The setting is magnificent, the house stylish and extremely comfortable, the pool irresistible. This villa has everything - and more - for a superb family holiday ...
"Everything and more than I'd hoped for. What a beautiful house, a real home and hugely comfortable".
This is a beautiful property, very stylish but also homely and extremely comfortable.
The setting is magnificent too, surrounded by its own 25 acres of broad-leafed chestnut trees, olives and cork oaks, with superb views from its hillside vantage point. Yet it’s just a kilometre from lovely Aracena, so an easy, fifteen minute walk into town.
It’s a magical spot, all is peace and tranquillity here, green and glorious hillsides rolling gently across the horizon as far as the eye can see. There are glimpses through the trees to the azure blue waters of the Embalse de Aracena in the valley below, with the far-off peaks of Badajoz providing an impressive backdrop.
Heavenly, a landscape that feeds the soul as well as the body.
"It's peaceful, restorative, a magical place to be. A priceless experience, the views are heart-stopping".
A wide and well maintained farm track heads out from town, winding through beautiful countryside to the entrance gates of the villa.
From here the estate driveway follows the contours of a centuries-old dry stone wall which encloses the olive grove and through a corridor of chestnut trees before swinging round to reveal the true wonderment of the farmhouse and its magnificent situation.
Totally private and joyously calm, cork oak and chestnut trees spill down the hillsides offering countless hidden-away places that are ideal for exploring or for a quiet moment of contemplation. You will hear only birdsong or perhaps the occasional bray of a donkey echoing up from the valley far below.
Situated on the side of the hill, high enough to enjoy the magnificent vistas all around, the farmhouse is equally impressive. Cleverly designed and built to look like it could have been here for centuries, it has a classic L shaped layout beyond its huge entrance courtyard.
"I just love this house - it's got a magic all of its own. I'm relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world again"..
With a beautiful magnolia tree at its centre, the courtyard is a massive, cheerful space festooned with colourful plants and flowering shrubs. There’s plenty of sunshine – and plenty of shade too – both under the roofed gallery that runs full length along the front of the house (with different seating areas to choose from; a ping-pong table and barbecue too) or in the lovely mirador, the perfect spot for your early evening aperitifs.
The mirador, in the far corner of the courtyard, looks over the pool on the terrace below and beyond to mile upon mile of magnificent countryside. It’s an inspirational view.
The property is every bit as impressive inside as it is outdoors. Huge and very spacious, its towering, wooden-beamed ceilings keep the house cool even on the hottest summer’s day. For winter comfort we do have aircon in the main living rooms – kitchen and sitting room (which can also be used as heating) and aircon units in all bedrooms which can also heat.
And for those who need to stay connected to the world at large there is broadband internet connection throughout the house and an excellent mobile signal.
"We had a terrace for every occasion: one for breakfast and lunch, one for evening drinks, yet another for dinner and all with beautiful views".
One wing is given over to a vast living space with a fabulous, country-style kitchen / dining room at one end leading seamlessly through to a beautiful and very comfortable lounge.
This is a real home (the owners spend as much of their time here as they possibly can) and it shows. The kitchen / dining room is really welcoming, a joy to be in and superbly appointed with top-quality appliances.
It has its own terrace with stairs leading down to the gardens below. The polished granite-topped dining table in the centre of the room comfortably seats ten.
We can find someone for outside catering if necessary and if guests come for longer than a week a cleaner will come in to change sheets and towels and clean bathrooms.
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The living room is gorgeous, furnished with exquisite good taste. Space, natural light and tastefully balanced, bright and cheerful colours create a really impressive and genuinely relaxing room.No television so bring computers and tablets for watching!!.
Light floods in from three French windows which open to a large al fresco summer dining terrace. Vines clamber overhead providing shade; views are far and wide, over the lawned gardens below and down the valley to the lake in the far distance.
This is a great place at any time of day or night, and just perfect for a leisurely breakfast as it faces east.
"The situation was marvellous and the peace and tranquillity second to none, all our family loved every minute of staying in this spectacular home".
Four very smart, spacious bedrooms are ranged along the other wing of the house, where the dappled shade of chestnut trees keep them deliciously cool throughout the day.
The king-sized double master bedroom has windows along two sides of the room and its own little corner terrace with seating and superb views. It leads through to an attractive, mosaic-tiled en-suite bathroom (shower over bath tub). Furnishings are classy and comfortable, colourful and very pretty.
The beds in the other three bedrooms can be made up as either doubles or twins as preferred.
