Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, amidst rolling hills punctuated
by olive groves, almond trees and pine forests, and with distant mountains as a
backdrop, this 100 year old Hispano-Moorish farm is a charmingly restored rural hideaway.
In days gone by, this pretty farmhouse
was a bakery. Now extensively refurbished throughout, the bread oven carefully restored and retained, it retains its authentic rustic character.
The decoration reflects
the owners' appreciation of the cortijo's inherent traditional style, as well as
their interest in world travel. They have beautifully restored the beams in all
the rooms, uncovered stone walls and finished it all off with rustic and antique
furnishings and original paintings.
Offering everything you need for a perfect holiday, private outside
spaces include a large terrace, a barbecue area, a covered al fresco eating
area (with an antique dining table) and the gorgeous
infinity swimming pool (11 metres x 6 metres), floodlit at night, with large sun
decks on three sides.
Extensive grounds surround the property (shared
with the owners), with the richly planted gardens a special delight. Jasmine,
honeysuckle and other climbers clamber over a pergola, creating an intimate tunnel
access to the pool area which overlooks the beautiful hills and countryside all
around.
Inside,
on the ground floor, there's a lovely old farmhouse-style country kitchen / diner,
well appointed with a gas hob, electric oven, microwave, washing machine, fridge
freezer, espresso machine, cafetiere, toaster and electric kettle. It also features
a pine dresser, an old pine dining table, chairs and a bench seat.
The huge, restored bread
oven is, of course, the focal point in this dining area which is attractively
decorated with farmhouse implements and attractive Moroccan bowls hung on the walls.
The
living room is equally charming and comfortable, with rustic settees and chairs
grouped around the stone fireplace. It also has a small library, board games,
satellite TV & VCR, Radio/CD player and a small selection of CD's and videos.
Also on the ground floor is one of the double bedrooms, decorated in an understated
oriental style, with an adjacent shower room / WC. alongside.
The
romantic master bedroom is upstairs, with a its lovely four-poster double bed
and a balcony which enjoys the amazing view over the grounds to the mountains
beyond.
There is also a large twin bedroom on this floor, this one decorated
in Mexican style, with wrought iron beds and an antique walnut wardrobe. It offers
equally lovely views over the gardens and surrounding hills. Between the two upstairs
bedrooms is a well appointed bathroom.
It is superbly situated too, just 35 minutes north from Málaga
airport, between the lovely old Andaluz towns of Archidona and Antequera (15 and
30 minutes away).
Quite apart from offering secluded relaxation and
country rambling, from here you have the opportunity to visit all the great Moorish
heritage cities of Andalucía, as it is located just 45 minutes away from
Granada, and one and a half hours from Córdoba, Sevilla and Ronda.
Within
easy reach of El Torcal and the lakes of El Choro, it is, nevertheless, only 45 minutes away from the beaches - and golf courses
- of the Costa del Sol. Nearby villages with all local amenities are reached by
car within ten minutes; major supermarkets and a large shopping mall are also
to be found in Archidona and Antequera.
Outdoor
activities which are available and which can be booked are cycling (there are
two bikes available at the house), quad biking, mountain hikes and horse riding. Wild
boar, ibex, deer and wild bird life can often be observed in the surrounding hills. The Sierra Nevada mountains
are not so far away, offering skiing for the expert and novice alike. Fishing
is available at the nearby Lake Iznajar and sea fishing trips from the
coast can also be arranged.
The owners house is adjacent to and behind the holiday home. They will
provide you with tourist information, and will generally be on hand to ensure
that your stay is the most enjoyable possible.
A desert tent in the
grounds is not only ideal for meditation, yoga and private
events such as birthday dinners and wedding anniversaries, but is also a great place just to chill out or take a relaxing meal. Guests are free to use the tent at any time during their stay, and enjoy it in any way they want to. Indian head massage, pedicure, aroma therapy and lymphatic drainage treatments can
be arranged on request.
As one of our clients said, "this property far exceeded the expectations of myself and my family. It is a magnificent property which is beautifully kept and furnished. Your web site said 'extensive garden' but this was actually five acres which would be better described as enormous. Donald and Katherine were perfect hosts and the way they prepared and kept the villa, added to their hospitality, made our holiday perfect."
Another commented, "can I also say what a great stay we had at the villa. They are the most welcoming people, the villa, the grounds and pool are amazing, you feel you have your own kingdom to play in when you're there. The photos on your website don't do it justice!"
