Recently
restored, this traditional Spanish farmhouse is within easy reach of Colmenar,
a pueblo with much to recommend it, a little market town which still retains
its time-honoured Andaluz character and charm.
Set at the
head of a valley with views across the olive and almond covered hillsides which
surround it, this old farmhouse is a peaceful, idyllic place to be. Far away from any hustle or bustle.
Delightfully rustic inside,
the best of its traditional features have been retained, adding character to the
excellent restoration work that has been done by its current owners. You will
still find the old bread oven in the kitchen (albeit unused these days) a reminder
of the self-sufficent lifestyle of days not-so-long gone by. The stone
cobbled path which leads up to the house is another original feature.
On two floors, downstairs
you will find the living room, the kitchen / diner and one twin bedroom (with en-suite
shower room). Both the kitchen and the living room have outside access.
Separate
stairways lead up to the master double bedroom (also with an en-suite shower room)
and the second twin bedroom. The latter doesn't have it's own bathroom but there
is a third shower room downstairs, leading off from the sitting room. Please bear
in mind that the stairs are quite steep, perhaps not ideal for anyone with wobbly
legs.
All of the rooms are attractive
and appropriately rustic, with earthen floor tiles and beamed ceilings. Being
an old property, the walls are substantial, properly constructed to provide good
insulation, keeping out the chills of winter and maintaining a cool interior in
mid-summer. The kitchen / dining room is well equipped and the living room has a
nice, cosy feel to it. Facilities include a washing machine, dishwasher, satellite
television, video and a CD/radio.
Outside all is gorgeous nature, the south
facing terraces leading down to a jade-green, infinity swimming pool. Colourful
plants on the terrace areas add vibrancy to an already beautiful scene, the surrounding
hillsides bedecked with olive and almond trees.
The pool area is irresistible,
with views which extend down the valley to the peaks of Málaga's distant
mountains. Carefully integrated into the nature which surrounds it, this is a
place to fall in love with.
Southfacing, its terrace surround is equipped
with sunloungers, just the place to take in a little of La Axarquía's famous
sunshine (more hours per year than anywhere in Europe, they claim). Although there
are farmhouses in the far distance, privacy is, to all intents and purposes, total.
The terrace which runs
along the front of the house provides plenty of options for more relaxation and
for meals al fresco. Part covered, part shaded by a vine and part open to
the elements, all you have to do is choose your spot.
An easy drive from Málaga airport,
the cities of Granada and Antequera are also within striking distance. The coast
is a short drive away, and nearby Colmenar has a surprising number of shops, bars
and restaurants. Also nearby are the Montes de Malaga and El Torcal National Parks. Maybe you will prefer to stay put right here at the farmhouse: comfortable, traditional, still a private little piece of Andalucía.
