Simple Mountain Retreat with Stunning Views
On the Doorstep of the Picos de Europa National Park
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms)
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'La Arganosa' is an idyllic retreat with a large leafy garden, set high in the mountains on the edge of the Picos de Europa National Park. From its elevated position, it enjoys spectacular and uninterrupted views of wide open skies and mountains. 'La Arganosa' is not isolated, however; it lies on the edge of the Asturian farming village of Villaverde which is surrounded by delightful hay meadows and apple orchards - this area is at the heart of Asturian cider making. A ten minute drive takes you to the larger village of Santillan with a restaurant, bakery and bank, although a local van can make daily food deliveries to 'La Arganosa.' The house is completely eco-friendly; electricity is provided by photovoltaic (solar) panels and the water comes from a mountain spring. Wooden floors and ceilings, no TV or washing machine and just the sound of cowbells create a simple rustic ambiance. As such, 'La Arganosa' is ideal for the independent-minded who enjoy something a little bit different.
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 September 2011 - 30 September 2011 | £420 | 2 | ||
| 1 October 2011 - 23 December 2011 | £300 | 2 | ||
| 24 December 2011 - 31 December 2011 | £400 | 2 | ||
| 1 January 2012 - 30 March 2012 | £350 | 2 | ||
| 1 April 2012 - 13 April 2012 | £460 | 2 | ||
| 14 April 2012 - 1 June 2012 | £375 | 2 | ||
| 2 June 2012 - 29 June 2012 | £460 | 2 | ||
| 30 June 2012 - 31 August 2012 | £625 | 2 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 30 September 2012 | £460 | 2 | ||
| 1 October 2012 - 21 December 2012 | £350 | 2 | ||
| 21 December 2012 - 29 December 2012 | £400 | 2 |
Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in UK pounds or equivalent at the time of booking in Euros. Available to rent all year round. Short breaks available - please contact the owner. Please note there is an extra charge of approx 15 euros per week for replacement gas bottle (payable locally).
Changeover day
Changeover day is usually Saturday but this can be flexible if the house is available.
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | Bedroom 1 with double bed. Bedroom 2 with single bed. Two loft bedroom areas, one with twin beds, one with single bed. |
| Bathrooms: | Upstairs bathroom with small low height bath/shower over, wc, sink. Separate downstairs wc and sink. The water for bathroom and kitchen is heated effectively by calor gas. |
| Kitchen: | Simple yet completely functional. The kitchen area has a calor gas cooker, grill and oven, gas refrigerator with small freezer compartment, fully equipped with pots and pans, crockery, glasses, cooking equipment. |
| Living Rooms: | The living area and kitchen are open plan. Cosy log fire and gas heater for extra warmth in winter. Traditional rocking chair. Large dining table with chairs. Traditional Asturian dresser. Comfortable seating area with sofa and chairs. CD player. |
| Other: | The two downstairs bedrooms have a double and single bed respectively with panoramic views from the double bedroom. Upstairs, the under the eaves sleeping area is separated by a stained glass partition; it sleeps three + travel cot and has a stair-gate. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
Bed linen, duvets and blankets are included and the beds are made up ready for visitors. The property is cleaned between lettings. Visitors need to take their own towels. |
| Amenities/Facilities: | hob/stove oven fridge cot barbecue |
| Suitability: | pets accepted |
| Location Type: |
Notes on accommodation
The large garden is safe and enclosed for children. The property is set above a small quiet road and is completely private. Please note that as the electricity is provided by photovoltaic panels, it may be necessary to supplement this using a generator during the darkest months of the year.
Accessibility
There is private off road parking. The garden path slopes uphill and there are several steps to climb to reach the terrace and front door.
Outside
At the front of the house is a large private sun terrace with fantastic long range views over villages and mountains. It is equipped with a table and seating to enjoy the scenery and distant village rooftops over a glass of wine or a morning coffee. The house is surrounded by a large garden with fruit trees and grassy areas. A large barbecue oven with wooden table and benches give the opportunity to cook and dine outside on summer evenings. There is also an Asturian sink for washing clothes. A separate shady seating area is perfect for relaxing with views up the valley to the mountain, Pico de Pierzo. Many birds, including vultures, sparrowhawks and owls can be spotted from the terrace and garden; its elevated setting gives a clear view of the valley below and the meadows and forests beyond.
In summer, the surrounding meadows are full of wild flowers and butterflies and in the autumn, the sounds of the apple harvest echo from the valley below.
