Masia Stefano, originally a fortified masia, was inherited by a distinguished nobleman and crusader who returned from the Holy Land or Rome with one of the thorns from Christ's coronet. The priory and ermita (chapel) of Masia Stefano was founded in 1253 by a group of Benedictine monks as a retreat, and here the thorn was kept as a relic.

Often moved and hid for safe-keeping during turbulent times, the thorn can be seen today at the nearby church of St. Sadurni in the local village of Vilavenut. The Benedictines continued to use the priory until the earthquakes in the mid 15th century.
When the current owners found the masia in 2001, the ermita was used for storing hay and the priory was in total ruin.

Masia Stefano is set on 5 acres in the rolling countryside. Its elevated position provides panoramic views of Mount Rocacorba across the valley and the Pyrenees in the distance.
The masia is secluded but has superb access to Banyoles just six minutes away with its shops, restaurants, and famous lake and twenty minutes from medieval Girona with excellent shopping, restaurants, culture and Catalan cuisine. There are also many good local restaurants.

Girona airport is only 25 minutes away; Barcelona is an hour; Perpignan and its airport in France is 70 minutes away. Within thirty minutes you can be on the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava, walking in the volcanic park and natural reserves of Garrotxa or visiting the beautiful fortified town of Besal? and the Dali museum in Figueres.

The owners purchased the property in 2002 and have restored it in sympathy with the original architecture, using traditional materials, incorporating modern facilities in the interior to provide the highest standards of easy living and comfort offering accommodations for up to 12 guests.

The main house offers four ensuite bedrooms; the master bedroom has a bath surrounded in stone, and a view overlooking the garden and swimming pool. Across the courtyard are two more ensuite bedrooms, both with air conditioning and spacious terraces with magnificent views. A large open plan kitchen offers all the facilities to prepare first class food. A small kitchen garden will provide a selection of vegetables, fresh herbs and flowers for the house.

For those who prefer not to cook, the owners offer the services of
a chef. Entertain in the spacious 13th century ermita where modern has been incorporated with old to create a minimal but very atmospheric ambience. After dinner you can play a game of pool on the gallery, or enjoy a glass of wine on the tower while watching the sun set over the mountains. Whether summer or winter, Masia Stefano offers the comforts of cool air or blazing log fire, magnificent views and first class facilities.