Property Description
Situated high above the Moorish village of Capileira at 1,700 metres above sea level, on the edge of the Sierra Nevada National Park, this 500 year old farmhouse enjoys truly stunning views both north and south.
Carefully restored over the years, the cortijo (farmhouse) is set in 5,000 square metres of land and provides an excellent location for a mountain holiday.
From your door you can wander to the deserted village of Cebadilla or set off to conquer Mulhacen, the highest peak in mainland Spain. Whether you want to explore La Alpujarra - by foot, bicycle or on horseback - or simply unwind and relax, this is a great place to be.
The ancient farmhouse has been completely renovated, although the original thick stone walls, traditional beam-and-stone ceilings and all its lovely old nooks and crannies have been carefully retained.
Here, one is transported back to the Spain of days long gone by, but with modern comfort and amenities (like central heating and, of course, a gorgeous swimming pool) thrown in.
The views are truly magnificent, down the stunningly beautiful Poqueira Valley, to the Sierra de Lújar and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. On a clear day it's possible to see Morocco, far away across the sea.
Looking north, the peaks of Mulhacen and Veleta, snow-capped for much of the year, dominate the rugged mountain scene.
An excellent example of the traditional architecture of La Alpujarra, the farmhouse was built entirely in stone by the Berbers who settled these hillsides long ago.
At least five hundred years old - maybe more - it stands alone on the mountainside where it commands panoramic views which extend for miles and miles, north and south, east and west.
It's easy to get to once spring arrives (at this altitude the snow lies thick on the ground more often than not in the coldest winter months). From the tarmac road which climbs steadily up the mountain from the village of Capileira, a dirt track (in pretty decent condition) branches off and winds gently around the contours, heading down to the hydro-electric station in the river valley far below.
The cortijo is one kilometre along this track, accessed by a short, steepish driveway. This takes you to a big circular parking area to the side of the house, once the old threshing circle for the farm. You only need a normal car (although in winter it is, of course, a completely different story).
The first thing that strikes you here, apart from the awe-inspiring views, is how utterly peaceful it is. Just birdsong and the distant clinking of goat bells to keep you company, the scents of lavender and rosemary pervading the crystal-clear mountain air.
At night a million stars shine like diamonds from a pollution free, pure sky. It's a brilliant spectacle, a spectacular show which has to be seen to be believed. Once seen, it's one you will never forget. As one client put it, "if you haven't been here, you haven't been anywhere!"
A huge, rambling old house, it is built into the side of the mountain on different levels. A long furnished, shaded terrace runs along the full length of the property and from here one can enter either to the kitchen or to the living room further along.
Everything is classically Alpujarran, traditional and delightfully rustic. It's country-style throughout with no pretence of luxury. Homely, cheerful and timeless, it is totally in tune with its inherent old character and charm.
The kitchen is both big and attractive with its pretty, colourful tiles and old wookwork. All, of course, under a twisty chestnut-beamed ceiling. The floor is laid with handmade terracotta tiles. It's decently equipped with an electric oven, 4-ring gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, a small fridge / freezer plus all the usual kitchen bits and piece.
A wide arch leads through to the dining room, where the lovely wooden dining table takes centre stage, bathed in soft light which floods in from the leafy terrace outside.
Another wide archway takes one through to the main living room, a bright, comfy and relaxing space. Double doors open to the front terrace. Again, there's lots of lovely soft light, incredible views too.
Two sofas are placed either side of the glass-fronted wood burner. It's all very welcoming, with a flat screen TV (Spanish channels only, but it's digital and you can change the language on imported programmes), DVD, a piano and some interesting books. Colour is provided by bright fabrics, attractive Moroccan wall hangings, artwork and a huge rug. There is also an open fireplace as well as central heating throughout the property.
Beyond the living room is a double bedroom (king-sized double bed) with a dressing table neatly housed in an alcove. Like all the rooms on this floor, the views down the valley are fantastic, and it's all so joyfully peaceful. Not a bad place to wake up in!
Towards the rear of the living room, a short flight of stairs lead up to a twin bedroom (also with great views) and to the pretty bathroom (with a power shower over a bath tub) alongside.
A separate stairway leads up from the living room to another suite of rooms which can, if you prefer, be closed off as a separate, independent apartment with it's own private access. Ideal if the farmhouse is rented by two families as they can both have their own space and can get up, make a cuppa or whatever, whenever they want. Equally it can just be one big house, open to all.
At the top of the stairway is a central landing with rooms leading off. It doubles up as the dining area for the apartment, its wooden table comfortably seating four.
A double bedroom (with queen-sized bed) leads off. Neatly decorated, it only has a couple of tiny window so there's no views as such from here. The same has to be said for the twin bedroom, which leads off from a little (and quite basic) kitchenette, and the bathroom (shower over bath tub) on its other side. Built into the hillside, sky lights illuminate the twin room and the kitchenette. There's no natural light in the apartment's bathroom.
To the side of the dining area is the living room of the apartment, furnished with a sofa and armchair, a small TV (for watching DVD's only), radio/CD player and a few books, CD's and DVD's to choose from. A wood burning stove (as well as central heating) keeps everything toasty warm. The sofa can be made up as a bed.
