Villa Description
No two houses are the same, but some are more different than others. This old village house has been restored and reformed with wonderful style, imagination and taste. Quite simply, it's beautiful!
Let's start with the location. It's in the high mountain village of Pitres, a pueblo that still retains it's old Moorish authenticity. It has a lovely central plaza where the Friday morning market takes place. Very Spanish, it was once the Moorish "capital" of the High Alpujarras and is today the administrative centre for La Taha, the local region comprising eight little villages. It has a population of about 600.
This is a very old house, formerly the village bodega where the locals came with their grapes to have them pressed to make the renowned local vino.
Bit by bit it fell into disrepair and became a ruin although most of the original equipment and machinery remained in situ and intact. It was purchased by a foreign couple (he's South African, she's Irish) who were undaunted by the enormous restoration task which lay ahead.
Villa Description
Finally, after three years of unremitting hard labour, it was finished and, well, it's a work of art! Much appreciated by clients too … "we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, it's a fantastic house!" is a typical comment.
It's a very big house, on two floors with a terrace on the first floor which crosses over the little street below.
A huge wooden door opens to the wonder world inside, which starts with a wide and welcoming entrance hall. Not many hallways can be described as impressive but this one is, with it's antique stone floor and high beamed ceiling.
The ground floor was originally the practical working part of the house. From the entrance lobby a few stairs lead up to what was once the stables, now transformed into the most amazing internal patio, naturally lit from above and now home to a 'hamman' (an Arabic-syle shallow indoor swimming pool), with its water jets and Moorish arches giving it a wonderful feel, a beautifully cool and calm place to be after a hot day out.
Villa Description
The original grain storage room and the wine making rooms lead off. The bodega, with its three enormous wooden wine vats taking centre stage has been turned into a highly imaginative bar.
The living space, some 250 square metres, is upstairs. There are two lounges separated by an internal patio which cleverly floods the whole house with light.
At the back of the house is the "winter" lounge, a comfy and warmly decorated area with its sofa and armchairs cosily arranged around the glass fronted wood burning stove, a satellite TV in the corner.
The larger "summer" lounge, where the stairs from below emerge, is equally comfortable, but with a more airy, lighter ambience. Double doors open to the large (45 square metres) furnished terrace. It's a very relaxing spot, with views to either side of the village. Full of hanging flower baskets and pot plants, it is an ideal place for sun bathing, barbecues, eating and drinking.
Villa Description
The kitchen / dining room leads off from the passageway which links the two lounges. Another wonderful room and, like everywhere else in the house, very tastefully furnished and decorated. It is fully equipped to cater for ten or more people, a delightful blend of kitchen comfort, socialising and special occasion.
There are five bedrooms which lead off from one or other of the two lounges. They are all neatly and attractively furnished, and each has twin beds which can be joined together, if preferred. One has a french door to the terrace, another has a small balcony overlooking the street, and one has a door which leads out to the little lane at the back of the house.
Finally, there is the unique and interesting bathroom arrangement, which comprises three separate cubicles divided by curved walls, each one made private by a beautiful tapestry which pulls across to make a "door".
One has a bath/shower and basin; the other two have large round showers and a basin. In addition, there are two completely private toilets and another double basin. Unusual to say the least, but attractive and imaginative too. There is a third toilet downstairs.
Pitres has avoided becoming a tourist mecca. Life goes on in an unhurried and peaceful way here. The village has a few bars and restaurants, a small hotel and a decent supermarket, a bank, a clinic and a pharmacy. Friday morning is market day in the plaza where fresh produce, clothes and crafts can be bought.
Just outside the village there is a small camping site with a gorgeous public swimming pool set in an idyllic rural setting with fabulous panoramic views of the mountains in the distance, a fun place to be in the summer.
If you prefer a little more night time action, more touristy villages such as Bubión and Capileira are just a short drive away. Flamenco and live music concerts (jazz, world music and classical) take place from time to time in the summer. Pitres itself had the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra playing in the plaza recently.
All around, there are the spectacular mountains, valleys and gorges of La Alpujarra to explore, as well as its many charming little villages. It's superb walking country, whether you want to embark on challenging, high mountain routes or just a stroll through the leafy greenery along the path to the next village. There are locally run courses and activities ranging from painting and pottery to flamenco and horse riding.
For something just as rewarding but completely different, you can spend a day out in Granada, one of Spain's great cities, or even take a jaunt down to the Med. Both are little more than an hour's drive away.
As one client said, "A wonderful, memorable visit. This house anywhere would suffice - just be great, but in these mountains - perfection! Thank you for sharing this beauty".
Villa Details
The pool is open throughout the year
Care should be taken with very young children. As you can see from the photos, the hamman pool is not gated off from the tiled floor surround
Maid and cooking services can be arranged, if required, for a supplement. Advance notice will be required
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday in peak season
Prices are inclusive of electricity heating costs but not firewood (other than for the first night). Firewood is available locally but it can also be bought in advance if arranged prior to arrival
Villa Prices
2018 Season Dates | Sleeping 4 per week |
Sleeping 5/6 per week |
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Prices Pending | --- | --- |
2018 Season Dates | Sleeping 7/8 per week |
Sleeping 9/10 per week |
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Prices Pending | --- | --- |
2019 Season Dates | Sleeping 4 per week |
Sleeping 5/6 per week |
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Prices Pending | --- | --- |
2019 Season Dates | Sleeping 7/8 per week |
Sleeping 9/10 per week |
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Prices Pending | --- | --- |
Prices are dependent on the number of guests occupying the property.
Bookings of less than one week will be accepted (minimum 4 nights). Prices on application.
Prices are are inclusive of electricity heating costs in winter months (but not firewood).
Christmas and New Year (16th December to 5th January 2018) the price is 50 Euros per person per night. Minimum 6 guests; minimum stay 5 nights.
A 250 Euro security deposit is required on each booking. This is held against your credit or debit card and will be cancelled one week after your holiday, subject to any reductions for breakages or damage. See Terms and Conditions for full details.
Villa Availability
Villa Location
In the village of Pitres (basic facilities), 35 mins from Órgiva (most facilities) in Las Alpujarras region (Province of Granada).
Granada (all facilites) 1¼ hrs.
Salobreña (Mediterranean beaches) 1 hr; Almuñecar 1¼ hrs; Nerja 1½ hrs.
Sierra Nevada Ski Resort 1¾ hrs
Granada 1¼ hrs; Málaga 2 hrs; Sevilla 3½ hrs.
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.
From the highest mountains in Spain and the Mediterranean Sea, Las Alpujarras is one of the most beautiful regions in the world …
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The 'capital' of La Taha district (seven beautiful, tiny villages in the high Alpujarras). There are a few shops and bars; Friday is market day in the attractive plaza …