Villa Description
This smart and pretty villa is conveniently less than ten minutes' drive from Canillas de Aceituno, a typically Spanish town with all holiday amenities. The house is a short drive from the easy to find roundabout at one end of the town (it's the roundabout with giant ceramic pots and is also the place where guests will be met).The quick journey will take you down the hill with great views of Lake Viñuela on your right. The blue expanse of water is a wonderful sight and just the first of many treats in store.
Don't take the roundabout with the metal man on it, a short bypass will get you directly to the correct junction. You may have to slow down though, a herd of goats could be spread across the road and honking your horn won't do any good!
On approaching the villa, (500m down a well maintained track) first impressions are of a happy, welcoming place with a real holiday ambience.
The gardens are planted with Mediterranean flowers and succulents and are shaded by mature trees. There is ample space for car parking at the front of the property which is set on a gentle hill, in a very peaceful and quiet location. The first terrace at the front of the house has two sun-beds and parasols for relaxing within earshot of the pool.
The raised pool terrace is also at the front of the house and is reached by a flight of steps. At the bottom of the steps is a shower as well as a cloakroom/toilet for changing into swimming costumes. The pool is sparkling blue and the way it catches the sun conveys one word: relaxation. The terrace has six sun-beds, three side tables and two sun-umbrellas, it's an inviting place to spend the whole day just lounging around doing absolutely nothing other than enjoying the views of the village and mountains from here. Marvellous.
The pool has a fence around it and is gated, but the fence has gaps between the horizontal posts large enough for a toddler to slip through. As there is a considerable drop from the terrace, the pool is not suitable for very young children. Please also be aware that although there is a toddler safe wooden door at the bottom of the steps, the pool cannot be seen from the house, another consideration when holidaying with younger guests.
Canillas de Aceituno takes its name from a Roman and Arabic heritage. 'Canillas' or 'little canes' grew in abundance here and were harvested by the Romans for woven goods. 'Azzeitún' was a type of silk manufactured by the Moorish kingdom of Al Andalus in medieval times. The area was a centre of silk production and textiles were taken for trade through the mountain passes to Granada. The town, due to its geography, has been a place of defence and safety down the ages. Struggles between the Visigoths and Umayyad invaders have left us with Romanesque roof tiles (tegula) on houses with Islamic-style patio gardens. More rebellions in the sixteenth century meant the final expulsion by King Felipe II of the area's Muslim citizens who took with them the silk industry but not their irrigation know how, which is still in use today. In recent times, the region was bitterly fought over during the Spanish civil war and the mountains, once again, provided shelter for resistance groups and partisans.
The owners have spent a great deal of effort in producing the information packs found in the dining room. They love the Axarquía region and have delved into its history, culture and customs, writing a comprehensive pack for their guests to share. If you want to learn all about the area that you are holidaying in, look no further than the information folder, it's better than any guidebook!
But back to the house ... from the side entrance step straight into the living area which is spacious with whitewashed walls, exposed wooden beams and terracotta floor tiles. The result is cool in the heat of an Andalucian summer. A three-seater sofa, two armchairs and two pouffes are arranged around a woodburner fireplace, and there is a chaise longue and reading light for once you have selected a good book from the library (with English books). Antique farm tools add interest, for example the ancient machine used to weigh sacks of olives squats by the stairs. Although the house is only eight years old, with all the modern conveniences of a new build, the construction and decoration of the villa emulates a traditional Spanish country home. For example, the light fittings are in an appropriate ironwork style and little niches in the walls are 'saint holes' for small statues. There is an up to date side of the villa too: Hifi, DVD player, satellite TV and internet. For cooler months there's electric underfloor heating and cooling (which comes at extra cost), thermostats are in every room to gauge the temperature. All windows have fly screens and double glazing.
From the living room, the house leads to the dining room and kitchen. The dining room has double doors which open out onto the front sun terrace to a covered porch where there is a table that seats six. It's a lovely spot for eating al fresco and has the benefit of blinds if the sun is too fierce.
But if it's outside dining you want, how about this: a patio kitchen area with space for food preparation, a state of the art gas barbecue, sink and gas hob. Just carry your paella to the stone table close by (the table seats twelve), grab some cool drinks from the patio fridge and it's an instant party! The outside kitchen and table are surrounded by the lush, green garden. And who's this? A smiling little figure peeps out from the foliage, he's come all the way from Venezuela. The owners are well-travelled and the house has their interesting souvenirs dotted about.
And if you want to cook indoors, you're in for a pleasant surprise. The owners absolutely love cooking and one of their 'must haves' is a very well equipped kitchen. The country style kitchen with its stone work surfaces, twin sinks and 'island' for food preparation is a delight for those who mean culinary business. Any utensils you'd possibly need, along with a vast array of crockery, pans and cookware are here at your disposal.
Upstairs is reached by an airy staircase leading to the master bedroom.
The master bedroom is spacious and the bed has an unusual feature of a terracotta headboard. This bedroom, which has en suite facilities (comprising a walk-in shower, sink and wc) , also has a balcony terrace with a little table and chairs, perfect for a sunny breakfast. The bedroom is south facing so you can watch the sun rise from here.
