In the centre of everything yet away from tourists, this hilltop village house is in an enviable position. Beaches are 10 minutes, Roman Tarragona closer, Cistercian monasteries abound, while walks and cycling routes surround it. In the village centre, up a tiny alley, its deceptively traditional entrance opens to a spare, modern house, spread over three floors and flooded with light. Walls are white, floors creamy tiled, the furniture crisp and contemporary, and bedrooms cool and simple. Modern art, funky lighting and bold splashes of colour in rugs and bed covers add warmth and homeliness. Indeeed, this is the UK owners’ home part of the year, hence the kitchen is for serious cooking. (Catalan friends welcome you; no English but it works!) So many dining choices: in the kitchen, on the patio or on the large covered terrace. The main bedroom and top-floor hideaway (sofabed and shower room) have terraces, too. All rooms have views over nearby villages to the sea or countryside; the best from the double-height living room with its cosy mezzanine seating area. Only church bells disturb the peace.
What a house! Just perfect to escape from everything else. You wish in the end that you didn’t have to leave and will be reaching for the diary to find out when you can get back. The local seaside towns are very Spanish and not subject to the wrong influences and the beaches have wonderful sand and restaurants right on the sea edge. I noticed Spanish families sitting in the restaurants and their children playing in the sand a few meters away. Just perfect for whatever you are looking for.