"El Horcajo" is a splendid, 170 year-old Andalusian
working farm located in the midst of the stunning countryside of the Sierra de
Grazalema Natural Park, 20 km. north-west of Ronda.
The main farmhouse
has been converted into a fully-equipped, good quality rural hotel, without any loss
of its essential character. It offers relaxation in natural surroundings with
a comfortable and intimate family atmosphere. Additional family units have been
added, built in traditional style, to blend in with the older buildings.
Within the 200 hectare estate there are various leisure areas: a swimming-pool
with its own terrace is a favourite with guests in the summer, although the pool
is open all year round. Nearby is an ecological orchard with almond and olive
trees, main patios, gardens and two ancient grain threshing floors.
The estate, of Mediterranean agricultural land and forest, stretches almost as
far as the eye can see and is still used for the cultivation of cereals and sunflowers
and for raising Iberian pigs, chicken, sheep and cows. In Spring, the flowers
form multi-coloured carpets along the paths which run through the estate. As there
is no road through the valley, the tranquility is impressive. It is almost like
being in a 'lost world'.
There are 14 double rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Nine are on the ground
floor and face the main patio. These rooms also have an entrance hall and their
own private terrace looking out over the estate. A supplementary bed can be added
to these, if required, to make a triple room. One is especially adapted for disabled
needs. All are tastefully decorated in traditional style using natural and locally
crafted materials.
The original stables have been converted into 10
family rooms with lounges. They feature a large room with a double bed leading
on to the lounge and en-suite bathroom. Upstairs there are two single beds. Each
family room has its own terrace which looks out on to the estate.
A large comfortable lounge is at the
disposal of guests for reading or relaxing. "El Horcajo" also offers a relaxed,
rustic-style dining room. All the food is 'traditional local home cooking', many
of the products grown on the farm itself: free range eggs, organic olives and
almonds. Only the best local virgin olive oil is used.
Dinners are
prepared to your order. Simply advise the reception of your requirements in advance.
Breakfast is also served here and takes the form of a self-service buffet, offering
fresh orange juice, fruits, cheese, sausage meats, locally produced honey, yogurt
and bread baked in a traditional wood-burning oven.
For those touring
the natural park and the locality, picnic lunches can be arranged. Those who stay
on the estate during the day are welcome to visit the bar which is located in
the lounge for drinks and snacks.
The lounge was originally a 19th century cowshed constructed
with stone-work walls and brick arches which have been converted into interesting
architectural features. It is heated by a large open log fire which makes it a
very cosy place to spend a winter's evening.
For those wishing to explore,
"El Horcajo" can advise on routes through the splendid sites of the Natural Park.
In the Sierra del Pinar, eagles and vultures can usually be seen circling around
the mountain tops. It's a paradise for bird watchers, botanists and walkers.
Full and half-day horse riding excursions can also be organised on request. Water
sport facilities are available at the Zahara Lake, 15 minutes from the farm.
Just 16 km from Grazalema, 20 km from Ronda and a little over 100 km. from
Sevilla and Málaga, there's plenty more of Andalucía to discover a little further
afield
