Villa Description
Not far from the town of Periana and on the shores of Lake Viñuela is a church which is not all that it seems. The church that we are talking about has been converted into a luxury villa, owned by a sculptor who seeks perfection in her art and her interior design.
The house has an interesting history. Not only was it a church on Sundays, it was used as a primary school on weekdays. But from being an old community building of the past, times have changed. Furnished with designer pieces, innovative details and state of the art comfort, it's now a totally modern and stylish home.
The monochrome decor of the house is simple and clean. With its glass walls and high ceilings, on paper it could sound stark. But it's not, it's light, bright and welcoming. With 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside, it really is a beautiful place to spend time in.
With an easy journey from the coast road, the villa is located on the shores of Lake Viñuela. The short track off the main road is flat and navigable for an ordinary hire care although somewhat bumpy in places.
There is plenty of parking for at least 4 cars in a circular paved area in front of the house and behind the property’s electrically operated gate.
The house is built all on one level with a separate, double bedroom suite attached as an annexe. This annexe has its own entrance, ideal for friends or relatives who wish to come and go independently. The bedroom with twin beds, has a lounge area with two armchairs and woodburning stove. It has the benefit of air conditioning and electric heating. The bathroom has a walk-in shower, toilet and twin sinks all decorated in smart black and white.
Wherever you turn is a breathtaking view of natural beauty. To the south is the Mediterranean sea, to the east is the peak of La Maroma and right in front of you is the reservoir-lake Embalse de Viñuela. A garden terrace runs around the house, wherever you sit you can drink in the views of the mountains, sea or the lake.
Outside the kitchen, on the southern terrace, overlooking the lake are two sofas and cushioned arm chairs. This ensemble is shaded by a contemporary flat parasol that works on a magnet system. It's ergonomically designed to give maximum, directable shade with minimum effort. Or, for more natural shade, move the chairs under the picturesque green branches of the big 'false pepper' tree close by. On the same terrace there is an outside dining table with a remote controlled electric sun shade to provide a pleasant environment for a morning coffee or a late lunch.
Steps down from this lake terrace lead to the petanque court and another terrace, the 'Zen' terrace. Ideal for meditation or just straightforward lolling around in the sun, a platform lounger-bed is provided for this (non) activity. An important word about the state of the art music system .... The house has a Sonos multi-sound system which allows music from the radio/your own iPad to reach each designated terrace or room. With this system, you can have the musical entertainment you want, where you want, for maximum enjoyment of your holiday time.
Thoughtful touches like lightweight blankets for sitting outdoors at night (perhaps not necessary in summer, but ideal for later in the year), are available in the wardrobe area leading into the master bedroom. If a breeze blows from the lake, hooks have been fitted on the doors to keep them open and stop them banging in the wind.
The lake terrace does have a steep drop and that is why we don't recommend this property for guests with young children.
On the other side of the house, the Peak of La Maroma ('the Rope') dominates the horizon, with the sierras of Zafarraya and the Parque Natural de Tejeda rising up to the east. This is the wonderful view you get from the pool and master bedroom. There is an east-facing dining terrace, perfect for sunny breakfasts. (If you want to increase the size of the breakfast table, there is an extension for it in the adjacent store room.)
When entering the house for the first time, the entrance hall instantly gives you a little taste of the villa themes: light and space and uncluttered style. Recent guests summed it up with this feedback...
"The villa location is simply stunning, high up with an almost 360 degree panorama of lakes, mountains and pueblo blancos. The villa itself is a delight, very contemporary with delightful views from every room and tastefully furnished with modern furniture and works of art in every room. We were all impressed with the Sonos sound system and we hope we didn't disturb the neighbours!"
The purity and brightness when entering this house are striking. White, white white is everywhere and artful touches of colour only accentuate the pristine decor. Some walls are glass, designed to let in maximum light and the spectacular views over the lake. From the entrance hall, carry on into the main living area. The first thing to catch your eye is a high planter by Jean Marie Massaud. Set in this vast space with its high ceiling, the planter is a work of art in its own right.
One wall is dominated by a beamer projection screen system surrounded by two white leather sofas (one seats two, the other seats four). Overhanging the sofas is a freestanding arm lamp. A Barcelona chair by Mies van der Rohe completes the scene. The focus of the seating arrangement is the beamer and glass-fronted open fire.