Double doors lead out to a good sized terrace at this higher level, furnished with a table and chairs under a parasol, a bench and sunbeds. Views over the roof tops of the lower building, are, of course, far and wide. A pathway runs down at the side of the property from this terrace to the parking area, giving the apartment its own private access (if required).
The washing machine and a tumble drier are housed in a separate utility room.
You will, of course, spend a very large part of your time outdoors here, enjoying the wonderful nature, the sights, sounds and gorgeous fresh air of the high mountains. For al fresco dining, there is a long wooden table (it will comfortably seat 10) just outside the kitchen on the main terrace, shaded by a cane and timber awning. Plants and flowering shrubs scramble up and over; the terrace border is richly planted with lavender and other scented blooms. It's a very relaxing space.
Steps lead down to the walled and gated pool on the next terrace down. It's a good sized pool, 10 x 4½ metres, solar heated, and enjoys the best of the wonderful views all around. You can just see the village of Capileira further down the valley as the mountain makes its descent down into the Poqueira Ravine.
A small pergola at the end of the pool provides shade and there's plenty of room on the terrace surround to soak up the rays. Weather permitting, the pool is open from May until the end of September.
Behind the pool is a flat, grassy area (it is not a manicured lawn), ideal for some fun and games with the family, an impromptu game of football perhaps.
Within the extensive wild gardens you will find an abundance of fruit trees and, depending on the season, you can help yourselves to pears, cherries, mulberries, walnuts and apples.
Pretty Capileira is the nearest village, four kilometres away by road, a picturesque 25 minutes walk down the mountain paths.
The Mediterranean coast is just over an hour away and Órgiva, the main market town of Las Alpujarras, is half an hour away. Granada is a little more than a one hour drive.
Whatever leisure pursuits you enjoy, whether it’s walking, mountain biking, bird watching, horse riding, or even if you simply want to chill-out in glorious surroundings, this is the perfect place to enjoy a mountain holiday in the wonderful Sierra Nevada.
And don't just take our word for it, here are just a couple of comments received from clients:
"Thank you so much for letting us share a little bit of this paradise here in Spain – we have had the most wonderful time".
"We have had a brilliant holiday. The house is great and the location is amazing. No doubt we will return. So lovely, we even went so far as to get engaged (not compulsory)".
In low season, it is possible for smaller parties (two to four guests) to rent the main farmhouse only (with its two bedrooms) at a discounted rate. The farmhouse apartment will be closed, guaranteeing you complete privacy and exclusive use of the pool, gardens and grounds. If you require four bedrooms, you can, of course, rent the whole property at the full rental rate.
Contact Us
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00 34 958 763 381
Property Details
Main Farmhouse :
Ground Floor :
Kitchen
Dining Room
Living room (with stairs up to the farmhouse apartment)
Double bedroom (king-sized bed)
Laundry Room (which can also be accessed from outside)
Shaded, furnished terrace
First Floor :
Twin bedroom
Bathroom (shower over bath tub)
Farmhouse Apartment (all on one, higher floor) :
Living room
Small galley kitchen
Dining area (with stairs down to the main farmhouse)
Bathroom (shower over bath tub)
2 bedrooms :
1 double (queen sized bed)
1 twin bedded
Private furnished terrace
Outdoors :
Pool terrace, mountain gardens and grounds
Facilities
Main Living Room : Flatscreen TV (Spanish channels only) • DVD • CD / Tape Player • Small collection of DVD's & books
Apartment Living Room : Small TV (for watching DVD's only) • DVD • CD / Tape Player
Main Living Room : Wood burning stove • Open fireplace
Apartment Living Room : Wood burning stove
Throughout : Central Heating • Fans
Main Farrmhouse Kitchen : Electric Oven • Gas hob (4 rings) • Microwave • Fridge / freezer • Toaster • Juicer • Kettle • Coffee pot • Cooking utensils • Cutlery • Crockery
Apartment Galley Kitchen : Electric hob (4 rings) • Microwave • Fridge • Toaster • Kettle • Coffee pot • Cooking utensils • Cutlery • Crockery
Washing Machine • Tumble Dryer • Iron & board
All linen, including pool towels, is provided • Hairdryer • Cot & Highchair available (on request)
Solar heated, gated and fenced filtered swimming pool (10 m x 4.5 m, 1.0 - 2.0 m deep)
Dining Terrace • Pool Terrace • Night lighting • Pergola • Sunbeds • Outdoor dining and garden furniture • Parking
Notes
We do not recommend this property for rentals in mid winter (January through to the end of March) as access could be severely hampered due to snow
Subject to adverse weather conditions, the swimming pool is open from May until the end of September (possibly later if the weather holds)
In low season, it is possible for smaller parties (two to four guests) to rent the main farmhouse only (with its two bedrooms) at a discounted rate. The farmhouse apartment will be closed, guaranteeing you complete privacy and exclusive use of the pool, gardens and grounds
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday
Location
In open countryside, 4 km from Capileira (simple shopping, bars & restaurants)
24 km (40 mins) from Órgiva; (most facilities); Granada 1½ hrs; Costa Tropical 1¼ hrs; Málaga 2¾ hrs
See the location map above
Airports
Granada 1½ hrs; Málaga 2¾ hrs
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.
Car Hire
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About the Las Alpujarras
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