. The grounds are filled with ancient trees whose trunks are twisted with ivy. Natural canopies shade outdoor dining and reclining spots, and there’s a full outdoor kitchen for alfresco feasts. The piece de resistance is the turquoise pool, begging for a dip in the Spanish sunshine. Inside, it’s everything you expect from a Spanish manor – terracotta tiled floors, wood-beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls. Several different sitting rooms packed with bookshelves and artworks provide the space to unwind and there are some laptop-friendly desks should you need to work remotely. We loved the tiled staircase at the centre of the home, a nod to yesteryear.