This old farmhouse is delightfully rustic, private and rural, blending
into the lovely countryside all around. Its location
is superb, set among rolling hillsides planted with orchards, almond and olive trees as far
as the eye can see.
It's a very quiet and tranquil spot, too. Almost unseen, (there are some farmhouses in the distance), the cortijo nevertheless enjoys wonderful
"eagle's eye" views. A long terrace extends around the farmhouse, and wherever you
are on the property, the view will be a good one.
When the sun shines (which is just about always here in La Axarqía, which
prides itself on having more sunshine hours than anywhere in Europe), there is
a pleasant shady porch to sit under to avoid the mid-summer, mid-day heat. All
in all, it's a great location for outdoor living.
Located at
the end of a country track, the access is negotiable with an ordinary car. It's
a little steep and bumpy towards the end of the track, but well worth that little
bit of extra effort and attention.
Inside the house is very simple and rustic. "Rustic" is perhaps a rather
overused word these days but this is the real thing. Not just because of the simplicity
of its features, but because it exudes a real "old-world" feel, seemingly
untouched through the centuries. The house has been restored but almost all the work has been cosmetic with very little structural modification. It is almost possible to imagine the families
who lived here hundreds of years ago, still sitting around the chimney (intact
and functioning, of course) warming themselves by the fire after a hard day's
toil in the fields.
TThe house is all on one level
although there are small steps to some rooms and to the kitchen. Decor and furnishings are simple. Adequate and pleasant, they are
in keeping with the character of the house.
It's not a property for those seeking all "mod-cons" and life's luxuries,
furnishings are pretty basic, but it's perfect for those who want to experience a bit of the genuine lifestyle
of traditional, rural Andalucía.
The
nearest village is Colmenar and, a little further afield is Comares, sitting dramatically
on its hilltop vantage point, seemingly looking over the rest of the world. These
are both classic villages of the high Axarquia offering some excellent places
to eat, drink and, of course, to be merry!
