Property Description
This charming old farmhouse, draped in vines, has a setting that is so outstanding that it’s difficult to say what is the more impressive, the breathtaking mountain views … or the amazing gardens. An occasional eagle soaring high overhead or perhaps a passing herd of goats are the only sources of disturbance in an utterly tranquil scene. Here, a horse passing by on the track counts as a major event!
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada National Park, and probably about 800 years old, this cortijo (farmhouse) is a little paradise with breathtaking 360 degree views of the Sierra Nevada and the surrounding mountains. It even has its own chapel within the grounds.
1½ km off the country road that connects Órgiva to the high Alpujarra, a well maintained dirt track winds through the hills to this wonderful oasis amid the Andalusian countryside. You step through the main gates onto an emerald green lawn bordered by magnificent flowers and fruit trees. All this verdant greenery has been made possible by irrigation from the snow-melt which is still carried down the mountainside in ancient Moorish acequias (water channels), not to mention a lot of care, skill and devotion.
The two and a half acres of landscaped gardens and wild grounds were established 35 years ago by an Englishman who had a serious passion for roses. He planted hundreds of different species and the results of his labours are here for all who stay at the property to enjoy. There are roses of every imaginable shape, colour and scent, climbing the walls and lining the herbaceous borders. The quality of air here is beyond comparison, and never more so than on a warm spring morning when the scent of jasmine, honeysuckle and roses pervades the clean mountain air.
Whilst the garden has certainly matured with time, the rustic old farmhouse and the separate casita alongside have probably changed very little in several centuries. The walls are two feet thick (keeping you cool in summer and cosy in winter) and the ceilings, traditionally lined with cane and exposed chestnut beams, are still only 5' 7" high in some places. So take care to mind your head! A small price to pay for the privilege of staying in a truly authentic, traditional Andalusian home.
The main entrance to the cortijo, almost completely hidden by climbing roses, vines and trees, leads you straight to the upper floor where the three bedrooms are located. The simply furnished master bedroom (with a double bed) has a small balcony which enjoys spectacular views that extend all the way up the magnificent Poqueira Ravine to the usually snow-capped peak of Mulhacen. At 3,481 metres it's the highest mountain on mainland Spain.
The characterful, rustic shower room, which rather unusually includes a bench seat within the shower itself, is alongside the main bedroom. A slightly smaller, second double bedroom and a single bedroom / study complete the distribution on this floor.
A staircase leads down to the lower level and to the sitting room. With bench seating (strewn with cushions) around the walls, here you can escape the heat of Spanish summer and have a quiet, cool and comfortable siesta! Or, if you are coming in winter, a place to curl up in front of the fire and watch a DVD.
The kitchen / dining room, separate from the main house, can be easily reached from the sitting room (down a couple of stairs and across a small pathway) or can be accessed directly from the garden. This is the newest addition to the house, having been entirely rebuilt in 2007. Modern and light, with windows on all four sides, it has all the mod-cons you could wish for. The dining table seats 10.
Double doors lead out from the kitchen to a terrace where you can enjoy your meals and the incomparable mountain views which extend all around. This is just one of several outdoor eating areas you can choose from depending on the time of day and how much shade you want from the sun.
Just across from the kitchen terrace is the second shower room, which is also separate from the main house. Decorated in a similar fashion to the interior bathroom, with old Spanish tiles throughout, it's built into the side of the mountain, rather like a cave. A large rock forms part of the ceiling and once again you will need to mind your head. As we said, this house is authentically rustic and rural!
By contrast, the irresistible 8 m x 4 m swimming pool is a much more recent addition. With 360 degree views of the mountains, a large sun bathing terrace all around and the soft green lawn beyond, the chances are that you will spend a large part of your daytime hours right here!
Opposite the main house, across a flower filled courtyard, Is a second, smaller house, the casita, once used as a bar for travelers to refresh themselves on their way to and from Órgiva. It now serves as accommodation for up to four additional guests, comprising two neat, simply decorated bedrooms (one twin and one double) and a bathroom.
The closest village is Pampaneira, four kilometres away, a lovely little place with a charming central plaza with bars and restaurants spilling out around its perimeter. It also has an information and mountain guide centre as well as several shops selling local handicrafts and regional foods and wines, a grocery store, a chemists and a bank. The equally beautiful, whitewashed Moorish villages of Bubión and Capileira look down from above.
All around, as far as the eye can see, is the stunning scenery of Las Alpujarras, the range of mountains and valleys on the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada that can be equated with Tuscany and Provence as they once were, before tourism took its toll.
Wonderful walking and horse riding country, with its amazing variety of flora and fauna and its multitude of pathways through the mountains, there is also excellent mountain biking and skiing available in the area, as well as flamenco dancing, pottery, photography and languages courses.
Further afield, Granada is a legend in itself, quintessentially Spanish, both vibrant and ancient. The Alhambra and Albaicin are a "must" to visit. For those who prefer Mediterranean beaches, head down to Salobrena, 40 minute drive away on the Costa Tropical, where one can eat freshly caught and barbecued sardines at the beach side restaurants.
Or, just sit back and relax here in this oasis of calm tranquility, enjoy the breathtaking views, the riot of colours and scents in the gardens, and the stunning nature all around.
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Property Details
Main Farmhouse : Capacity 5 Ground floor :
Double living room
Fully equipped kitchen with dining area in a separate building alongside
Outside (in a cave) walk in shower room
Laundry room
Terraces and gardens
First Floor :
3 bedrooms :
2 double bedded
1
single
Walk in shower room / W.C.
Casita : Capacity 4
All on one floor :
Sitting Room
2 bedrooms :
1 double
1
twin bedded
Bathroom (shower only)
Facilities
TV (Spanish) • DVD • Radio / CD player (with ipod connection) • DVD library • WiFi internet connection (bring your own laptop)
Glass fronted fireplace in the living room • Electric heaters • Portable Fans • Air Conditioning in the kitchen / dining room
Electric Oven • Electric hob (4 rings) • Microwave • 2 Fridge / freezers • Dishwasher • Toaster • Juicer • Kettle • Coffee machine • Cooking utensils • Food processor • Breadmaker • Cutlery • Crockery
Washing Machine • Iron & board
All linen, is provided (including pool towels) • Hairdryer • Cot & Highchair available (on request)
Filtered (ionised, low chlorine) swimming pool (8 m x 4 m, 1.4m - 1.8m deep)
Pool terrace • 2 other terraces • Garden & Grounds (which include a small chapel) • Sunbeds • Sunshades • Hammock • Barbecue (gas) • Outdoor dining and garden furniture • Parking • Boule • Badminton rackets • Pool inflatables and floats
Notes
The swimming pool is maintained throughout the year but the normal swimming season here is from April to September, inclusive
Firewood is included in the price
This property Is not suitable for young children (under 5) as there are many steps In and around the property, steep drops in places, the swimming pool Is not gated and a small channel of water (the acequia) runs through the property
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday
Location
In open countryside, 4 km from Pampaneira (simple shopping, restaurants, bars); 7km from Bubión (simple shopping, restaurants, bars); 9 km from Órgiva (most facilities)
Costa Tropical 45 mins; Granada 1hr; Málaga 2½ hrs
See the location map above
Airports
Granada 1 hr; Málaga 2¼ hrs
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.
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