Leading off the living space are the kitchen and dining areas. The kitchen has sleek lines and all the best equipment. You'll find an induction hob with two ovens (one normal, one normal combined with microwave) lots of pots and pans, and a DeLonghi coffee machine. Plenty of crockery and cutlery is provided, including glasses (stylish plastic) for outside use in the pool area.
The kitchen and the two bedrooms on this side of the house have marvellous evening sunset views over the lake.
The focal point of the dining area is the Jean Marie Massaud glass lamp above the Jean Nouvel dining table (which seats eight). More of an installation than a functional piece, Murano glass has been reformed from broken chandeliers to create a new light fitting. In effect, a modern chandelier has been crafted out of old.
At one end of the dining area is an innovative partition designed by the owner. The asymmetric doors of this room-divider cleverly hide a storage area for all the table linen and blankets for use on the terrace. Through this partition is the beautiful master bedroom.
The master bedroom has a super-kingsize bed and dressing room with a full length mirror. Wanting the quietest ceiling fans available, the owner has had all the bedroom fans brought over from Italy to ensure utter hush. The en suite bathroom has a bath tub as well as a walk-in shower cubicle. There are twin basins under a well lit, full wall mirror. The bedroom is dominated by the panoramic views of the mountain range in the east.
Off the living area is another double bedroom and although the smallest of the bedrooms it's by no means small. It more than makes up for its smaller size by having two, full length glass walls with amazing views across the lake. A driftwood piece of artwork above the bed breaks up the stylish decor of grey and white. The en suite facilities consist of a bath tub and shower over the bath with a fully lit mirror above the sink. All the bathroom fittings are in a contemporary style.
The pool terrace features a venerable olive tree which offers shade and beauty. The sculptured figure to the side of the pool is one of the owner's own works, adding a unique touch to an already unique pool. The long, trapezoid-shaped pool has an electric cover so at the press of a button, it can be closed to conserve the heat it's gained in the day. The terrace has its own bathroom with toilet and sink as well as a poolside shower. The pool runs on a salt filtration system and access is by way of shallow steps. Sunloungers and parasols are provided along with pool towels, table and chairs. As described earlier, the house comes complete with a programmable sound system so you can listen to your own music on this terrace while admiring the views of La Maroma and the sea.
Bathing has been enjoyed around here since ancient times. A couple of kilometres from Periana are the springs of Baños de Vilo. Thought to be of Roman origin, they were in use during the middle ages and served as an important spa in the 18th century. The baths are undergoing renovation and if you are brave enough you can take a dip in the sulphurous water. The springs are a constant 21c all year round and the water is meant to be particularly good for skin complaints.
To the left of the entrance hall is the office which has a desk, and a printer for guests to use should they wish to work during their stay. There is good Wifi coverage and big windows for plenty of light. The sculpted busts dotted around are the owner's professional work. With a glass-fronted woodburner you'll work in comfort and style.
Off the living area are two doors housing respectively the twin Bosch fridge freezers and a laundry room with the tumbledryer and washing machine.
"The villa was the best equipped we have stayed at with every conceivable appliance and utensil."
To the right of the entrance hall is another double bedroom, its two glass walls give expansive views of the lake. All the bedlinen in this villa is of crisp, high quality cotton, guaranteeing a good night's sleep.
The en suite bathroom to this bedroom has black and white animal-print tiles as a border and the whole effect is funky and fun. The bathroom has a full bath with a shower over the tub, heated towel rail, twin sinks and a large mirror well-lit for perfect make up and shaving. Every bathroom in the house has two fluffy bathrobes and a hairdryer.
Thought and care has been given to give guests the very best here. Lots of little details add up to make this villa a memorable holiday experience. The owner loves her house and the Axarquía area and she hopes you will love it too.
The typically Spanish town of Periana is only two minutes' drive up the road. As well as having restaurants, bars, shops and banks, conveniently to hand, it offers a glimpse of real Spanish life away from the more touristy areas. That said, the beaches of the Costa Tropical and Costa del Sol are only half an hour's drive away, but inland life goes at a different pace and with a totally different outlook.
