Stunning, Idyllic Andalucian Farmhouse With Private Pool, Beautiful Views
Peaceful Unique Location, Very Close To Lakes Of Ardales And El Chorro
Sleeps 5/8 (3 Bedrooms)
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Nudging the side of it's own secluded,semi-wild mountain valley,with uninterrupted views of La Sierra de Abdalajis (El Chorro mountain)on one side, and El Torcal mountain 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 minutes´drive from the historic village of Valle de Abdalajis,with everything you need and a good market once a week.Just at the end of the road are the turquoise lakes of Ardales,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.
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 October 2011 - 31 October 2011 | £400 | 5 | ||
| 1 November 2011 - 31 December 2011 | £325 | 5 | ||
| 1 January 2012 - 29 February 2012 | £325 | 5 | ||
| 1 February 2012 - 30 April 2012 | £425 | 5 | ||
| 1 May 2012 - 31 May 2012 | £450 | 5 | ||
| 1 June 2012 - 30 June 2012 | £475 | 5 | ||
| 1 July 2012 - 19 July 2012 | £550 | 7 | ||
| 20 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | £850 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 30 September 2012 | £475 | 5 | ||
| 1 October 2012 - 31 October 2012 | £425 | 5 | ||
| 1 November 2012 - 31 December 2012 | £325 | 5 |
Notes on prices
Prices shown are per week in UK Pounds for 2 people (except high season, when it is £850 ppw for all up to 5 people). Prices for up to and including 5 people are approx £100 per week more( depending on season), except high season, when they are 850 pounds pw for all up to 5 people. Additional 40-75 pounds per week extra for each person over 5 people, amount depending on season. Christmas and Easter £650 per week (discounts for couples on that). 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
| Bedrooms: | Bedroom 1 with double bed. Bedroom 2 with twin beds. Bedroom 3 with single bed plus pull-out bed. |
| Bathrooms: | En suite shower room to bedroom 1 with shower, basin, wc. En suite shower room to bedroom 2 with shower, basin, wc. Both shower rooms accessible from the rest of house. |
| Kitchen: | Fully equipped kitchen with granite worktops and terracotta sink, gas hob, electric oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave. We have been much complimented on how well equipped the kitchen is. All basics are also provided (foil, washing powder etc). |
| Utility Room: | Washing machine in convenient outbuilding. There is a charge for using it more than twice a week on quick wash. |
| Living Rooms: | Large, (7x5m), light and airy,with high ceiling into roof, double sofa bed, TV, stereo, DVD player, wood burner, dining area.Large windows throughout, giving plenty of light and making the best of the views. Picnic bags, candles, tea-lights etc provided. |
| Other: | All rooms are light and airy and all but the single room overlook the pool, as does the kitchen. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
All towels (including swimming towels) and bedlinen provided. House cleaned and/or linen and towels changed once a week on request. Pool cleaned every day. Duvets provided in cooler months. We provide all basic products for kitchen use and washing etc. |
| Amenities/Facilities: | hob/stove garden oven parking fridge/freezer microwave dishwasher washing machine iron/ironing board satellite tv internet access central heating room fans cot high chair barbecue private pool (for sole use of guests) |
| Suitability: | children welcome suitable for elderly pets accepted |
| Location Type: |
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 and wood. 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, 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 and give directions and advice should you require it. We provide a comprehensive welcome pack included in the rent. Hairdryer provided.
Outside
Large private pool 9.5m x 4.5m with 2.4m deep end (suitable for diving) with underwater lighting.(Safewater pool alarm for safety of young children). Pool shower surrounded by greenery. Very 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.The club house is open to all, and has an al fresco terrace with a huge view over the golf course, Antequera and surrounds, for snacks, drinks or lunch after your game- or even if you don't play. Adjoined to the golf club is the magnificent 5 star hotel La Magdelena, which is a recently converted 14th century monastery. All the old frescos have been lovingly restored, and you are welcome to explore this beautiful building. In the old chapel, which is now a beautiful functions hall, stairs in the centre lead down to a small labyrinth of original tombs, which you can explore.
Skiing
Skiing in Sierra Nevada, Andalucia´s highest mountain range 90 mins by car.Good selection of runs for all levels. Skiing up to 3000m, with vertical descents to 1000m. Good modern lifts, with good access. Open Christmas to end April. There are numerous restaurants for those who don't ski to be joined by exhausted friends apres ski, and various attractions including offers particularly aimed at families with children, and a new "half pipe" opening in November 2011.
Special interest holidays
Because of it's unique situation, La Grajala is a haven for artists, birdwatchers, walkers, bikers and nature lovers. There are spectacular walks straight from the house, and you can go for 2 hours in one direction without meeting a tarmac road( or another house)! You pass through a very varied countryside, of wild land, fields, olive groves and pine forests.We have seen an eagle owl in the pine forest.We provide a self made map of all the tracks, so you can wander without getting lost.
