This ancestral home is in Cajar, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and just seven kilometres from the city centre of Granada.
This impresssive house has belonged to the same family since La Reconquista of Granada.
This house, Arabic in origin, can be traced back to 1542 when it belonged to the ancestors of the present family. In Cajar, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada only a few kilometres from the city centre.
Hidden behind large gates that open directly from the road into the enclosed gardens of the property. The house is an impressive two-storey building, the main façade dates back to the fourteenth century and its character and simplicity has been preserved – whitewashed walls made of stone and clay, embellished with the family coat of arms, the lanterns and the chapel bell.
Entering through the solid, dark wood doors, the entrance leads to the chapel and a ‘resting room’ before taking you through to the dining room. The cool resting room has two white sofas, conveniently placed, into which you can collapse after spending a day sightseeing in Granada.
The elegant decor is in classical good taste.
The dining room, with its impressive dining table brought from Russia on one of the owner’s travels, seats twelve and is directly connected to the large, well equipped kitchen, which is equipped with all that’s necessary for modern cooking.
The kitchen and bathrooms are fully refurbished and fitted with all the latest modern conveniences. The rest of the rooms have a classical and traditional decor. Take a look at the floors: beautiful old terracotta tiles are combined with carpet-style, hydraulic mosaic floor tiles.
Large French windows open both to the courtyard and the outside of the house, they let in light but are shuttered to keep out the sun when necessary, the high ceilings and whitewashed walls also contribute to the coolness of the interior.
The family coat-of-arms can be found carved in stone on the main façade, in the Chapel and in different paintings and tapestries throughout the house.
The Chapel is a feature – it was built in 1721 to venerate the Virgin Blanca, after the miraculous recovery of one of the family members. It is still a working chapel and family christenings and weddings have been celebrated here for generations. At the centre of the building is a vine covered interior cobblestoned courtyard with a traditional fountain, cooling the air and creating a sense of peace and tranquillity.
On this level there are three bedrooms, with en suite bathrooms, the kitchen and a large reading room with an open fireplace for the cooler evenings. The reading room is untouched, it has kept its centuries-old character; the décor of faded grandeur, the original oil paintings, the giant open fire place are all reminiscent of a film set.
There is a stairway leading to the upper floor, a large living room and two more bedrooms. This part of the house was unfortunately renovated during the 1960s in line with the Spanish desarrollismo movement or ‘quick development’. Although not the most aesthetic of trends, it can be easily forgiven if you look out of the numerous French windows to the amazing views across the gardens to Granada, it’s cathedral and the Alhambra.
This level is ideal for a family with children. The large master bedroom (with open fire place) adjoins a spacious twin room via a few steps, and through to the en suite shower room. To reach the bathroom you have to go through both the master and twin bedroom.
The house has so many cool corners to siesta in. The heat of a Granada summer afternoon won’t disturb your rest.
On the opposite side of the landing is a large drawing room, decorated with a grand piano from 1911 and some other 19th century instruments such as the laud and sitar.
This room has the best views, looking out to Granada and the silhouette of the Alhambra in the distance. The prefect choice of room to relax in and just ‘chill out’. Take some time out on the sofa, the afternoon siesta is a marvellous tradition! After a short rest, take a dip in the pool, perhaps a cool drink on the terrace and then dinner.
Granada has so many exciting things to do of an evening. You are spoilt for choice if you decide to eat out – there are restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. A visit to a flamenco show will round off your Spanish night and will be an unforgettable holiday event.
The house has a huge pool which can be enjoyed morning, noon and night.
The house has a spectacular pool, and it has a history too! It is claimed to be one of the first swimming pools in Granada, it was originally build as an alberca (a reservoir used to irrigate the land) this may account for its massive size: 20 metres by 11 metres. It was converted into a swimming pool in the 1930s and for several decades Granadinos flocked to the villa during the heat of the summer, to enjoy a refreshing swim and spend the day in the shade of the gardens while enjoying the legendary hospitality of the family.
Set between the house and the road, today this pool and its surroundings have been modernised and there are so many ways to enjoy your time here: swimming in the sun, relaxing in the shade, lounging on the terrace with a drink in the evening, breakfast poolside in the morning. Any time of day is perfect by the water.
Granada is such a romantic Spanish city. This house is ideally placed for you to enjoy its charms.
The Vega de Granada is known for its rich, fertile soil and this estate with its privileged setting and generous water supply was a land of vineyards and olives. The remains of the original 17th century olive mill, still standing in the gardens, bear witness to this bygone era. The house and gardens have remained unspoiled despite the gradual encroachment of the city over the centuries. The gardens have hedged walkways, fountains and ponds to enjoy, 300-year old Almecino trees and a myriad of colourful flowers. Even the mulberry trees around the ancient mill are a link with the past, they are a reminder of the silk trade that flourished here up until the expulsion of the Moors.
Granada is a perfect city for sightseeing, small enough to take in the attractions on foot, large enough to have plenty to see and do.
No holiday to Granada would be complete without visiting the Alhambra – the pinnacle of Moorish sophistication and beauty. It is best to book tickets in advance, especially during the summer as only a certain number of visitors are allowed in the Nasrid Palaces at any one time.
From the gypsy caves of the Sacromonte museum, take a stroll back to the city through the old arabic quarter of the Albaicín. This area evokes a medieval atmosphere, the maze-like cobbled streets easily conjure up life eight hundred years ago. The later Christian monuments like the cathedral, royal chapel, Cartuja monastery, convent of San Jeronimo, are impressive albeit in a different style. For those who want tangible souvenirs, Granada has THE best shoe shops – for styles and price – you’ll wish you had more room in your suitcase. Finish off at a cafe with a cold beer, it’s highly likely you’ll hear someone playing their Spanish guitar in the street.
All the facts and features about this villa
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday in high season.
High season minimun stay 5 days.
Rest of the year minimun stay 3 days
Maximun capacity 18.
Extra person over 10 people: 60€*person*day
Utilities fee : 385 €, payable on arrival x week
A weekly change of linen and towels is included for rentals of more than one week
The two bedrooms upstairs are ideal for a family with children as they are interconnecting and the bathroom is accessed via the twin room
In winter months heating is included in the price
Weather permitting, the swimming pool will be open throughout the year (although, because it’s not heated, the normal swimming season is from May to September)
RB/VTAR/GR/00682
| 2024 Season Dates | Sleeping up to 12 per week |
|---|---|
| 1st April to 15th April | 10,080 € |
| 1st May to 1st october | 10,080 € |
| Rest of the Year | 5,520 € |
| Extra person cost: 60 € *person*day |
| 2025 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Prices Pending | — | — |
In Cajar, 7 kms from the centre of Granada