All bedrooms have bathrooms. Master bedroom – king bed with ensuite bathroom with shower in bath. 2nd Bed – Emporor bed (2metres wide x 2metres long) with ensuite shower room 3rd Bed – 2 singles or 180cm x 190cm super king bed with private shower room on other side of corridor. This bathroom is new. 4th bed – 2 singles or 180cm x 190cm super king bed with private bathroom (with shower in it) on other side of corridor. Each room has aircon but we also provide standing fans for those who prefer a more natural breeze!!
All of the bedrooms are spacious with generous, built-in wardrobes. They all lead off from an almost cathedral-like corridor with doors opening to the front courtyard on its other side.
"We have just had the most wonderful week at what is, quite simply, the most beautiful place we have ever stayed!"
Downstairs, as mentioned above, there is now no playroom, although the library still exists and the pool table now lives there There are four sofa beds to lounge around on (two doubles and two singles), and a shower room leads off.
There is still, however, the big lawn in the front of the house.
Between these two stairways, almost hidden under the honeysuckle and ivy- clad stone wall, you will find both the laundry room and a self-contained apartment with a double bed, small kitchenette, seating area and a shower room leading off.
"Fabulous! Amazing! Relaxing! Fun! Just a few words to describe a fantastic week. The perfect family holiday".
And then there is the magnificent swimming pool, set on the next terrace down, accessed by a wide stairway which meanders gently down through gorgeous lavender and herb gardens.The garage has now been converted into loos which can be used as the pool loos so save people having to go in to the house. Divine aromas fill the air.
Sparkling and very blue, it’s a wonderful pool. A massive 14 m x 8 m, with Roman steps in, it has a salt filtration system, so there’s no nasty chlorine here. There’s night-lighting, making it irresistible whatever the time may be.
If you prefer to just to laze in the sun, there is plenty of space to lounge on the wide terrace surround. A shaded area at one end offers respite from the mid-day sun. All around are the cheerful colours of bougainvillea and the heady scents of jasmine, rosemary and thyme.
The view isn’t bad either …
It’s all fenced and gated so properly child friendly. Children of any age are very welcome here and young ones are well catered for – the house is equipped with a cot, high chair, buggy, a silvercross pram and many shaded areas.
"A home brimming with joyful exuberance. Intimate but colourfully stylish. Everybody and everything reflects its special life-affirming quality".
Here you will enjoy everything that is wonderful about rural Andalucía – beautiful countryside, golden sunshine and blissful calm. Once ensconced in the peace and privacy here, you will relax, completely.
But, no doubt you will venture out from time to time – and the dazzling beauty of the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park will be sure to seduce you. Charming little villages dotted here and there in a green and glorious land, it’s a hidden and unspoiled corner of Spain, second to none.
And if that is not enough, Sevilla is just an hour away. Cities don’t come any more vibrant, or more beautiful, than this Andalusian gem.
Head in the opposite direction and you will quickly cross the border into Portugal. A different country … a different world. To the south you will find the white, sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz and one of the world’s premier nature reserves.
Closer to hand, Aracena is a bustling and delightful little market town, relaxed and friendly like so many here, set on top of the Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave Of Wonders), one of Spain’s most impressive caves, and dominated by its splendid Moorish castle on the hilltop above the town. Although it has a population of just 8,000 it nevertheless manages to keep its 60 bars and four night clubs going!
The little villages of the Sierra de Aracena are linked by small cobbled tracks which makes it fabulous terrain for both serious walkers and laid-back ramblers. There are maps and books in the house which will guide you in the right direction.
If your preference are the local fiestas, these are seemingly never-ending! The most famous in Aracena are Semana Santa, the feria in May, romerias in June and September, and the three day, non-stop fiesta at the end of August.
There is so much to enjoy in this beautiful part of Spain. And right here, this wonderful property offers class, character and comfort in abundance. It is unique and very, very special.
All the facts and features about this villa
Weather permitting, the swimming pool will be open from May until mid October, inclusive
Prices are inclusive of central heating costs in winter months
A cook can be provided by arrangement, payable locally
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday
Prices are inclusive of central heating costs in winter months
*Prices above are for 7 nights at Christmas or New Year. 4 night prices are available on request. Please enquire.
RB/VFT/HU/02143
| 2024 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| 8th January to 1st May | 2,700 € | 4,800 € |
| 1st May to 19th June | 3,150 € | 6,000 € |
| 19th June to 27th August | 4,500 € | 8,250 € |
| 27th August to 24th September | 3,150 € | 6,000 € |
| 24th September to 17th December | 2,700 € | 4,800 € |
| 17th December to 7th January 2024 | 3,150 € | 6,000 € |
| 2025 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Prices Pending | — | — |
1.5 km from Aracena (all facilities; supermarkets, restaurants; banks etc) in La Sierra de Aracena region (Province of Huelva).