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
This area is a mecca for extreme sports, but whatever your level, you can be catered for. In Valle de Abdalajis we have a new Activity centre, where they organise climbing and walking- all levels, and a paragliding school( Abdaljis is well known as the flight capital of Andalucia)which does tandem flights for those who are new to the sport.The area is a well known climbing spot, and there are more than 75 climbing routes ranging in difficulty from 111 to 6c. Mountainbiking is another well catered for sport, and we have contacts who can cater for all abilities,and take you out on an exciting day ride. Should you just want to explore around La Grajala on your own, we can arrange for bikes to be delivered to the door(15 euros per day- 10 if you take 2 days or more). We have made a map of all the tracks behind the farm for your own personal orienteering! Bird watching:too many unusual birds to mention here!In Spring 51 species have been spotted from our terrace, and over 100 in the vicinity.Canoes and kayaks can be hired at the lakes.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.
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 they have "Howl Nights", which the founder/owner, Daniel, (a kind of Bavarian Crocodile Dundee) always takes himself.You start with a barbecue,see and learn about the social behaviour of our domesticated dogs' ancestors, and end with the sound of wolves howling in the hills around you. A very entertaining and educational evening.
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 non- returnable deposit of 25% is required on reservation, and the balance 8 weeks before arrival.Prices are in UK pounds, and payment by cheque or direct transfer. Additional guests are welcome for a small surcharge if over 5 people in total.If you have reserved just for a couple, additional guests take you into the up to 5 people bracket.
Guest comments
"We have felt totally at home in this beautiful place,with the warmest welcome,help and care beyond all expectations".
" This place is definitely the best holiday house I have ever been to in my life" (Sapphire 9).
"This place has entered our bones and we know we will be here again".
"Another two wonderful weeks spent at La Grajala.That's 4 consecutive years, and still we all want more.Your home has touched us in a very special way."
"Looking back through your visitors' comments there is something that keeps recurring-the names.You're getting more repeats than Top Gear on Dave! See you next year."
"Every expectation of La Grajala has been surpassed.The countryside more wild and beautiful,the weather more glorious,the Lakes and El Chorro more impressive.But it's the fantastic house that has made our holiday the best in Spain so far."
"The farmhouse is extremely well equipped-over and above what we expected, and our expectations were high".
(All quotes can be verified as genuine).
Owner profile
About the owner
I came to live here 10 years ago, aged 54, having waited for the last of my 4 children to leave home (boy/girl twins). It had been a long-standing plan to live in a relaxed, sunny place, and I had a very clear idea of what I wanted. It had to be old and built of stone, with lots of character. I was shown loads of unsuitable places, but this one was the WOW.I had a lot to do to make it how it is today, but I regard myself very lucky to live here, and it gives me great pleasure to take people out of their stressful lives and see them relax in this paradise. When I bought it, I spent 18 months without electricity( an interesting experience), and 4 1/2 years without telephone or internet. It has been hard work,and I quickly learned the lingo, but it´s worth every minute.
Year purchased: 2002
Why the owner chose a home in this location
When I bought La Grajala, I had no idea that the lakes( which I hadn't even seen)were just at the end of the road. The house was in such a wonderful position, and so perfect, I just went for it. I must have a guardian angel, because now I know Andalucia pretty well, and I find I live in the best corner of it by far. I have seen nothing to compare with the lakes, with their bright turquoise hue, surrounded by pinewoods, with little private beaches, far from the crowds, and El Chorro, with it´s majestic, powerful atmosphere. There is so much variety in this little corner. I can´t really believe that I bought this house and came to live here without actually knowing just how stunning a place I was moving to. Space, tranquility and the feeling of being at one with nature are the keywords here.
Unique benefits of the property
The main thing about La Grajala is it´s position(although as a house alone, it is beautiful). Even if you go up one of the surrounding hills(looking at The El Chorro mountain on one side, and the El Torcal mountain on the other) you cannot see another house in a 360 degree vista, and it is only 15 minutes from the town. The views surrounding the house are varied- wild land , olives, lots of trees, and fields, giving an all year round greenness which is rare in these parts.The only sounds are the huge variety of birds - absolutely no traffic sounds, and no constant barking of neighbour´s dogs (as is often the case in the campo here). I am unobtrusively nearby, so can give advice, directions, book things, and deal with any problems, so people can relax totally and enjoy their holiday.
For booking and further information
Property Ref S1486
Contact Name:
Caroline
(SPAIN) +34 951904555
Alternate Contact Details:
(UNITED KINGDOM) +44 01892890285
Sally
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Property Ref S1486
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