Property Description
Ermita Nueva is a charming rural hamlet set deep in the rolling countryside of Jaén Province, some half an hour or so to the north of the city of Granada. Famous for its delicious, plump cherries as well as its olives, here you feel that you have traveled back in time to the Andalucía of days gone by, an agricultural area where the pace of life remains delightfully unhurried.
A farm track (in pretty decent condition and, with a little care, easily negotiable in an ordinary car) leads up from the village and winds gently through the surrounding, olive-dotted hillsides. A lovely sense of countryside calm and peacefulness overtakes you on this short (one kilometre) journey up to the villa. You know it's going to be special …
And it is … set in it's own 1.8 acres of hillside splendour, it's completely private and enjoys one of the most wonderful, panoramic views possible. The hills and mountains of Jaén Province just roll and roll across a vast, undulating horizon which sweeps out massively in front of you. It's a gorgeous pastoral scene. There's something very soothing about looking over mile upon mile of olive groves under an azure blue sky. It's rural Spain at its very best.
The icing on the cake is that you look directly across the plains to Alcalá La Real, an ancient Moorish town famous for its magnificent 15th Century hilltop castle. The focus of many attacks by the Christians (due to its position guarding the fertile plains surrounding Moorish Granada), from here you can understand exactly why it was such an impregnable fortress. The castle, which is flood-lit at night, dominates the little town completely from its commanding position on a rocky outcrop high above.
And, if you enjoy sunsets … glorious bands of vivid red, yellow and orange stretch across the vast, darkening skies beyond these distant hills. The miles and miles of countryside in front of you glow with a magnificent golden hue.
Once upon a time this was just a humble, crumbling rural ruin. No longer! It has been completely rebuilt and renovated by its English owner, a wonderful English woman whose passion is creating classy, comfortable homes where none existed before. This is the latest and very best labour of her love.
A very inviting swimming pool (7 m x 3.5 m) and its railed, sun terrace surround run the length of the house at its front. It's azure blue waters are compelling enough; the fabulous views are the icing on the cake!
Cushion seating and sunbeds offer plenty of space to relax outdoors in the sunshine. If you want to retire to a cooler spot away from the sun, then just nip inside to the lovely conservatory / terrace which also runs the length of the house, immediately above the pool.
Its surrounding glass doors slide open to make the most of afternoon breezes. Open or closed, you will always marvel at the timeless countryside vista from your ring-side seat.
Inside, all is thoroughly modern and efficient, white and bright. To one side is an ample-sized and well equipped kitchen with all mod-cons: electric oven, 4 ring gas hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, washing machine and all the usual kitchen bits and pieces. A wooden dining table seats four.
This leads through to the living room, dominated at one end by its massive open fireplace and chimney breast. Colourful fabrics, carpets and attractive furnishings look good against the white walls, further contrast provided by wooden ceiling beams and terracotta floor tiles. It's a relaxing space with TV and DVD. Double doors open to the conservatory / terrace.
There's central heating throughout the property but no air conditioning - at 1,000 metres above sea level, there's really no need for it.
The two bedrooms are at the rear of the house, one on each side and both accessed from a wide alcove at the back of the living room. They are good sized rooms and both have windows on two sides, so enjoy plenty of natural light and excellent views. One is double bedded, one twin bedded; both have attractive en-suite bathrooms (with showers over bath tubs).
It's impossible not to feel completely relaxed here, gazing over the olive groves and cornfields in the mid-distance to the magnificent sweep of mountains beyond.
Ermita Nueva, one kilometre away, is entirely in keeping with this countryside scene. As yet, few tourists have found their way to this part of Andalucía and welcomes are warm and genuine. The village boasts a little (but remarkably well stocked) supermarket, a bakery and a bar.
Just below the village lies the main Granada to Córdoba road, so from here it's very easy to visit either of these great cities. Granada is just 40 kilometres to the south (little more than half an hour away by car), with Córdoba some 120 kilometres to the northwest.
There are some fantastic places to visit around and about, too: Montefrío and the surrounding rural beauty of the Poniente Granadino lies to the southwest of the house, a region which leads naturally on to the Subbética de Córdoba, a lovely area of pretty villages set amongst rolling hills and small mountains, a place to enjoy a glass or two of the local Montilla sherry.
Just five kilometres away is Alcalá La Real. The Moors are, of course, long gone; these days it's an unpretentious, authentically Spanish market town with a handful of quite decent (and very reasonable) restaurants.
An attractive, modern villa in an incomparably traditional, Andalusian setting … with views to match. It is so, so peaceful here, there are no near neighbours at all, just joyous countryside as far as the eye can see.
Contact Us
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00 34 958 763 381
Property Details
All on one floor :
Kitchen / dining room
Living Room
2 bedrooms : one double, one twin bedded, both with en-suite bathrooms (shower over bath tub)
Covered conservatory / terrace (furnished)
Pool terrace and Grounds
Facilities
TV • DVD • WiFi Internet (bring your own laptop)
Open fireplace in the living room • Central Heating throughout • Double glazing
Electric Oven • Gas hob (4 rings) • Fridge / freezer • Dishwasher • Toaster • Juicer • Kettle • Coffee pot • Cooking utensils • Cutlery • Crockery
Washing Machine • Iron & board
All linen is provided (including pool towels) • Hairdryer
Filtered swimming pool (7.0 m x 3.5 m, 1.6 m deep) with entry steps
Pool terrace • Sunbeds • Barbecue • Terrace dining furniture • Parking
Notes
Weather permitting, the swimming pool will be open throughout the year (although, because it's not heated, the normal swimming season is from April to September, inclusive)
Prices are inclusive of central heating costs and firewood
Prices are inclusive of a starter pack of essential groceries etc.
If you require a little shopping to be brought in prior to your arrival, this can be arranged (payable on arrival)
The caretakers are happy to provide a taxi service (for example, to and from Granada) if required (payable locally)
Maid service is provided weekly (inclusive in the price)
Children are welcome but please note that there are some unfenced drops on this hillside property. Due care and attention must be taken
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday
Location
1 km above the village of Ermita Nueva (very basic facilities); 5 km from Alcalá La Real (all facilities)
Granada 30 mins; Córdoba 1¼ hrs; Málaga 1¾ hrs; Sevilla 3 hrs
See the location map above
Airports
Granada 45 mins; Málaga 1¾ hrs 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 Málaga and other airports in Andalucia. Click here for full details
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About the Poniente Granadino
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