Coast/Beach
Beautiful, unspoilt Asturian beaches can be reached in about 40 minutes drive from the house. These vary from delightful calm coves to vast open expanses of white sand and exciting surf. There are also picturesque fishing harbours where you can sample the morning catch with the locals in harbourside cafes. The larger ports of Ribadasella and mediaeval Llanes offer numerous seafood restaurants. Walkers and cyclists can enjoy the cliff-top routes overlooking the wild and rugged coastline.
Travel
Nearest Airports:
Oviedo (Asturias): Easyjet daily flights. (1.5 hours drive to house)
Santander: Easyjet and Ryanair daily flights. (2 hours drive to house)
Valladolid: Ryanair daily flights (3 hours drive to house)
Car hire essential - available at all airports.
Nearest Ports:
Santander: Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth (2 hours drive to house)
Bilbao: P&O Ferries from Portsmouth (3 hours drive to house)
Distances
Villaverde: (village) 5 minute walk
Cerienu: (village with bar/shop) 15 minute walk
Santillan: (village with restaurant, bakery, bank, pharmacy, Nat Park Office etc) 10 minute drive
Los Beyos Gorges: 15 minute drive
Cangas de Onis: (large town with all facilities) 25 minute drive
Covadonga: (Historic pilgrimage and mountain trekking centre) 40 minute drive
Beaches: 40 minute drive
Ribadesella: (large seaside resort) 45 minute drive
Llanes: (Mediaeval seaside town) 50 minutes drive
Further details
The Picos de Europa, translated as 'the Peaks of Europe', is a small but spectacular mountain range full of environmental richness. Snow clad peaks, beautiful forests, abundant wild flowers and tumbling waterfalls make this a naturalist's paradise. The Picos is home to over 70 mammal species including lynx, wolves and bears. It is ideal for bird-watchers with over 176 bird species including hawks, kites and eagles and 155 species of butterfly. Distinctive red-roofed villages, steeped in culture, combine with traditional farming activities to give the region a truly timeless quality. These mountains offer fantastic walking from gentle strolls to exciting high altitude treks amongst glaciers. There are also many world class climbing venues.
'La Arganosa' is the perfect getaway for those who wish to retreat to an alpine-feel mountain base and yet still be within easy reach of the sea and lively centres for restaurants, shops and Spanish ambiance. You can spend the day lazing in a hammock, wandering along the ancient paths which meander through the fascinating villages around the house, or venture onto the trails on the mountain slopes above the garden - without starting the car. Yet it is still easy to find something a bit more lively and head to a beach or town for the day. Nearby Cangas de Onis, on the beautiful River Sella, is the region's capital and home to Spain's largest annual canoe race. It has many restaurants with outdoor terraces, Asturian craft shops, supermarkets, internet cafes and banks. There is a busy tourist information centre, a lovely outdoor pool, a zoo, several 'siderias' (cider houses), a Sunday farmers' market and frequent fiestas and music events in the tree-lined squares. It is the place to buy the local cheeses and to try the 'fabada' dish. Cangas is the home of several Adventure Centres offering quad biking, horse riding and canoeing. Other activities include canyon descent, climbing, hang gliding, cycling, fishing and surfing.
Booking notes
'La Arganosa' is available to rent all year round.
A deposit of £100 will secure your booking with the balance being payable 6 weeks before your holiday.
On receipt of the balance, directions and details for the keys will be sent.
Dogs are welcome by arrangement.
Guest comments
Comments from guests include:
We had a fabulous time: helped, I am sure, by the wonderful weather, almost constant blue skies and comfortable 25/26 degrees. It is the most perfect mountain/beach holiday I have ever experienced, and I have been looking for that for a long time!
The house was fantastic. We have stayed in a large number of holiday cottages in the UK and Europe over the years and I have to say that La Arganosa has to be in the top three. As soon as you open the door you can see how much care and thought you have put into making it such a lovely holiday home. Thank you.
The setting is superb and it was a joy to wake every morning to the glorious views and the sound of cowbells.
What a cosy and welcoming atmosphere - the smell of the log fire, a good book and a glass of Spanish wine - a place to really relax and unwind.
Everything has gone so well, weather and walking great, house cosy and locals very friendly Relunctantly tearing ourselves away.
For booking and further information
Property Ref S12459
Contact Name:
sue attwood
(UNITED KINGDOM) +44 1535642742
Alternate Contact Details:
(UNITED KINGDOM) +44 7795204050
Owners Website: Click here
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Property Ref S12459
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