The inn has been totally restored and refurbished, with beating in every room, beds with comfortable fulon mattresses and duvets, constants hot water, a lounge, restaurant and bar. Home cooking is a feature of the inn, with vegetarian dishes a speciality.

Outdoor activities include in summer, swimming in the nearby River Estarrun -renowed in local folklore of its healing effects on any skin ailments, walking and climbing in the mountains -with or without a guide, as you wish- and pony trekking. On foot or horseback you can explore the picturesque valleys of Aïsa, Hecho and Ansõ -each of them a world apart in time gone by, and still preserving some traditional customs- or visit the monastery od San Jaun de la Peña, a jewel of medieval romanesque architecture, where the "holy grail" is said to have been keep.

More energic pursuits include the descent of river canyons, bungee-jumping, rafting, following mountain bike trails -bike are available- and of course, in winter and spring, skiing. The world-renowned slopes of candanchu and Astun are closed at hand, and for the cross-country skiing enthusiast, the varied and challenging tracks of the Lizarra valley are equally assessible. Skiing tuition can be arranged.

In a region steeped in history, where pilgrims passed by on their way to the shrine of St james in Santiago de Compostel, there are many other wonders of medieval art and architecture waiting to be discovered, notably the romanesque cathedral injaca, built in the eleventh century. Nowadays, Jaca -only 9 miles from "las Tiesas Altas"- is a bustling town were you can find everything you may need. The inn is also available for hosting seminars and courses, and can cater for up to 25 people.

So why not unwind a little, leave the stresses and cares of city life behind you, and come and spend a few memorable days or weeks away from it all in this beautiful, remote corner of the Pyrenees?