"Cortijo La Haza" is a 250 year
old, traditional cortijo (farmhouse) set amongst rolling hills on the edge of the Subbética
Natural Park. Surrounded by olive trees as far as the eye can see, this small,
friendly establishment has recently been sympathetically restored to provide comfortable
bed and breakfast accommodation (with evening meals also usually available, see note below, right).
As soon as you pass over the threshold
you will immediately be aware of a deep serenity. The owners know how to make you feel at ease. Always available for a nice chat,
they are also discreet and respectful of your privacy.
Though the renovation is recent, the ‘rustic’ feel of a traditional Andalucian cortijo has been carefully
preserved: walls have a rough render, bedsteads are wrought iron and older
country pieces have been restored.
There are just five guest bedrooms, each
with their own bath or shower rooms. "Cortijo La Haza" also has a lounge
(with a small bar), and dining room. Outside spaces include a patio-dining area,
garden, swimming pool and sun terrace.
During the colder months a log burning
stove provides cosy warmth to the lounge and dining room, and all bedrooms are
heated by radiators.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the small, five-tabled
dining room or - during the summer months - on the patio courtyard. Meals are
home-cooked and wholesome, expertly prepared from fresh local produce by the owner.
The food is a blend of both Spanish and international cuisine.
Vegetarians and those with special dietary needs are well catered for.
Perched on a hillside, the old farmhouse enjoys great
views over the surrounding countryside. It is a perfect venue for guests wishing
simply to escape from the hustle and bustle of life to enjoy a little relaxation.
It is equally well located for those seeking a comfortable base from which to
explore the treasures of Andalucía, whether it be to
visit to the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba
or the Giralda in Sevilla, all easily accessable by car. As are the beaches and golf courses along the Mediterranean coast.
Other places
of interest and beauty well worth a visit include Ronda, The Sierra Nevada, El
Torcal Natural Park (near Antequera), the Alpujarras and Gibraltar, as well as
Priego de Córdoba and the other towns and villages of the Subbética Natural Park.
Just ten minutes away, the unspoilt and traditional village of Iznájar (with
its castle dating from the 8th Century and church from the 16th Century), has
spectacular views over the 32 kilometre-long lake, the Embalse
de Iznájar (also known as The Lake of Andalucia). Safe bathing is enjoyed on its sandy Valdearenas Beach. And whilst in Iznájar, try walking from the bottom to the top: if you weren't in shape before, you will be when you get there …
You will be pleased to return to the homely
feel of "Cortijo la Haza", enjoy a good cup of tea or, a little later in the evening, perhaps a relaxing
drink from the bar. Or take an idle swim in the pool, from where you can admire
the sweeping view over the olive groves.
Nights here are enchanting
too; in summer months it's pleasure enough just sit outside, gaze at the moon
and the stars, listening to the sound of silence. In the winter it might be a
comfortable seat in the lounge, logs burning hot in the stove, a chat with other
guests, a good book on your lap … a digestif after your candle-lit
dinner.
Quiet, remote, friendly … with a pool with a
view, this is a lovely place to stay. It's not really a place for kids, though:
the ambience here is quiet and restful, maybe a bit too tranquil for them. And
it's not ideal for heavy smokers either … guests are
asked not to smoke inside the Cortijo.
