The broad valley of the Conca de Tremp forms an important transition zone between the so-called Pre-Pyrenees and the Pyrenees proper. For this reason it is perhaps unique in offering several distinct landscape and climate zones within a relatively small area. The Conca was in fact an inland sea, formed when the Iberian tectonic plate collided with Europe, forming the Pyrenees in the process. The region draws geologists from around the world, including a permanent presence from the universities of London and Utrecht based at the Natural Sciences Museum in Tremp, our local market town.

For natural historians of the more recent past, the wide range of habitats provided by this landscape is of great value. Several large game reserves and natural park areas, notably the Sierras of Boumort and Montsec (which includes the spectacular Congost de Montrebei ravine) seamlessly combine with the 41,000 ha. Parc Natural d’Alt Pirineus, which includes Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici (the only National Park in Catalonia), to form a vast area of natural resource. Not surprisingly, the area supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including important colonies of raptors and large mammals such as deer, wolves and bears.

Closer to home the immediate environment of Casa Rafela adjoins one of the lesser known reserves, the La Terreta natural reserve, which is notable for its colonies of griffon vultures and other raptors, as well as supporting smaller mammals such as boar, genets, martens, badgers, etc. Signs of these mammals can be easily identified within yards of the house.

The village is surrounded by orchards and meadows, interspersed with open woodland, largely consisting of native alzina, or holm oak (Quercus ilex). As a result there is a large and varied birdlife, including resident populations of red kites, buzzards, hobbys, etc. as well as visiting migrants such as hoopoes, bee-eaters and golden orioles. Our website contains a downloadable birding list based upon a professional census carried out by the local SEO birdlife (the Spanish equivalent of the RSPB) as well as our observations and those of several of our guests. As the house faces directly out onto this terrain, our terrace is probably the best 'hide' in the vicinity!

The region is not dependent upon tourism, however there is enough infrastructure to make an excellent holiday, especially for action sports and outdoor activities such a rafting, mountaineering, etc. as well as more relaxed pursuits like walking – and eating and drinking! The local market town of Tremp is an ideal focus for all of these and more; the town is an important regional centre and has more facilities than its size would appear to require. But for all this it preserves an ambience of rural tranquillity – although the Monday market can be almost stressful!

We don’t live in the village and as there is so much to learn about the region we have prepared copious guides, part of which can be seen on our website. As well as these we have written three school textbooks on Spain’s geography: World in Focus: Spain (Wayland, 2006), Discover Countries: Spain (Wayland, 2009), and Countries in our World: Spain (Franklin Watts, 2009), examples of which are available at the house - but don't tell your children!

Meanwhile, please do take a look through our website even if you are only thinking about a visit to the Catalan Pyrenees; apart from anything else it’s evolving into a virtual guidebook for the region! If you are interested in staying at Casa Rafela you can go straight to our ‘Business Matters’ section for prices, availability and contact details.

Thank you for taking the time to read this listing, and don’t forget to mention Wildside holidays when making an enquiry.