Property Description
Deep in the heart of some of Andalucía's most divine countryside, this imposing 17th Century stone-built mansion, once an ecclesiastical retreat, is as charmingly rustic as can be, a wonderful hideaway lost in an idyllic rural paradise.
Surrounded by its own green and glorious 40 acre woodland estate, it's far from the "madding crowd" but nevertheless easy to get to. Between the villages of Fuenteheridos and Galaroza, a 450 metre country track leads up from the N-433 highway through the lush and leafy grounds to this completely secluded property.
Although you can just hear the traffic passing along the main road somewhere in the distance beyond the thick forest of trees, right here's there's nothing but glorious nature and pastoral serenity all around. It's secluded and totally private.
There's covered parking a few steps down from the wide lawns which extend all along the front of the property. As soon as you get out of the car, the sunshine glinting through a thousand trees, you are imbibed by an overwhelming sense of tranquility. The beauty of the nature all around simply overtakes you … it's a very special place.
The house is on two floors with the owners residence downstairs. When there are guests staying in the rental accommodation upstairs, he leaves so you are always guaranteed complete privacy here.
The first floor of the house has been charmingly converted into a very congenial holiday home - artistic, rustic, and entirely in keeping with its historic past. Once inside the huge wooden entrance doors, stairs lead immediately up to the self-contained rental property upstairs.
And it's lovely! One enters to a huge, sun-filled living room / diner which runs all along one side of the property. At its far end, two bright orange sofas are gathered around a little coffee table with the flat screen TV and a CD/Tape player close to hand.
The oak dining table (which seats eight) occupies the centre of the room and beyond, two steps takes you up to a lovely, glass-fronted sitting area with wonderful views over the gardens and pool outside. And these just keep on getting better when you step outside to the walled terrace with its beautiful archways!
From the living area an ancient, arched doorway leads through to a big and decently equipped country-style kitchen at the back of the house with views over the cobbled rear courtyard. It's an attractive and homely space.
A corridor leads on to the bedrooms and bathrooms. Not many corridors in this world could be described as attractive … but this one, painted in soft pastel ochre hues under ancient wooden beams, definitely is!
There are four bedrooms, all of them double bedded, all of them spacious, colourful and cheerful with bags of individual character. Furnishings are, of course, suitably rustic and artisan. If preferred, one of the bedrooms can be made up as a twin rather than as a double.
There are two equally attractive shower rooms, also charmingly rustic in style, natural light provided by skylights in their old cane and beamed ceilings.
It all adds up to a compellingly romantic place to stay, creatively styled and brightly furnished yet entirely in keeping with its sense of history. Wood beamed ceilings, weathered old terracotta floor tiles and roughly hewn walls remain as always. There are a few concessions to modernity too, such as central heating which is provided throughout.
But perhaps it's outside this almost stately house that a holiday here is all about. It's gorgeous, with landscaped gardens, well-kept lawns and huge, beautiful trees everywhere. The owner is a keen gardener and it shows.
At the side of the house, there's an attractive, vine-shaded terrace, a lovely spot to take your morning coffee and tostadas. The swimming pool (6.5 m x 4.5 m) and its terrace surround are alongside, tastefully integrated into the gardens. And there's another seating area on the lawn under the dappled shade of overhanging branches.
The 40 acre estate of woods, fields and rivers is all yours to enjoy at your leisure. It's an ecological wonderland with a wealth of sunny nature to explore. Streams and tree cover provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife such as otters and badgers, while the profusions of spring flowers need to be seen to be believed. You will find organically cultivated chestnuts and walnuts on your travels.
One of the many delights of the Sierra de Aracena are its beautiful little villages and two of the very best are close at hand: Galaroza is just a couple of kilometres from here and Fuenteheridos only a little further in the opposite direction. There are delightful walks through lush vegetation and wild flowers to both of them from this property.
There's so much to do in this beautiful part of Spain. As well as being great walking and riding country, with lots of pretty villages to explore along the way, it's also lovely countryside to drive through. Roads in Spain are so much less congested than those in, say, England, and here you can rediscover the real joy of driving.
Restaurants and bars are well above average. The Sierra is justly famous for its pata negra, the black footed pigs which feast on the acorns which fall from the forests of oak trees. The pork and ham products from here are one of Spain's great delicacies. And, just in case you are vegetarian, the sierra is equally renown for the variety and abundance of its wild mushrooms.
Two of the best restaurants to be found anywhere in Southern Spain are within easy driving distance. We wholeheartedly recommend Restaurante Arrieros in the village of Linares and others speak just as highly of Mariscastaña (open at weekends only) in Castaño del Robledo, another little hamlet just a few kilometres away.
Aracena is only a twenty minute drive along scenic roads. A pretty market town, it is relaxed and friendly like so many here, set on top of the Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave Of Wonders), one of Spain's most impressive caves, and dominated by its splendid Moorish castle on the hilltop above the town.
If you want to travel further afield, head west for 50 kilometres or so and you will cross the border into Portugal. It's enchanting, beguiling and so, so different from Spain. Well worth a day out, as is a trip or two to Sevilla, Andalucía's greatest city, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful and vibrant in all the world.
Contact Us
Would you like to book this property? Any questions? We are here to help
00 34 958 763 381
Property Details
All on the First Floor :
Open-plan living / dining room with open, furnished terrace
Kitchen
4 bedrooms (all double bedded). One can be made up as a twin room if preferred
2 walk-in shower rooms
In the Gardens :
Shaded furnished terrace
Seating area on the lawn
Pool and terrace surround
Facilities
Spanish TV • CD / Tape player
Central heating throughout
Eye level electric oven • Gas hob (4 rings) • Fridge / freezer • Microwave • Toaster • Juicer • Kettle• Coffee pot • Cooking utensils • Cutlery • Crockery
Washing Machine • Iron & board (on request)
All linen is provided (including pool towels) • Cot & highchair available on request
Filtered swimming pool (6.5 m x 4.5 m, 1.6 - 1.8 m deep) & small children's splash pool
Gardens & Grounds (40 acres) • Sunbeds • Barbecue (portable) • Outdoor dining and garden furniture • Covered Parking
Notes
Weather permitting, the pool will be open from June until the end of September each year
Rentals for this property normally run from Friday to Friday but can be flexible
Location
Reached by a 450 metre country track (easily negotiable in an ordinary car with care), 2 km from Galaroza (some facilities); Fuenteheridos (bars, restaurants etc) 2½ km; 12 km from Aracena (all facilities; supermarkets, restaurants; banks etc)
Sevilla 1½ hrs; Atlantic Coast 1½ hours
See the location map above
Airports
Sevilla 1½ hrs; Jerez 2½ hrs; Faro (on the Algarve Coast in Portugal) 2½ hrs; Málaga 3½ hrs
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.
Car Hire
We offer competitive rates for car hire from Sevilla and other airports in Andalucia. Click here for full details
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About the La Sierra de Aracena
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