Periana, like many towns and villages in this region, has strong Moorish roots easily recognised by its architecture of whitewashed buildings and narrow streets. The Arabic influence continues in its living roots you could say, with the crops of oranges, lemons, avocados, peaches, pomegranates all still being harvested today. The locality is famous for its peaches and superior quality olive oil, both fruit being honoured in the best possible way, by each having its own party day in the Periana calendar. The Festival of Green Olives is held mid-March to celebrate the end of the harvest and the Peach Fair is always at the end of August.
Another party to try and catch is the Fiesta of San Isidro. This fiesta takes place mid-May for the feast day of Periana's patron saint. San Isidro el Labrador (the Labourer) is an apt patron for this agricultural community, he's the saint of farmers and rural communities.
Spanish village fiestas usually stretch over a weekend and are full of fun, with dancing, music and shows going on into the early hours. The Spanish stamina for partying, young and old, has to be witnessed to be believed.
Fresh fruit and vegetables feature in many local dishes, particularly soups and salads. Sopa cachorreña is a spicy soup made with sour oranges, ajoblanco is a very tasty garlic and almond soup typical of Málaga province. As in many mountainous areas, goats are important livestock both for their meat and milk. Local cheeses are delicious drizzled with that famous olive oil and a glass of vino tinto.
Of course if you head to the coast, it's the seafood which has to be sampled. Little beach cafes, chiringuitos, serve grilled sardines on fires made in rowing boats filled with sand. The sardines are as fresh as can be, with just a twist of lemon, they are simple and delicious.
There's plenty to see and do around the region. Head further inland to explore other pretty villages around Lake Viñuela or take in typical Spanish baroque architecture in the towns of Archidona or Antequera. Granada itself is a 'must do' day trip, be sure to reserve your tickets for the Alhambra in advance.
A day trip to the lovely beach town of Nerja combines the sea, shopping and the impressive underground caves: Cuevas de Nerja. The huge caverns, dripping with stalactites are fantastic. The Balcon de Europa is a beautiful beachfront promenade, stay out there until the early hours with the rest of Nerja, drinking wine, eating ice creams and generally watching the Mediterranean world go by.
Villa Details
The property is available for rental from the beginning of May to mid November each year.
The swimming pool will be open throughout this period and as it is heated with solar panels, should be usable throughout.
The house is also available for Christmas and Easter weeks.
No pets please.
Please, no smoking in the house.
The pool is cleaned fortnightly as it is covered at night.
Because of the unfenced, steep drop down from the garden terrace(s) and swimming pool, this property is not suitable for children under nine years old. Also, a non-responsibility of the owner clause has to be signed a couple weeks before arrive. Babies under 6 months are welcome.
Please note that the latest arrival time for this property is 9.30pm.
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday.
A welcome pack is provided on arrival (1 bottle cava, 1 bottle wine, 1 bottle water, coffee & tea.)
Cleaning Charges: This property has a final cleaning charge of 150€ for weekly bookings and 225€ for fortnightly bookings. This is paid locally on your arrival.
Villa Prices
2019 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
---|---|---|
5th January to 15th March | N/A | N/A |
16th March to 12th April | 1,750 € | 3,500 € |
13th April to 21nd June | 2,000 € | 4,000 € |
22nd June to 30th August | 2,750 € | 5,500 € |
31st August to 27th September | 2,000 € | 4,000 € |
28th September to 25th October | 1,750 € | 3,500 € |
26th October to 13th December | N/A | N/A |
14th December to 3th January 2020 | 2,750 € | 5,500 € |
2020 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
---|---|---|
Prices Pending | --- | --- |
The house is winter ready although the pool is not available during Christmas bookings.
Cleaning Charges: This property has a final cleaning charge of 150€ for weekly bookings and 225€ for fortnightly bookings. This is paid locally on your arrival.
A 950 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
1km on a flat track (in reasonable condition easily negotiable in an ordinary car with due care) from the main A 7204 road to Periana in La Axarquía region (Province of Málaga).
Periana (basic facilities, bars, restaurants etc) 5-10 mins; Venta de Zafarraya (basic facilities, bars, restaurants etc) 20 mins
Alhama de Granada (most facilities) 30 mins; Vélez Málaga (all facilities) 40 mins.
Torre del Mar (and Mediterranean beaches) 30 mins; Nerja 40 mins; Málaga 1 hr; Antequera 1 hr; Marbella 1½ hrs.
Málaga 1 hr; Granada 1¼ hrs; Sevilla 2½ hrs.
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.
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