Large secluded historic country villa with pool, southern Spain
A marvellous Aracena country property in its own private estate, within natural surroundings that are a joy to explore. Paths lead you through an area home to otters and other wildlife, on the way to traditional, whitewashed villages. Sleeps 8 to 14.
See all: Villas in Aracena <Villas in Andalucia <Villas in Spain
Rustical´s review See prices
One of Aracena's prime properties, originally built in the 17th century and continually updated since that time, is now available for private holiday rentals at a remarkably reasonable rate. The villa itself is splendid and the local area has many attractions.
From the main road that links the Sierra de Aracena with Portugal, a short drive through intimate woodland tells you that you are about to arrive somewhere special. It’s all very secluded, very private and natural. Originally a Catholic 17th century retreat, the property has a stately appearance. One arrives through grounds that include 40 acres of woods and fields, all of which are yours to enjoy in complete privacy. It’s sunny, green and glorious. The owner (who currently lives abroad) is a keen gardener and his natural-born country style is carried over into the house, too.
The principal holiday accommodation, providing plenty of room for up to ten people, comprises the generously spacious first floor of this historic house. When more room is required, the living space is doubled by opening the ground floor to provide two more bedrooms, a generous bathroom and a very large open-plan kitchen living room, seating as many as fourteen guests. If, however, the downstairs is not required, it is left empty and never rented separately, so that you always enjoy complete privacy here.
The main living area is a vast, sun-filled space – one wall is all windows – with terracotta-floored living and dining areas. It’s a very relaxing place. There are four double bedroom, each stylish and distinctive (something that many good rental properties fail to achieve), and an extra twin room is available, also. Two large shower rooms, where skylights allow sun to grow houseplants, are shared between guests.
Outdoor living is very much the order of the day here. The external areas are gorgeous, with landscaped gardens and well-kept lawns, and a furnished, vine-shaded terrace by the pool. The pool area is alongside the house, where it is tastefully integrated into the gardens. Along one side runs a special feature of the house, a long greenhouse dedicated to an extraordinary 800 species of cacti.
Although the property itself is large enough to explore on its own (its almost endless grounds areplanted with organically cultivated chestnuts and walnuts),the location makes it a perfect base for some of the very best walks in the Aracena area. It’s a place where nature brims with health. Streams and tree cover provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife such as otters and badgers. When you emerge from the woods, sun and a high water table in the locality combine to create a natural profusion that will impress any botanist and delight anyone taking the stroll along the path, to charming villages such as Fuenteheridos or Galaroza through lush vegetation and wild flowers.
The terrain is relatively gentle with some forested hills, suitable for quality treks of moderate strength, or biking. One of the closest villages is Jabugo, a name synonymous in Spain for the very best cured ham in the country. It comes from the semi-wild black pigs which roam among cork oaks, feeding on acorns. These days, pata negra ham is exported as a delicacy to the USA and Japan, but here you can go into a bar and get a sample as a tapa with your glass of beer or wine.
For those who consider gastronomy a significant element of any holiday, Aracena market town, less than 10 miles away, has some excellent restaurants. (We will send you our personal recommendations on where to eat and what to do for Aracena and area with your Booking Confirmation). In autumn, this region is one of the places in Spain to pick setas – wild mushrooms – of which there are an abundance of tasty, edible varieties. If you’re unsure about collecting them yourself, you can always order a sample at a local hostelry.
The villa is located in the area around Aracena town that is famed for its spring flowers. It's different from more rugged regions of Andalusia: although hilly and wooded, it is gentler and more open, inviting even the less fit to stretch their legs and ramble its slopes. Temperatures are not extreme and the climate usually very kind, even in winter, when the villa has an open fireplace as well as central heating. Bicycle hire or horse riding both offer leisurely ways to appreciate the outstanding beauty of this locality.
The local sierras of de Aracena and Picos de Aroche are enough in themselves for walks and exploring, but an excursion to glamorous Seville (just 50 mins) is always recommended. It's a longer drive to a beach, 90 mins to the Costa de la Luz, but if you feel like making the effort the beaches are marvellous.
Facilities
Private pool (9 m x 5 m), which can be gated on request, plus children's splash pool; barbecue; pool & garden furniture; central heating; TV / DVD; Hi Fi; washing machine; all linen provided.
A short Aracena video
Rustical´s review See prices
One of Aracena's prime properties, originally built in the 17th century and continually updated since that time, is now available for private holiday rentals at a remarkably reasonable rate. The villa itself is splendid and the local area has many attractions.
From the main road that links the Sierra de Aracena with Portugal, a short drive through intimate woodland tells you that you are about to arrive somewhere special. It’s all very secluded, very private and natural. Originally a Catholic 17th century retreat, the property has a stately appearance. One arrives through grounds that include 40 acres of woods and fields, all of which are yours to enjoy in complete privacy. It’s sunny, green and glorious. The owner (who currently lives abroad) is a keen gardener and his natural-born country style is carried over into the house, too.
The principal holiday accommodation, providing plenty of room for up to ten people, comprises the generously spacious first floor of this historic house. When more room is required, the living space is doubled by opening the ground floor to provide two more bedrooms, a generous bathroom and a very large open-plan kitchen living room, seating as many as fourteen guests. If, however, the downstairs is not required, it is left empty and never rented separately, so that you always enjoy complete privacy here.
