Set in the fragrant valley of Lecrín, this villa is within easy reach of Granada and the Costa Tropical.
Like the Moorish palaces of days gone by, open galleries let the summer breeze in. From the viewing terrace, the village roofscape is laid out like a picture.
The journey to Pinos del Valle is delightful. Leave the motorway behind and head towards the Beznar lake, sparkling like a huge sapphire. Drive for ten minutes through pine forest until the conifers give way to orchards and the fragrant smell of citrus blossom. You’re in the Lecrin valley, famous for its almonds, oranges and lemons, originally planted by the Moors to supply the city of Granada. Pinos del Valle is a typical Spanish town, certainly not touristy, in touch with its arabic past.
This beautiful villa is built along the lines of a Moorish palace with rooms leading off a central courtyard and with a mirador at the top of the house. From the mirador there are panoramic views across the valley, to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean sea.
Lots of potted plants provide colour and greenery, attracting butterflies and bees. Their gentle buzzing is perfect for a lazy afternoon.
But let’s start by the pool … The garden patio is a pretty suntrap, flagged in brick and shaded by well established shrubs and climbers. Parasols are provided so you can eat al fresco (one circular table seats eight, the other seats four or five) without being dazzled by the afternoon sun. A large (gas) barbecue is on the patio, perfectly situated to get the food to the table still sizzling. The stylized pomegranate designs laid out in stones represent the heraldic symbol of Granada, granada being the Spanish for ‘pomegranate’.
The lovely aquamarine swimming pool, is through a secure iron gate in the patio wall. Although the pool is all one depth, 1.7m, there are four shallow steps to get in so little ones can sit on the steps and splash around. An orange tree and cane canopy provide shade for the pool terrace. The pool also has underwater night lighting.
The mixture of antique and modern furniture is tasteful and carefully thought out. The result is an interior that is both stylish and calming.
On the first floor are five bedrooms and a very spacious living room.
The living room has an open fireplace at one end of the room with three sofas (two two-seaters and one three-seater) and four armchairs. Two sofas are arranged to view the flatscreen television. French windows open onto a Juliet balcony which overlooks the garden and pool patio below. As with all the rooms on this floor, the living room has exposed wooden beams and a pitched ceiling.
There are two double bedded bedrooms which lead off the living area. The first is an airy bedroom suite with a super-king sized bed, built-in wardrobes, full length cheval mirror and armchair. The private bathroom for this bedroom has a full sized bath tub (whose window looks out onto the pool) walk-in shower, basin, bidet, wc and heated towel rail. The decor of the bathroom is in elegant buff and pale grey limestone. This bedroom suite also has a separate access; twelve stairs take you to the ground floor kitchen area.
The second bedroom off the living room has a wrought iron bedstead, built in wardrobes and a large ceiling lamp of blown glass. As with all the bedrooms in this house, the bedlinen is of the highest quality cotton, crisp, cool and comfortable. The en suite bathroom has a walk-in shower of grey marble, basin, bidet, wc and heated towel rail. Shuttered French windows in this bedroom open out to the interior gallery.
One of the bedrooms is situated on the ground floor, just off the dining area. This is a double bedded room, done out in a modern style with French windows to a little orange tree patio. Its en suite bathroom facilities are in pale grey and delicate pink limestone, with a spacious walk-in shower, basin, wc, bidet and heated towel rail.
Also on the ground floor are two useful rooms: a utility room housing two washing machines, tumble dryer and laundry sink. The other is a small cloakroom with a wc and basin.
An important point to mention: WiFi internet is available throughout the house.
This kitchen is for serious food preparation. And with the garden and barbecue right outside, al fresco dining has never been easier.
The kitchen is top notch for style and convenience. The exposed beams, calabash bowls and antique pestle and mortar contrast nicely with the smart modernity of the kitchen fittings. The work surface in olive-coloured stone is arranged in a horse-shoe shape so all the appliances are to hand when preparing food.
And how’s this for a great idea … there’s a little lidded recess in the work surface into which you can scoop all your peelings directly, keeping your work area tidy as you prepare food. The kitchen has all the appliances you would expect and the large fridge freezer is in a walk-in pantry close by. The kitchen has a breakfast dining table for four, but as it leads directly onto the garden patio, you’ll probably want to spend most meal times outside.
