Quite simply, this immaculately restored mill house is one of the most delightful
holiday properties in all Andalucía. Beautifully converted it sits within 17 acres of grounds which include woodlands, open spaces and a wonderful natural lake. The former millstream that runs across the land tumbles down in pretty waterfalls.
Deep in the countryside with nothing
but woodlands and forest all around, it is nevertheless only a kilometre from
the road which runs from Arcos de la Frontera to El Bosque, so excursions to the pretty pueblos blancos and beautiful countryside of Cádiz Province, or further afield to Jerez or Sevilla perhaps, are easy from here.
But
you will probably be reluctant to leave. The centrepiece of the immaculately lawned and entirely private gardens is an irresistible
12 x 6 metre swimming pool, which has a salt filtration system (so no chemicals
are used). There are, of course, sunloungers and parasols, a barbecue
and a nicely shaded terrace which runs along the side of the mill … trees,
birdsong … and sunshine too!
It's a big estate and the grounds have been
further developed to create another huge expanse of lawn, within banks and trees, as
a natural hideaway where children can run wild and play to their hearts' content.
When you venture inside you will soon discover that everything has
been renovated, decorated and furnished with excellent taste and imagination. No expense has been spared to bring this beautiful building back to its former glory.
The result is a unique holiday villa of immense charm which retains all its wonderful rustic atmosphere. Beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, the original water wheel featured in the sitting room and many other lovely details ensure that its traditional character has been preserved whilst providing comfort and convenience in its tastefully furnished rooms.
On the ground floor an attractive entrance hall leads through to two large living
rooms, one of which retains the mill's old workings as a feature, the other doubles
up as a TV room. There is also a stylish dining room and a spacious kitchen,
equipped with every item that the proprietors could think of, including a double set
of crockery. Upstairs there are three ample sized twin bedrooms, each with its
own en-suite bathroom.
The main house is complemented by two charming 'casitas', which lie immediately alongside. Each has its own private entrance next to the lake, so larger families or groups of friends can holiday together whilst still retaining their own independence if required.
Discreet and tasteful, each has
its own terrace and mini-kitchen but more importantly, each has a large twin bedroom
(with en-suite bathroom) thus increasing the capacity of the whole property to ten. In effect, they are simply two additional bedrooms for the main house but with their own independent entrances.
Alongside the little steps which leads up to the 'casitas' at the side of the house,
water gently spills down through rocky pools. Where does it come from? From the
huge duck pond which you will find on the higher terrace immediately above the
house. Children will love to follow the water along the path back to its source
in a rocky grotto.
This is all about secluded, rural living at its very
best. Lovely wooden furniture, much of it antique, is set off by soft ochre
walls which also feature original paintings and an extensive collection of wall-mounted
deer antlers, something which seems to be a feature of the more opulent houses
in this area.
Everything is attractive, spacious, comfortable and private. In
short, it has just about everything one could want from a holiday home. For those
who require a hand with cooking, shopping or extra cleaning, the services of a maid
with culinary expertise are available.
