Quality 2 bed Andalusia villa in rural estate with tennis and pool

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Rustical´s review                                                  See prices

In the deservedly successful mountain countryside estate near Aracena, "Hound Cottage" represents an opportunity to enjoy peace-and-quiet without feeling isolated, while making use of very good facilities shared between the other, well-distributed, quality villas.

This is a gorgeous rural retreat near Aracena. The totally tranquil natural environment of a mountain retreat is meets a touch of class in its accommodation and facilities, which include tennis and a large swimming pool. It’s a place to relax, read, go on long walks – you may well find one of the very friendly resident dogs keen to join you on these – eat well but, above all, to enjoy the comforts of your country home.

The estate is spread out over a large area and the houses (HA12: click to seem them all) are set well part to allow a full measure of independence and privacy.

The two-bedroomed cottage is built on raised ground above the river bank, from where it has excellent views over the gardens and to the surrounding hills. A generously-sized and comfortable living room opens via French windows to a raised terrace. There is an open fireplace and underfloor heating. The main double bedroom leads off the living room and steps go down to a twin-bedded room. Both bedrooms have en suite shower rooms.

The house, made from local stone, is fitted out and decorated to high standards.  The main room has solid wood ceilings and the bathrooms is beautifully tiled.

The furnished terrace is ideal for outdoor dining and indoors the villa comes equipped with TV, CD & DVD, radiators and a wood-burning stove. The first load of firewood is provided free of charge, after which it is sold at 10 euros per barrow load.

There is an additional common room: a very comfortable, sitting and dining room with an open fireplace, that is open to everyone staying here. There are a number of music CDs and movie DVDs that you may borrow from here and play in your cottage, and a washing machine to use whenever you wish.

Guests also share use of a swimming (approx. 11 m x 5 m, 1.6 m – 2 m deep) and a splendid tennis court with artificial turf, set in delightful natural surroundings. Please bring your own tennis equipment and a towel for the pool (bath and hand towels are provided in the villa).

Facilities include tennis master class lessons, donkey rides, Spanish guitar and Spanish language classes and baby-sitting. Please ask us if you wish to take up any of these opportunities, as some may need booking well in advance.

The Sierra de Aracena is an unbeatable natural area of southern Spain and this particular corner is very special. Relaxation, river walks, visual splendour and gastronomic satisfaction are just a few of the attractions. The hospitable facilities provided by the friendly owners include vegetables from their market garden and tips for the best restaurants in charming little Alajar village, whose whitewashed houses and cobbled streets are only a short walk away.

Alajar village is a delightful 20 mins stroll away. It’s a quiet, attractive village with good restaurants. Interesting excursions will take you to the Peña, or cliff, above Alajar and further afield to Rio Tinto (ride the train through the old mines), Almonaster La Real (visit the mosque within the castle) and Jabugo village (for superlative Iberian cured ham).

For a special day out and a city experience, you have exuberant Seville 90 mins away, Andalucia’s capital and one of the most attractive cities in Spain. It’s also the obvious point of entry from abroad for many budget flights. Jerez Airport is another hour away. (See Travel Info).

Otherwise, exploring the beautiful Sierra de Aracena with its wild flowers in spring and excellent edible mushrooms in autumn (ask us about special mushroom weeks, when your picked fungi become an ingredient in a dinner at a local restaurant).

The English, Dutch and Spanish-speaking owners live on site and are available to answer your questions and help with local arrangements.

Availability: Please call or send us a quick mail. We'll get straight back to you.

Distribution
HA12(6) The Hound  Sleeps 4
Most of the accommodation including the large living room, main double bedroom and kitchen are all on one level, with a few steps down to a twin-bedded room; both bedrooms have en suite shower/wc. The terrace and its views are accessed from the living room.

Facilities
Underfloor heating ; open fireplace; TV; DVD; CD; microwave; furnished terrace; shared use of lawned gardens; common room (with washing machine), swimming pool and tennis court; all linen provided.

Notes:
-Please note that short breaks are not available during July, August or the Christmas/New Year period, when the minimum booking is one week.
-The swimming pool wil be open 01 May to 30 September 2010, weather permitting.

Location & Distances
On raised ground with views within an extensive private estate, walking distance from Alajar village (shops, restaurants, bars, pharmacy).

A short Aracena video

Alajar village	20 mins walk
Aracena market town (famous grotto)	15 mins drive
Almonaster La Real (castle & mosque)	20 mins
Jabugo (superb cured hams)	20 mins
Rio Tinto mines	40 mins
Seville	1 hr 30 mins
Seville Airport	1 hr 40 mins
Jerez Airport	2 hrs 30 mins

NOTES ON AVAILABILITY FOR THIS PROPERTY:

Bookings can start and finish any day of the week. Minimum booking July, August, Christmas & New Year: one week.