The setting is magnificent, the house enchanting, the swimming pool irresistible
… in a nutshell, this is as perfect a holiday
home as you will ever find!
Just nine kilometres from the pretty market town of Aracena, all is peace and
tranquility here, glorious wooded hillsides rolling gently across the horizon
as far as the eye can see. A little road heads out from town, winding through
the alluring countryside, passing by the hamlet of Castañuelo on its way
to equally tiny Corterrangel. Along the way, between the two villages, you will
see the impressive gates of this glorious Estate.
Surrounded by its own 14 hectares of leafy paradise, the immaculate old
farmhouse is situated on the side of a hill, high enough to enjoy the magnificent
vistas all around. It really is a magical place!
And it's a really lovely house, too. Quite delightfully
restored and renovated, with a wealth of modern comforts it nevertheless retains
all its rustic, rural enchantment. Both inside and out, from its cobbled entrance
patio to its seasoned old roof tiles, it's a joy.
The
front of the house gleams white, partly hidden behind the vine-covered porch which
extends along its entire length. The wide courtyard entrance is really
attractive, surrounded by a low wall and full of trees, shrubs and flowers. There's
colour and there's shade too.
At the end of the patio a long pagoda is enveloped in
clambering greenery, a heavenly place, whether just to relax with a book and a good Rioja,
or to enjoy a full-scale, outdoor fiesta. There is, of course, a proper,
brick-built barbecue alongside.
There are a multitude
of different outdoor spaces here. Quite apart from acres of countryside solitude,
on the other side of the house there's another sitting area under the olive trees,
there's a 'lover's nest' far away over the hill, well worth the stroll … and
the master bedroom leads out to its very own private rose garden!
And then there is the magnificent swimming pool, set
away from the house, a short climb of a hundred metres or so across the hillside, through
the cork and oak trees. Oh, what a spot! Oh, what a pool!
Ten metres
long, five metres wide, it's big enough for a serious swim. Or, if you prefer
to just watch, lazing in the sun, there is plenty of space to lounge on the wide
terrace surround. The view isn't bad either …
Inside, the farmhouse is just as pleasing. On the ground floor the principal
rooms are a fully equipped kitchen which opens to the dining room and to a magnificently
furnished living room. Under its sloping, beamed ceiling it's full of wonderful
things: antiques, original paintings, there's even a grand piano.
There are
books to read and music to play on an excellent audio system. It's
big, comfortable and very, very classy. Doors open to a pretty terrace, itself
guarded by a pair of giant antique ceramic pots.
Upstairs
are the four bedrooms, each delightful, each with its own distinctive character.
Attractive paintings and colourful fabrics lend warmth, set off against white
walls. The double, master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe / dressing room, en-suite bathroom and
windows which look out to its own private walled garden. Here there are sunloungers
and the sweet scent of roses …
There are also two twin bedrooms
and a children's bedroom (with bunk beds) on this floor. These share a bathroom
between them on this floor and there is another full bathroom downstairs.
There
is a shop for essentials in Castanuelo, a walkable one kilometre from the finca,
and Aracena’s excellent restaurants are a 20 minute drive away. Ana, the lovely,
cheerful woman from the village who keeps the house spick and span will cook for
you, if you wish.
Here you will enjoy everything that is wonderful about
rural Andalucía - beautiful countryside, golden sunshine and calm, blissful
solitude. Once ensconced in the peace and privacy here,
you will relax, completely.
But,
no doubt you will venture out from time to time - and the dazzling beauty of the
Sierra de Aracena Natural Park will be sure to seduce you. Charming little villages
dotted here and there in a green and glorious land, it's a hidden and unspoiled
corner of Spain second to none. To discover a little more about the area and its
treasures, click here.
And
if that is not enough, Sevilla is just an hour and a bit away. Cities don't come
any more vibrant, or any more beautiful, than this Andalusian gem. Head
in the opposite direction and you will quickly cross the border into Portugal.
A different country … a different world. To the south you will find the white,
sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz and one of the world's premier nature reserves.
Wherever you venture, whenever you return, it will be to a perfect house in a perfect place … tailor-made for
a perfect holiday.
