June 2017 | 43
Interesting conversions
La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda , Cataloinia , Spain :
Set 500m above sea level on the 100km ‘ Via Verda del Carrilet ’ cycle route , this stunningly renovated seven-bedroom guest house is a former rectory dating from the 12th century . The rectory sits adjacent to the 11th century chapel of Sant Miquel de Pineda and has stunning views down the Val d ’ Hostoles in the county of La Garrotxa . Substantially modernized with en-suite bathrooms and two comfortable sitting rooms , the old wooden floors and beams , terracotta ceiling tiles and wood-burning kitchen stove have been retained , blending rustic charm with modern finishes . � terrace between the rectory and chapel provides space to relax and to take in the view , whilst the large garden has a swimming pool and secure storage for bicycles . Located in the Garrotxa Volcanic �one Natural Park , the area offers the o��ortunity to en�oy either recreational / touring cycling along the Via Verda and other routes in La Garrotxa , or some challenging road cycling in the more mountainous areas of the county . ( www . larectoriadesantmiquel . com )
Sandytoes , Algarve , Portugal :
Ever thought of spending the night in a donkey shed made of mud� �idn ’ t think so . �ell , it may be time to think again , as two comfortable self-catering properties in the picturesque Algarve were previously “ donkey sheds ” belonging to local farmers and constructed of rammed earth ( taipa in Portuguese ). Their locations are also unique – one being in the Historic area of Aljezur and the other in a village widely regarded as one of the last remaining authentic Algarve villages . Both are up-and-coming tourist destinations and welcome many cyclists each year , all attracted to the surrounding trails . Incidentally , Taipa is an interesting medium for construction ... cool in the summer and warm in the winter , and is making a comeback in the region – even for new hotels …. you heard it here first� �www . sandytoes-algarve . com�
The Old Bakery , Brittany , France :
Around 100 years ago , The Old Bakery was the hub of the small Breton town of Chateauneuf du Faou , serving the locals fresh bread from its wood-fired oven . �t is also likely that the famous impressionist painter Paul Serusier ( good friend of Gauguin ), who lived just a few doors away , would have picked up the odd baguette or two . Although the old oven remains , the fires have long sto��ed burning and the smell of fresh bread has been replaced with that of fresh linen in this welcoming and rustic bed and breakfast . Being a short stroll from the Nantes to Brest Canal , the accommodation makes the perfect stopover on this increasingly popular cycling route . Cycle storage provided . ( www . theoldbakery . org )