Set within its own 500 acres - A haven of peace and tranquility
Overflowing with generations of history and tradition, this is the land of 'Los conquistadors'
The setting of this villa is spectacular, like no other…miles and miles of oak land as far as the eye can see, just the gentle sound of sheep bells and bird song – nothing in the world to disturb the peace….. It really is an amazing spot, so we just could not resist taking on this fairy tale country finca.
This is the only property Rustic Blue has outside of Andalucia – on the border between Andalucia and Extremadura, the closest town is Azuaga.
Awash with history, this town, which in times past was actually within the boarders of Andalucia, has a population of around 8000. It has a castle where one of “Trajano” relatives is buried, as well as a number of churches dating from the fifteenth to seventeenth century – all worth a visit.
Sit at the bottom of the garden daydreaming whilst breathing in the surroundings.
The house, and its 500 acres of surrounding land, have been in the family for generations and they have now decided to renovate and open their doors for rental.
Before entering the house you already feel like you have gone back in time, the family has been part of this land and its local heritage for so long. The living room is decorated with the owner’s original art work, she has a museum in Azuaga where you can view more of her paintings.
Leave the country road and take a well maintained two kilometre track, through the private gates and into a completely private oasis. There is a spacious car parking area, where you leave your car. Walk past the villa’s own little chapel, through wrought iron gates, taking the cobbled path around the side of the house and up to the front entrance.
Light years away from the 'costas' ... Simply La Buena Vida!
The exterior of the house is painted a beautiful earthy pink which contrasts with the bright green climbing plants.
Away from the front entrance, is the most lovely rose garden hedged with lavender and rosemary. Walk ways are shaded by acacia trees and there are benches on which to sit and absorb the views, smell the flowers, listen to the sounds of nature and daydream.
The mesmerizing landscape , what views … so many shades of green, undulating meadows and oak woods far into the horizon, with the vast blue sky ..also a perfect spot to watch the sun go down and the night skies light up with their amazing display of stars… grandiose!
This villa has everything for a superb family holiday.
Driving through the foothills of Sierra Morena – where Holm oaks grow in clarified forests and scattered clearings, known as dehesas, are traditional pasture zones for cattle and pigs – simple, peaceful, natural luxury – this is the perfect place for a truly relaxing holiday .
But we must get to the house … take a few stairs through a little white picket gate to a very inviting covered terrace. The terrace is surrounded by plants: vines, jasmine, bright geraniums – it’s all so pretty and there are several areas to sit and enjoy the afternoon.
And then through the front door, into a very traditional entrance hall. Red and blue tiled floors, bright tiled dado and high white ceilings are characteristic of a Spanish grand country home. A sitting area with sofa, chairs, coffee table and a piano, completes the scene
To the left, through double doors, is the formal dining room: elegantly decorated and in the centre is a long, walnut dining table seating 12. Two picture windows look out onto the entrance terrace. The opposite wall is decorated by a stunning antique tapestry, which takes up almost the whole length of the room.
Four comfortable bedrooms can be found across the lemon patio in the guards cottage.
To the right of the hall, through double doors, is the formal sitting room dominated by the fire place. The magnificent fire place in the living room was designed by the same architect (using very similar tiles) that designed the world famous Plaza de España in Sevilla.
There are sofas, armchairs and a chaise longue, a card table for four and a drinks cabinet – everything you could need for an after-dinner family gathering.
From the entrance hall, a door leads through to a study room. This cosy den is ideal if you need to work at the desk or just want to lounge on the comfy sofa, watching the flat screen TV.
All add to the luxurious experience of this delightfully well equipped pool setting.
Next to the study is the kitchen. This is a functional, well equipped, no fuss, farm house kitchen featuring the old wood burning cooker – now just for decoration – A round table and chairs for breakfast, or to sit and chat over a coffee, while a meal is being prepared. With all the fresh produce available in Azuaga, anything you make here is bound to be delicious.
From the hall, opposite the study a short passageway leads to the master suite. The style is classic with its king-sized bed, comfy velvet sofa and a wood buringing stove for cooler nights.
The ensuite bathroom is spacious, with the original tiles, white painted wall and copper fittings. All very in keeping with the general ambience of this grand “Hacienda”.
Surrounded as far as the eye can see by pastureland and oak trees.
A corridor leads out to a large courtyard, with lemon trees and a central fountain, benches, tables and chairs.
Across the courtyard from the main house is an annex know as ‘La Trinidad’ which has more of a cottage style ambience, with its lower ceilings, red terracotta tiles and bright floor rugs. You enter into a cosy sitting room, with sofas, arm chairs and a TV. There is also a handy fridge for storing cold drinks and snacks. A door leads to a single bedroom, and a few steps down to two larger, single rooms. At the other end of the sitting room is a double bedroom which can also be accessed directly from the lemon courtyard. All the bedrooms come with en suite bathrooms and all have charm and character.
Here the outside world fades away, all sense of hurry is gone.
From the lemon tree courtyard, through a gate, we reach the most irresistible, enormous, infinity pool. The pool is built on an elevated terrace area looking out over landscape views as far as the eye can see. There is a covered bar area with fridge and sink. Swings, hammocks, benches, sun loungers, table and chairs, palm trees, potted flowers – everything has been thought of for family days by the pool. You may be tempted to just while away all your holiday by the pool. And why not?
From the pool area, steps lead down to what may have been, in times gone by, the stables and outbuildings. These have now been converted into three apartments. Each apartment has the same lay out: enter into a spacious sitting room, with a sofa bed (that could be used for a child) and then through into a twin bedded room with en suite bathroom. The first apartment can also be accessed by interior steps from the dining room of the main house.
Next along this line of buildings is a two bedroom apartment reserved for live-in staff.
The last two rooms are an old-style farm kitchen and work room. They look like a set for one of Miguel Delibes’ novels – you can imagine the farm hands sitting around the giant fireplace at the end of the day, watching supper being prepared. The only thing that may have changed is that the kitchen is equipped with a large freezer and a microwave. There is still facility to cook in a more primitive fashion though – you’ll find a built-in barbecue and a wood oven with plenty of wood.
Although much less visited by tourists, Extremadura is an area believed by many to be Spain at its most authentic. Driving south from Azuaga and into the Sierra Norte de Sevilla you can explore interesting towns such as Cazalla de la Sierra and Constantina. Driving north into Extremadura, the birthplace of many conquistadores, are Caceres, Merida, Trujillo. All of these towns have such a variety of fascinating architecture that tells the tale of the past. Walking around the old quarters of Caceres or Trujillo is like walking through a history of the middle ages, later embellished with the riches of the new world.
All the facts and features about this villa
Weather permitting, the pool will be open from June until the end of September each year.
Prices are inclusive of daily breakfast which is laid out each morning by the housekeeper.
Catering can be arranged on request.
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday but can be flexible in low season.
A weekly change of linen and towels is included for rentals of more than one week.
| 2024 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
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| Prices Pending | — | — |
| 2024 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Prices Pending | — | — |
Reached by a 2km country track (easily negotiable in an ordinary car), 7 km from Azuaga (all facilities); 23km from Berlanga.
