Traditional cottage, outstanding gardens & private pool, Alpujarras

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Rustical´s review                                                See prices

The area known as Padre Eterno lies at the threshold between the low and high Alpujarras, where altitude and climate permit an outdoor lifestyle and a variety of plant life that you will not find anywhere else in the region. At a strategic point, where travellers once used to pause for refreshment as they walked down to Orgiva, imagination and the richly running waters of an irrigation channel have led to a marvellous holiday location graced with a unique and extravagant rose garden.

Rather than bulldoze the hillside, the owner based an architectural design on the natural form of the terrain and existing construction, making use of bedrock to create an organic group of three interrelated buildings. With no neighbours and plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the majestic views of the Sierra Nevada in complete privacy, it is akin to living in one’s very own small settlement. Vistas range from the deep valley below up to Mulhacen, the highest mountain in Spain, snow-topped for much of the year.

The rose-covered entrance gate leads you through a wide green lawn to the accommodation and the main house, which is serene and rustic. There is no pretence at luxury, rather the simple, agreeable furnishings are suited to the natural scene in which the old building is set. There are, nonetheless, wifi, a CD player and plenty of movies to watch on the DVD. Guests often use the downstairs corner area to sit and chat but generally repair to the independent kitchen and dining hall for longer periods.

The three bedrooms are on the upper floor. This leads directly outside to the little house that serves as an annexe and to the swimming pool area. The rooms are simple and ceilings are lower than average, but one of the doubles, bright and spacious, is signally superior to the other, mainly on account of the spectacular views from the balcony.

The cottage annexe is just to the rear and also has access to the pool area. This little casita is pleasant, adequate and bright. There is an unpretentious sitting room as you come in and two bedrooms, a double and a twin, each with French doors opening outdoors.

The kitchen/dining room is separate from and just opposite the main cortijo. It’s newly built with plenty of natural light and very well equipped, having all you need to enjoy cooking meals and its own heating and air conditioning. A large table allows up to nine people to sit or dine together very sociably, with windows all round and a terrace just below with breathtaking views. One of the beauties of this place is the choice of spots to sit out and eat.

A few steps up through a rockery, the swimming pool is waiting for you. It’s a good size (8 m x 4 m) with an ionizer that minimizes chlorine use. There are tremendous views all around from the pool terrace and a soft green lawn. It’s tranquil and intimate.

The unique location that embraces the dual climates of the High and Low Alpujarras has provided the opportunity to plant and develop gorgeous botanical gardens. Nature lovers or garden enthusiasts will find expectations surpassed. From the moment one passes the main gate, and its large well-maintained lawn, mature and colourful plants abound, accentuated by the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, the second highest range of European mountains after the Alps. It is quite something to enjoy warm weather while viewing snowy peaks.

The best of the explorations from the cottage is the one closest at hand. A short path leads from the kitchen terrace to the wooded acequia (a Moorish irrigation channel), which you follow along garden terraces planted with an astonishing variety of more than 700 different roses and interesting plant species, such as a baby lemon tree. It’s a beautiful walk.

The cortijo is reached down a well-maintained dirt track and the classic white villages of the high Alpujarra are just around the corner, starting with Pampaneira (4 km), then Bubion and Capileira. Close by up a drivable road are the Buddhist centre of Oseling and pine forests. Granada is less than an hour away and day trips to the seaside on the Costa Tropical are also popular.

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Facilities
Private pool (8 m x 4 m; 1.4 m - 1.8 m deep); broadband WiFi internet connection;  glass fronted fireplace (firewood included); CD player with iPod connection; DVD & selection of movies; air conditioning in kitchen/dining room; dishwasher;  washing machine; fans; electric heaters; gas barbecue; furnished terraces for meals al fresco; sunloungers & parasol; all linen provided.

Distribution
Main Farmhouse (Cortijo): Sleeps 5
On two floors
Ground floor: reception room; living room; fully equipped kitchen / dining area in a separate casita along main Cortijo; exterior bathroom (with shower); terraces. 
First floor: three bedrooms (two double-bedded, one single-bedded); bathroom (with shower)

Casita (Annexe): Sleeps 4
All on one floor: two bedrooms (one double, one twin-bedded); reception / living area; bathroom (with shower)

Notes:
-Not recommended to families with very young children. There are some unprotected drops and pool is not gated.
-The swimming pool is maintained throughout the year.
-Security deposit: there is a 200 € security deposit payable on each booking. This will be refunded three weeks after your holiday, subject to reductions for breakages or damage.

Location:
Located in open countryside with mountain views that dominates the whole area. Access by approx. 1 km track in good condition.

Pampaneira village (bars, restaurants, shops)	4 km
Orgiva (most facilities)	9 km
Sierra Nevada National Park (via Capileira)	13 km
Tropical coast (beach restaurants)	55 mins
Granada	55 mins
Granada Airport	1 hr 10 mins
Malaga Airport	2 hrs 10 mins

NOTES ON AVAILABILITY FOR THIS PROPERTY:

Changeover day: Saturday in July and August. SPECIAL OFFERS SUMMER 2010: week commencing 29 August 1,250 euros (5 or 9 pax).