The best country houses in Girona to spend New Year's Eve

El Contaller offers a 100-percent rural experience. This country house is ideal for people who love spending time in nature. The stone house has more than 200 years of history, and is surrounded by mountains, chickens, sheep, rabbits and horses. The house and cabin are divided into four independent apartments that have heating (some even have a fireplace), open-plan kitchen and full bathroom. In addition, the house also has common areas such as a dining-room, games room and reading room. If you prefer to be outdoors, there's a large play area for children, a barbecue and a swimming pool. It's also an excellent place for quiet country walks and bike rides. 

The setting is idyllic: an old house that's been done up, situated in the heart of the Sant Medir forest just five minutes from Girona. Mas Murtra is a 'masia' (Catalan country house) from the 14th century, and it has amazing traditional architecture, terraces, a private wood, open gardens and a pool. The house is divided up into four different apartments (Alzina, Figuera, Ginjoler and Magraner), but can also be rented as a whole, with space enough for 30 people. What makes Mas Murtra stand out is that it's an ideal country house for city slickers: if you feel a 'nature attack' coming on, you can just jump in your car and within minutes be in the centre of Girona city. And that means being able to enjoy culture, food and drink, and sport as well as the best of the local countryside. 

Would you like to sleep in an hermitage? Well, here's your chance. This country house is actually attached to the 12th-century Santa Llúcia church in Garrigas. In one bedroom, for example, you'll find a Romanesque bell-tower, in another, the bed headboard is the old defensive tower from the 13th century. More than five years ago, owner Jordi and his family decided to renovate and transform the house into a rural accommodation where tradition rubs shoulders with the avant-garde. The 'masia' has five fully equipped bedrooms and a ground floor with living-room, kitchen/dining-room and fireplace. A memorable place to stay.

Are you looking for a place to take the family that's surrounded by mountains? Do you need to completely disconnect from everybody and everything? In the heart of the Camprodon valley you'll find Mas El Mariner, a stately home that dates from the 18th century, and has been converted first into a farmhouse and later a country house. It has four bedrooms, a barbecue, garden and private swimming pool. 

Can Maholà is situated in a traditional Catalan manor (dating from 1187!) that has always been run by the same family, the Maholàs. The accommodation is for four people and has heating and internet access. In the exterior area, which is shared with another flat, you'll find a washing machine, barbecue and table with chairs. There's also an indoor heated pool, football posts, a children's park and a lot of nature.

Can Massanes is a converted Catalan country house located in the heart of the medieval Empordà area, in Fontclara. The house, in fact, looks like it's frozen in time, but it has all modern comforts. There are four bedrooms and two apartments with bath and heating. You can also enjoy a large common area with sofas and television, while internet access, a swimming-pool, terrace with fabulous views, barbecue and fireplace are among the other amenities. And not forgetting the main attraction: the location. Close to Can Massanes you'll find numerous Romanesque jewels, such as the church of Sant Pau de Fontclara.

Relaxation, peace and Instagram-worthy views are what you'll find at Can Canet, a typical Catalan country house that was built in 1611; it has stone walls, wooden beams, a fireplace and archetypal rural decor. It was once one of the most important cattle farms in the local area. The whole house is available to rent and has space for up to 9 people. There are three double bedrooms plus three extra beds, a barbecue, garden with swimming-pool, and picture postcard views over the Llémena valley. 

If you're looking to really get away from it all, the Girona part of the Pyrenees is an ideal spot to try. In the foothills of the range, for instance, is Mas de l'Om, located in the Bianya valley. It's a renovated 'masia' surrounded by fields, woods and a river; and is situated 850m above sea level. It has five bedrooms, a fireplace, heating, private swimming pool, an exterior veranda with a barbecue, and a horse stable. The area is completely idyllic and photogenic. Indeed make sure your mobile is well charged because it's impossible to go to Mas de l'Om and not take photos every two minutes.

This is one of the most famous country houses in the Llémena valley. Situated in the heart of Llorà, El Nus de Pedra is a typical Catalan country house from the 16th century, and was built using traditional 'lacustre' stone; since 2008 it has been run by the family of Montse, Joan and their children. It has five independent apartments that are all fully equipped and have their own terraces; in all, there is space for some 30 people. If you love nature and walking, or simply want to enjoy a few days away from it all, then El Nus de Pedra will suit you down to the ground. Don't forget to take your camera because the setting is incredible. And if you go in the warm weather, remember to pack your swimsuit as there's also a pool.