LUGARES MAGAZINE Nro. 37
Page. 77 - 79
Text and Pictures: Federico Quintana


The Nono river flows through an incredible landscape of narrow canyons limited by steep walls ten meters high. The waters look dark but are not muddy (see LUGARES 28) and you can swim in them year-round. Not faraway from the river, you can find La Lejanía (the remoteness), metaphor with which the Barrets called the property. The impressive hills conceal the estate. A large house built last century, with walls made of stone and tile covered ridge roof stands in extensive grounds. The lawn and many flowers contribute colour to the tidy green. The guest-house, also old, is solid and protected by the shade of the trees. Trees also boldly project themselves over the house where Henri and Nicole found a reason to feel far away from the world always.

This French couple came to the end of the new world looking for spiritual peace. They decided to abandon Europe, headed towards Argentina, found the place that suited their expectations, patiently revivified it without altering the environment, equipped the house to entertain guests.

Demand grew, and without losing the special character that defines La Lejanía, due to its location and the hosts' life style, they had to enlarge the accommodations. Two rooms of the remodelled guests' house can already he used, with the necessary comforts to enjoy your rest without missing anything. This house stands near the river on an opening that smoothly falls towards the bank. After lunch, nothing is healthier than walking up to the fresh water, still warn in the autumn, where you can have a good swim on sunny days. Don't forget to bring your bathing-suits. The Nono river forms a big natural pool deep enough to dive from the rocks.

Most people love to swim in front of the house and be drifted down the river. This should be done with Henri, who knows the river thoroughly and also knows how to dodge obstacles without problems. After lazily floating down the river, you get ton spot where somebody from La Lejanía is waiting to take you back.

Dusk also provides invaluable times. The Nono's waters glisten with a golden light and the hills glow. You can't remain insensitive to that natural setting. The atmosphere at the Barrets' is specially agreeable. It's easy to feel yourself at home in any corner of the house and it's a pleasure to enjoy Henri and Nicole's company. He inspires people to do things with his contagious dynamism and good mood. No plan seems impossible to this true adventurer, who with the same attitude sets out for expeditions in the North Andean regions of Argentina, or shoots partridge with his neighbours.

Early in the autumn mornings Nicole seduces her guests with her delightful cuisine. Being French, she has a gift for cooking; refined, calorie balanced and always delicious. If it's hunting season, game will be included in the menu. These courses will always be served with excellent Argentine wines from Henri's cellar. Resting in La Lejanía is an effortless achievement. Just contemplating the lonely and incredibly attractive surroundings, so different from other places in Córdoba, redeems the most exhausted soul. The living room seems endless with the glass walls. A big fireplace in the dining room welcomes those susceptible to the cold. The interior of these wide stone walls may seem devoid of luxury, furthermore, at first sight it may appear austere. But comforts are more than enough and every condition is given to guarantee enjoyment.