This 200 year old farmhouse has seen life as a wheat mill and later as a bodega (a wine cellar). Now it has begun a new existence as a beautifully restored and stylishly
decorated Spanish Cortijo holiday home.
Set in several thousand square meters of private land which has been planted
with hundreds of fruit trees, it's not only a charming and delightful home, it
also enjoys beautiful views of the city of Arcos de la Frontera, which rises up
dramatically from the plains below. It's a magnificent sight, both by day and
by night, the city lights twinkling and its hilltop castle brightly illuminated
against the evening sky.
The location is perfect, far enough away from the town to enjoy the peace and
quiet of the countryside, yet close enough to take full advantage of the many
delights on offer in what many consider to be Andalucía's premier pueblo
blanco. Perfect for anyone who want to get away from the hustle and bustle but still have plenty to do within an easy drive.
South facing, the house is surrounded
by a vast terrace with steps down to a very inviting and good sized swimming pool.
These take full advantage of the fabulous views. Other, shaded terraces around
the finca give further perspectives across the peaceful, rolling hills.
Inside, the cortijo is equally inviting, furnished with style and comfort and incorporating air-conditioning
in each of its three bedrooms. For the cooler winter months, central heating and
an antique wood burner (brought over from America) provide a cosy atmosphere.
Each of the rooms, with their restored, high-beamed ceilings a special
feature, is attractively decorated using brightly contrasting colours. Highlights
include imaginative and very decorative pieces of Moroccan furniture, pottery
and lamps.
The kitchen / dining room is very up-to-date and well equipped. In common
with the rest of the house, which is all on one level, imaginative colours and
quality fittings have been combined in a most attractive and stylish way. It is modernism with a country cottage
feel.
All in all, it's a most enjoyable and friendly house, a great place to stay.
And, quite apart from lazy days by the pool, there's so much to do and see in
this lovely part of Spain. Arcos de la Frontera is a must-visit town, a fascinating
mix of Moorish and Renaissance, a maze of steep narrow streets climbing up to
the Plaza Cabildo at its very top. Here you will find the Gothic Church
of Santa María, the old castle (castillo) and one of Spain's better Paradores.
You will also find some excellent craft shops (painted ceramics are
the speciality), a busy farmers market and good-value tapa bars and restaurants.
You may be lucky enough to catch one of the town's excellent music festivals,
flamenco being a particular speciality.
And last, but not least, Arcos
is less than an hour's drive from Sevilla, Cádiz and Ronda as well as both
the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Here, you are right in the heart of Andalucía!