The main living area is a vast, sun-filled space – one wall is all windows – with terracotta-floored living and dining areas. It’s a very relaxing place. There are four double bedroom, each stylish and distinctive (something that many good rental properties fail to achieve), and an extra twin room is available, also. Two large shower rooms, where skylights allow sun to grow houseplants, are shared between guests.
Outdoor living is very much the order of the day here. The external areas are gorgeous, with landscaped gardens and well-kept lawns, and a furnished, vine-shaded terrace by the pool. The pool area is alongside the house, where it is tastefully integrated into the gardens. Along one side runs a special feature of the house, a long greenhouse dedicated to an extraordinary 800 species of cacti.
Although the property itself is large enough to explore on its own (its almost endless grounds areplanted with organically cultivated chestnuts and walnuts),the location makes it a perfect base for some of the very best walks in the Aracena area. It’s a place where nature brims with health. Streams and tree cover provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife such as otters and badgers. When you emerge from the woods, sun and a high water table in the locality combine to create a natural profusion that will impress any botanist and delight anyone taking the stroll along the path, to charming villages such as Fuenteheridos or Galaroza through lush vegetation and wild flowers.
The terrain is relatively gentle with some forested hills, suitable for quality treks of moderate strength, or biking. One of the closest villages is Jabugo, a name synonymous in Spain for the very best cured ham in the country. It comes from the semi-wild black pigs which roam among cork oaks, feeding on acorns. These days, pata negra ham is exported as a delicacy to the USA and Japan, but here you can go into a bar and get a sample as a tapa with your glass of beer or wine.
For those who consider gastronomy a significant element of any holiday, Aracena market town, less than 10 miles away, has some excellent restaurants. (We will send you our personal recommendations on where to eat and what to do for Aracena and area with your Booking Confirmation). In autumn, this region is one of the places in Spain to pick setas – wild mushrooms – of which there are an abundance of tasty, edible varieties. If you’re unsure about collecting them yourself, you can always order a sample at a local hostelry.
The villa is located in the area around Aracena town that is famed for its spring flowers. It's different from more rugged regions of Andalusia: although hilly and wooded, it is gentler and more open, inviting even the less fit to stretch their legs and ramble its slopes. Temperatures are not extreme and the climate usually very kind, even in winter, when the villa has an open fireplace as well as central heating. Bicycle hire or horse riding both offer leisurely ways to appreciate the outstanding beauty of this locality.
The local sierras of de Aracena and Picos de Aroche are enough in themselves for walks and exploring, but an excursion to glamorous Seville (just 50 mins) is always recommended. It's a longer drive to a beach, 90 mins to the Costa de la Luz, but if you feel like making the effort the beaches are marvellous.
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Facilities
Private pool (9 m x 5 m), which can be gated on request, plus children's splash pool; barbecue; pool & garden furniture; central heating; TV / DVD; Hi Fi; washing machine; all linen provided.
Distribution
On first floor and all on one level: spacious open-plan living / dining area; kitchen; 4 bedrooms (all doubles); kitchen; 2 bathrooms (with showers). Extra bedroom for 2 people available on request.
Notes:
-To increase the size of your party to 14 people, the two-bedroomed downstairs apartment for four is also available on request. It has its own large living room, bathroom and kitchen and accommodates 4 people comfortably. The downstairs apartment is not rented separately from the main upstairs house, so that complete privacy is always guaranteed.
-In Low Season, the following day prices apply for minimum 4-day bookings: 8 people: 260 € / day; 10 people: 300 € / day; 14 people: 380 € / day.
-Subject to adverse weather conditions, the swimming pool will be open from 28 May to 01 October 2010.
Location & Distances
Totally private and secluded in a forest setting, in the Aracena area, near the villages of Fuenteheridos and Galaroza.
A short Aracena video
| Galaroza (bars /restaurants, small supermarkets) | 15 mins walk |
| Aracena town (good restaurants, famous grotto) | 14 km |
| Sevilla Airport | 1 hr 15 mins |
| Atlantic Coast (beautiful beaches) | 1 hr 30 mins |
| Jerez Airport | 2 hrs 20 mins |
NOTES ON AVAILABILITY FOR THIS PROPERTY:
Changeover day: Friday in High Season. Security deposit: Not required. The downstairs apartment is available only as an add-on to the main upstairs accommodation and not rented separately.Property Ref: HA14
Price Range:
1,060 € - 2,040 € / week
1,060 € - 2,040 € / week
Click image for ALL photos
Region: Andalucia: Aracena
Property Ref: HA14
Price Range: 1,060 € - 2,040 € / week
Bedrooms: 4 to 7
Bathrooms: 2 to 3
Sleeps: 8 to 14
Type: Historic villa with pool
Setting: Forest and private grounds
Pool: Private
Interest:
Nearest City: Sevilla
Property Ref: HA14
Price Range: 1,060 € - 2,040 € / week
Bedrooms: 4 to 7
Bathrooms: 2 to 3
Sleeps: 8 to 14
Type: Historic villa with pool
Setting: Forest and private grounds
Pool: Private
Interest:
- Pool holidays
- Garden
- In or close to village
Nearest City: Sevilla