The other two bedrooms are on the ground floor, one is a twin bedded room, the other a double. These bedrooms both have wardrobe space and share the main ground floor bathroom which has both a full bath tub and mixer shower as well as a walk-in shower cubicle. Both bedrooms have windows, one looks out onto the patio, the other does not have a view but because of that, is the coolest bedroom in the house.
The house is well equipped for practical matters: there is a laundry room housing a washing machine, iron and sink. Close to the patio kitchen is a store room with a fixed washing line for guests, which also stores the parasol for the round stone table, along with kettle and fridge.
The owners of this property spent five years looking for their dream house in the sun and were about to give up their search when they finally came across this one. Their choosiness has paid off because it really is a lovely place to stay, having an ideal location for both mountain pastimes and fun at the beach.
The region is dominated by the mountains of the Sierra de Tejeda with its highest peak, La Maroma ('the rope') lying like a twisted chunk of hemp rising to 2065 metres. The peak of La Maroma can be reached from Canillas de Aceituno (it's a tough hike and not for the faint hearted!) For sun-worshipping types, the beaches of the Costa del Sol are only a short drive away (Torre Del Mar is a mere 30 minutes).
But right on your doorstep is the shimmering reservoir that is Lake Viñuela. It's very peaceful and ideal for swimming as only non-motorised sports are allowed. On its shores are picnic tables each with their own designated barbecue spot.
The very typical and beautiful local village has shops and facilities for your daily needs. Further afield, a visit to the pretty whitewashed villages around the lake: Alcaucin, Periana, Comares will also give you a taste of real Spain and its people.
A recommended day out is a visit to the 'ghost village' of Acebuchal. This picturesque village was fought over during the civil war and guerrilla reprisals on both sides led the villagers to be forcibly expelled in 1948. One of the villagers returned in the 1990s and began restoring his hometown. He has today fulfilled his dream of living to see a rebuilt Acebuchal.
And what about the local food? Chorizo and cured ham are well known, but have you tried morcilla? Morcilla (pronounced 'moreseeya') are blood sausages like black pudding, they are delicious fried, split open and eaten with fresh, crusty bread. Migas is a dish typical of this region, fried breadcrumbs, resembling couscous, it's served with roasted peppers, or oranges or crispy whitebait.
If it's traditional gastronomy of this region that you're after, you could try the Venta de Alfarnate: an inn since the 13th century, it claims to be the oldest eatery in Andalucía. Not only is it a restaurant specialising in local dishes, but it's also a museum dedicated to the history of banditry and bandoleros of the past. Here in the village, there are three good restaurants, all specialized in local and seafood dishes, the closest La Maroma is at only 2.5 km from the house.
Larger towns nearby are Vélez-Málaga, Frgilliana, Nerja and Alhama de Granada, all well worth a visit, full of history, architecture and with good bars and restaurants. Since the Romans' day, this area was the natural trading route from the coast to Granada, so for souvenirs look out for traditional crafts of leather goods and basketware (saddlery was essential for pack animals and baskets were needed for the transport of wares).
The best of them all though is Granada! The Alhambra Palace is truly a 'must see', the pinnacle of Moorish splendour.
For those seeking even bigger and brighter lights, the cosmopolitan city of Málaga with all that it has to offer is only 50km (31 miles) away.
Villa Details
Weather permitting, the swimming pool will be open throughout the year (although, because it's not heated, the normal swimming season is from late April to September, inclusive)
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday in summer months, but please ask.
Linen change is once a week, on Saturday during a two-week stay.
Electric underfloor heating and cooling are provided at extra cost.
The multi-lingual (English, Spanish, Dutch and German) caretakers live five minutes' drive away and are on hand to assist if necessary.
Prices are inclusive of a complementary bottle of wine and the option to do some basic shopping for late or Sunday arrivals.
Please, no smoking in the house.
No pets, please.
Villa Prices
2020 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
---|---|---|
28th March to 26th June | 1,370 € | 2,750 € |
27th June to 28th August | 1,800 € | 3,600 € |
29th August to 11th September | 1,370 € | 2,750 € |
2021 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
---|---|---|
Prices Pending | --- | --- |
The house features insulated walls and double glazed windows so floor cooling is not needed if doors and windows are kept closed during the day. Mobile fans are provided for local cooling.
If you do require electric underfloor cooling/heating, this is available at cost price which can be confirmed on arrival. Additional heating / cooling costs are to be paid locally to the owner or caretaker.
A 350 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
Mountainous area (accessed by a 500m laterite track), 3 km from the lovely village of Canillas de Aceituno (small supermarket, butcher, baker, grocery, doctor, dentist, bars and 3 good restaurants) in La Axarquía region.
Canillas de Aceituno (most facilities) 3km (10 mins); Vélez-Málaga (all facilities) 17km (30 mins).
Torre del Mar (El Ingenio shopping mall) 25 mins; Torre del Mar (and Mediterranean beaches) 30 mins; Caleta de Vélez (Baviera Golf): 24 km (30 mins); Rincón de la Victoria (Añoreta Golf): 38 km (40 mins)
Nerja: 40 km (45 mins); Málaga 54km (1 hr); Antequera: 100 km (1½ hrs); Sierra Nevada: 160 km (2½ hrs)
Granada 1¾ hrs; Ronda 1½ hrs; Córdoba 2½ hrs; Sevilla 3 hrs.
Málaga 1hr; Granada 1¾ hrs; Sevilla 2¾ hrs.
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.
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