With their own bathroom and bedroom suites, younger members of the family will love their own sleep space.
Leading off from the kitchen is a dining room (with a dining table for eight people). Also on the ground floor is a study with a small dining table and a lounging area furnished with a large sofa and two armchairs.
Two bedrooms on the first floor form a suite of rooms which could best be described as a bedroom wing. The bedrooms are: one room with two single beds (walk-in shower, basin, wc and heated towel rail) and one double bedded room with its own en suite facilities. There is a connecting room which makes the layout ideal for a family.
The double bedroom has a Juliet balcony overlooking the street. Its bathroom has a full bath tub with shower over, wc, bidet and basin, it looks out to the small orange tree patio and French windows to the interior gallery.
From the entrance patio with its fountain, to the breathtaking views of the mirador, this villa is impressive on every level.
The entrance hall of the villa is a colonnaded courtyard planted with palms and greenery which, with the fountain, provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The water feature is set in the floor with a channel running to a bowl fountain. This design has ancient historical functions: to cool the air, to reflect the surroundings and to provide a gentle sound, all to assist with quiet contemplation. Travellers coming to such a courtyard, perhaps a little hot and tired, would be calmed to arrive at such a gentle place. The same feelings can be evoked today as they were perhaps a thousand years ago, in the time of el Andalus.
Another nod to the Moorish tradition is the viewing gallery at the very top of the house. Its wooden balcony and terracotta-tiled gallery look down two storeys to the central courtyard. To the side is the church of San Sebastian with its cupola of golden stone glowing in the sunlight. Above and beyond the mirador are the sierras, the Lecrín Valley in all its panoramic glory.
The gallery is furnished for relaxing and dining, there are four rattan armchairs arranged around a coffee table as well as a circular table seating four. Come up at sunset with a glass of wine and watch the light fade on another beautiful day.
Car parking is in a private garage, with key provided, or can be on the street directly outside the house. The location of the villa is convenient; opposite is a mini supermarket with a butcher’s shop attached. The owner of the shop makes her own sausages, chorizo, morcilla (black pudding, it’s delicious!) and we’ve been told they’re all exceptionally good. The town also has a cash machine and a nice coffee bar.
The Lecrín is an area of natural beauty for those who like to enjoy a more peaceful side of Spanish rural life.
A picnic in the pines by lake Beznar is a simple but charming day out. Perhaps tie it in with a walk up to the mountain hermitage of El Cristo del Zapato (Christ of the Shoe) which takes an hour of steady walking from the village. The hermitage was struck by lightning in 2009 but has since been restored. We’re told it’s well worth the effort of the walk, you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views so don’t forget your camera!
For a different day out, there is Granada with all its sights including the ‘must see’ Alhambra. The relatively unspoilt beaches of the Costa Tropical are in the opposite direction. The motorway takes you directly and easily to each destination in about half an hour.
All the facts and features about this villa
Please note that for all low season and Christmas bookings there is a 120 Euro per week surcharge for heating which is already included in the prices below.
The property is cleaned and linens changed weekly.
A cook and child minder are available at this property – on request.
Prices are inclusive of firewood.
For smaller parties, the sleeping 6 price is based on the front wing being closed off and 3 double beds being available
For winter bookings there is a 160€ per week heating surcharge paid on arrival.
Please, no smoking in the house.
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday in peak season.
Catering and extra maid services can be arranged for your stay. Shopping can be arrange in advance of your arrival. Please request these services in advance. Payable locally on arrival.
RB/VTAR/GR/00432
| 2024 Season Dates | Sleeping 6 per week | Sleeping 10 per week |
|---|---|---|
| 7th January to 17th March | 1,810 € | 2,145 € |
| 18th March to 23rd June | 2,060 € | 2,440 € |
| 24th June to 2nd September | 2,395 € | 2,860 € |
| 3rd September to 21st October | 2,060 € | 2,440 € |
| 20th October to 15th December | 1,810 € | 2,145 € |
| 16th December to 6th January 2025 | 2,060 € | 2,440 € |
| 2025 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Prices Pending | — | — |
In the town of Pinos del Valle (basic facilities, supermarkets, chemist, restaurants, bars); 15 km from Dúrcal (most facilities) in El Valle de Lecrín region (Province of Granada).
