High living and Hedonism - take a Catalan manor house this August through One Off Places

Still looking for a holiday in August and finding that everything’s already booked up? Almiral de la Font is a luxuriously restored masia just south of Barcelona which not only still has availability, but has a six night stay on offer for just 60% of the normal price.

Staying at Almiral is a unique experience: renovated with great care and attention to detail, this beautiful ‘masia’ offers high-tech modern comforts whilst retaining the historic charm and character of the original building.

Outside is a large tiled courtyard with palm and citrus trees and Moroccan lounge providing welcome shade. There are over 300 acres of private grounds with 14 kilometres of tracks in which you will find large areas of vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees. Sea views from 200 meters altitude onto the coastal resorts of Sitges and Vilanova Y La Geltru. There is an 18.6 x 6m solar heated swimming pool, as well as a children’s pool, ample outdoor furniture, a table tennis and basketball net and gated car parking for over 12 cars. And that’s just the outside.

Inside you’ll find four suites, each with two or three bedrooms and four individual double bedrooms. Sleeping up to 24 it comes with its own maid, a surround sound home cinema, wine cellar, banquet room and games room.

If you can’t face cooking, call the cook. If you want some childcare, they can provide a babysitter. If you want to tour the area but can’t be bothered to drive yourself, there’s a chauffeur available. You can even get married here - and they can organise marquees and caterers for you.

Set high on a hillside in the Pinedes wine region, the masia dates back to the 1500’s. It is surrounded by the Garaf National Park and offers dramatic sea or mountain views from every room or terrace. Thirty minutes drive from the allure of the Barcelona city lights and ten minutes drive from the pull of the Sitges beaches.

Available from 8th – 14th August (six nights) at a 40% discount off the usual price.
Normally £15,800 for a week at the property in peak season, it is now £8,100 for six nights.
£337.50 per person (based on 24 sharing).

For more information and pictures see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Almiral-de-la-Font.aspx

Book now to grab a real One Off deal!

*20% discount* at Can Gelat, Mallorca
From £145 per person for one week based on 6 sharing.

Can Gelat is a beautiful restoration of an antique farmhouse. Natural light floods down the exposed stone walls of the double height living room that opens out onto a relaxing private garden and pool. With three bedrooms and comfortably sleeping six people, it is walking distance from Deia, a chic village made up of a main street of boutique shops and A-list restaurants.

What’s the deal? All bookings made by the end of February 2010 will receive a 20% discount off the listed 2010 prices. Usually £1085 for the property for bookings between now and the end of March, it is now £868. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Balearic-Islands/Mallorca/Can-Gelat.aspx

Ballycurrin Lodge, Galway, Ireland
£72.33 per person for one week based on 6 sharing

Wake up on the shores of Lough Corrib and take in the breath-taking views of islands, mountains and lake. Relax and unwind in this tranquil three bedroom oasis, just 25 minutes drive from the heart of Galway City. In the evening enjoy the stunning sunsets and listen to the lapping of the shores. Rowing boat and fishing rods included in the price!

What’s the deal? £434 for the property for one week between now and the end of April 2010. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Ireland/Galway---County-Clare/Ballycurrin-Lodge.aspx

Ecocabin, Shropshire
£92.50 per person for one week based on 4 sharing

Ecocabin is a two bedroom property built from wood, sheep's wool, reeds, lime and clay. Heated by wood pellets and solar energy, it nestles in a secluded valley of the Shropshire Hills. To the North East the ever-changing light rolls over the bleak expanse of the Long Mynd. To the North West the Black Hill rises steeply as an imposing wall of earth. The southerly aspect is open and sunny with inviting views of pretty woods, hills and valleys that lead the eye toward Wales.

What’s the deal? £370 for the property for one week between now and the end of March 2010. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Shropshire/Ecocabin.aspx

Notes for editors:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Hop across the Channel for some fabulous half term deals

Just days before half term starts and there is still availability in some of One Off Places’ most child friendly properties in France.

*15% discount* at Maison de Beauport, Brittany, France
£76.50 per person for one week based on 10 sharing (sleeps up to 12).

Maison de Beauport is a magical five bedroom house perched on the edge of a freshwater lake, just a minute’s walk from the sea and the 13th century Abbaye de Beauport. Inside is an eclectic mix of antiques, contemporary furniture and unusual features, whilst outside offers natural beauty and wildlife literally on the doorstep. The house is a five-minute drive from Paimpol harbour with its restaurants, cafes and shops, medieval streets and weekly market. Just over one hour from Dinard airport and 1 ¾ hours from Saint Malo ferry port.

What’s the deal? Usually £900 for the week (15th – 22nd Feb), it is now £765.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Brittany/Maison-de-Beauport.aspx

*10% discount* at La Vieille Abbaye French Farmhouse, Normandy, France
£70.50 per person for one week based on 10 sharing (sleeps up to 14).

Oodles of space, bags of style, many modern conveniences and practically everything under the sun for children – including an indoor playbarn. Welcome to La Vieille Abbaye French Farmhouse, a unique holiday destination on a working dairy farm in the heart of rural Normandy. In this five bedroom / five bathroom gite (perfect for families sharing) children can experience life on a real dairy farm; watch the milking, meet the cows, feed the calves, ride on a tractor, taste fresh milk....there is a huge indoor play barn with chill-out zone (Playstation, DVD player) and a Pet Paddock where they can meet the furry and feathered folk!

What’s the deal? Usually £783 for the property for the week (13th – 20th February), it is now £705. The owner is also offering to cook and deliver a ‘couples supper’ to the gite on the evening of Sunday 14th February so the parents can celebrate Valentine’s day once the children are in bed! 25 minute drive from Ouistreham (Caen) ferry port. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Normandy/La-Vieille-Abbaye-French-farmhouse.aspx

*10% discount* at Domaine Escudes, Midi-Pyrenees, France
£225 per person for one week based on 12 sharing (sleeps up to 14).

Big lawns and vast cedars, a pool house with a bar, a tennis court in the orchard, and beds for a dozen or more (eight bedrooms). This super house, set in a beautifully tended park on the edge of a hamlet midway between the Atlantic and the Med, has 41 hectares of landscaped park and farmland. There is a tennis court with practice wall and basketball net. Children will love playing under the trees in the park where they have their own adventure play area with trampoline, slides, swings and zip wire, bikes to ride, table football, football goals and badminton. 45km from Toulouse International airport.

What’s the deal? Usually £3,000 for the week, it is now £2,700. Shorter breaks available by arrangement. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Midi-Pyrenees/Domaine-Escudes.aspx

Travel information:
La Vieille Abbaye French Farmhouse – a family of four can travel from with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen for £150 each way.
Maison de Beauport – a family of four can travel with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to St Malo for £180 each way.
Domaine Escudes – a family of four can travel with British Airways from London to Toulouse airport for £670.
Notes for editors:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.