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The House and Pool

The view

Nestling on its own amid rolling hills, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding natural and varied countryside,with the Sierra de Abdalajis in view one side, and El Torcal on the other, La Grajala is a tastefully renovated Andalucian farmhouse in its own 14 acres of olives and almonds. It is in a stunning and unique position, providing perfect peace, with no other house in sight. It is the ultimate "get away from it all", but with all modern amenities and only minute's drive from the historic village of Valle de Abdalajis, which has a good market once a week.At the end of the road the turquoise lakes of Ardales start,where you can picnic and swim in privacy in one of the sandy inlets, surrounded by pinewoods and the stunning scenery of a National Park. A bit further is the dramatic gorge of El Chorro, and to the east lie the ancient rock formations of El Torcal. Just north is the impressive "Pink Lagoon" of Fuente de Piedra, where as many as 5000 flamingos collect each year.

Living room

Bedroom

 

Prices Currency Conversion

 

Notes on prices
Prices shown are for the property per week in UK Pounds.
Prices are for 5 people. There is a small additional price for each person over 5 people. Discounts for long winter lets negotiable.
Special prices for couples on their own (i.e. 2 people) out of high season. Cleaning and laundry charges included in rent.

Changeover day
Fri, Sat or Sun. in high season, otherwise flexible. We ask people to arrive after 3.30 pm, and to vacate the house by 10.30 am. This is flexible if no-one is coming in the same day. We also offer the use of our own home if this should prove inconvenient.

Accommodation

 

Notes on accommodation
Heating is by gas central heating, Superser gas heaters, and a wood-burner. In winter, the use of two gas heaters is included in the rent. There is a charge for using central heating, wood and tumble dryer.Due to the dire water situation in Andalucia, there is a charge for the washing machine if used more than once in a week. La Grajala lies at the end of a good stone surfaced track of 2km with astounding views .There are no scary ‘edge of a precipice’ bits! Although La Grajala is situated on its own, without another house in view, the owner's accommodation (with own access) adjoins the house, but you have complete privacy, and exclusive use of the terrace and pool area. The advantage is that there is usually someone there to answer questions, change gas bottles, book restaurants etc, and give directions and advice should you require it. We provide a comprehensive welcome pack included in the rent. Hairdryer provided. Crockery, cooking utensils, cutlery, towels etc. all good quality.

Amenities/Facilities provided

 

Outside
Large private pool 9.5m x 4.5m with 2.4m deep end (suitable for diving) with underwater lighting. Pool shower surrounded by greenery. Large sunny terrace with colourful pots surrounding pool, with shady pergola, teak garden furniture, and unique stone-built barbecue in style of old Andalucian well(which works really well!). Mature gardens on different levels (not steep) with fruit trees and other shady sitting areas. Views of amazing, varied countryside from the terrace and all windows. There are olive groves, almond orchards, wild areas, and lots of trees, so the view is always full of green( unusual in Spain in the heat of summer).La Grajala´s unique position offers a magical sense of 'at one-ness' with nature, with swallows dive-bombing the pool, and colourful bee-eaters circling the house. The morning air is scented with wild thyme in June and July, and there is wildlife all around.

Coast/Beach
Coastal resorts approx 1 hour away. The lakes of Ardales are more than a good alternative. They are set in the National park in beautiful pinewoods, far from the concrete jungle of the coast, with numerous coves where you can swim and be private There is a wonderful rustic restaurant overlooking the most beautiful part of them, built over a tunnel hewn out of the rock, where you can drink, lunch or dine very well and very reasonably. Canoes and pedaloes can be hired near there too.

Golf
Good, reasonably priced golf course at Antequera, 20 mins by car, due to be expanded to 36 holes in 2007.

Skiing
Skiing in Sierra Nevada, Andalucia´s highest mountain range 90 mins by car. Skiing up to 3000m, with vertical descents to 1000m. Good modern lifts, with good access. Open Christmas to end April.

Special interest holidays
We have two horses at La Grajala which can be ridden in the company of the owner. If you are a competent rider, you can enjoy wonderful hacking straight from the house, over miles of magnificent and varied countryside, without ever having to see a tarmac road. You pass through olive groves, fields of corn, melon fields, and heavenly pine woods. One of our favourite rides is to Bobadilla, where we dismount at a bar for refreshment before the hack home! We don't meet any tarmac until we reach Bobadilla, one and a half hours from home. We also have a manege so less competent riders can have a go in a confined space. Please note we do not charge for riding, but there is a weight limit, and a hard hat is mandatory. We also have four kayaks, which you are welcome to use free of charge- except, maybe for a donation to the transport to and from the lakes! Life jackets are provided, which we hope people will use. We prefer not to lend the kayaks to children under 12 years of age.

Travel
Malaga international airport approx 1 hour. Granada international airport 90 mins.

Distances
From end of track:Valle de Abdalajis and Ardales Lakes 10 minutes. El Chorro 20 minutes. Antequera 25 minutes. El Torcal 35 mins. Marbella, Puerto Banus and Ronda all 1hr 15mins. Granada 1.5 hours.

Further details
Activities include paragliding:Valle de Abdalajis is known as the 'Flight Capital' of Andalucia. Rock Climbing:we have contacts who can take you at any stage. Mountainbiking:we have contacts who can cater for all abilities, take you out on an exciting day ride and bikes can be hired for 15 euros a day if you prefer to do your own exploring. Bird watching:too many unusual birds to mention here! Kayaking:we have our own kayaks.Walking: La Grajala's situation provides wonderful walks straight from the door. In Spring and early Summer there is an infinite variety and profusion of wild flowers,and all year round the air is scented with wild rosemary and thyme as you walk. Horse-riding. As well as having our own horses, we have a Wolf Park up the road (about 10 kms) where you can ride Andalucian horses and watch the wolves in their natural habitat. The Wolf Park takes tours on foot, and boasts four breeds of wolf in their natural habitat and you learn about their social habits from experts. At weekends in summer they have "Howl Nights", which the founder/owner, Daniel, (a kind of Bavarian Crocodile Dundee) always does himself, going in the enclosures (which are viewed from miradors and spotlit) with the wolves. You start the evening with a BBQ on the restaurant terrace and end with Daniel calling to the wolves with the echos of their howls returning the call from the surrounding hills. We, personally, have heard comments from visitors such as 'That was the best live show I have ever seen in my life!' Daniel is not only an expert on his subject, who has created an unique park, where the wolves have acres of space to roam in, but come to the sound of his voice- but he is also a great character, and very amusing, making the whole evening an unforgettable experience. There is also is a petting farm for children. If you can run to a 4 wheel drive, we are surrounded by exciting tracks to explore, with fantastic views not seen from the road, for an amazing off-road experience.

Booking notes
A deposit of 25% is required on reservation, and the balance 8 weeks before arrival.

Guest comments
"We have felt totally at home in this beautiful place, with the warmest welcome, help and care beyond all expectations".
" This is the perfect "Get away from it all" there could possibly be.. and we did".
" This place is definately the best holiday house I have ever been to in my life" (Sapphire, aged 9)
" This place has entered our bones and we know we will be here again".

For booking and further information

 

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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in June 2004,
and has advertised this property with us since June 2004.

Property Ref S1486
When contacting the owner please mention that you saw this property on Owners Direct Website.

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