Two bedroom holiday cottage with views in Asturias, Northern Spain

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Rustical´s review                                                     See prices

Located midway between the seaside and the mountains of the Picos de Europa is Asturias' Cider Country. Here, with views of the Picos and the Cayon Valley, and set in beautiful countryside of the Piloña area, is a detached, stone-built cottage.

It’s the first house in the hamlet on a very quiet, country lane. It’s a delightful spot, al the same you’ll want a car to make the most of the area, as the coast and National Parkland are wonderful. Locally, there’s a bicycle you can take out and go exploring on. You’re off the beaten track here. It’s very unspoilt.

The cottage is spick-and-span and the views to the mountains and forests are lovely. The house’s garden, on the other side of the lane, is a peaceful place to enjoy relaxing, sunny days. There’s an outdoor space by the house where you can dine, but the garden’s even better.

The house inside is bright and simple, more than adequate for holiday stays. It is unfussy and simple but with all you need to feel comfortable. The kitchen comes well-equipped so preparing meals should be a pleasure. And, yes!, don’t miss out on the savoury Asturias cheese. You can get some at the street markets (the English owners who live in a nearby village will tell you where) and try it at home like the locals do: with a glass of cider, looking on to the stunning scenery of Picos de Europa, some of the most beautiful mountains in Europe.

Earthenware tiles, wood ceilings and wood flooring in the bedrooms (both are double-bedded) provide natural warmth. There are plenty of windows, too, and inside the light spreads evenly into every corner, especially in the lovely large bathroom. Plants and some original touches and features like an old bread oven, or the old-fashioned bathtub, add some character and charm that balance out an somewhat functional impression.

Cider country holds the very essence of Asturian nature. Surrounded as you are here by the protected area of the Sierra del Sueve, nature here plays a very important role. This chalky massif sloping down to the sea creates a charming limestone landscape with rivers and valleys and close to the cottage is the Sidron Cave, where prehistoric cave paintings and Neanderthal remains have been found. And there’s something very special here, living history, often seen near the cottage, and that is the asturcon, a species of wild horse found only in this part of Northern Spain.

When you in the cottage or its garden in the sleepy hamlet of Carbayon (“great oak” in the local Spanish), you feel very much in the middle of the countryside, as very few cars come down the country lane. However, a good, quiet, local road quickly takes you to the coast through some beautiful scenery. You can reach pretty beaches in half an hour. Llanes fishing village is further: a full hour’s drive.

Compelling inviting and just 40 minutes away, is the National Park of the Picos de Europa and fabulous walking opportunities. Redes National Park, one of our favourite locations in Northern Spain, is also easy driving. It’s the same distance to Fernando Alonso’s native Oviedo and the delightful town of Gijon. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive remotely as fast as Fernando to easily reach a variety of landscapes and experiences.

The lovely fishing village of Lastres, near where children (of all ages!) can look for dinosaur prints on the beach after visiting the Jurassic Museum, is 45 minutes away, as are restaurants in quaint little Tazones.

One interesting way of getting around is to use the light railway that extends through the local region. The train, which you can catch at a station just 4 km away, runs along rivers, over bridges and even along the beach.

The beaches are many and varied. To make things easier for you, we have compiled a shortlist of the best beaches in Asturias, ranging from the large and popular to the out-of-the-way and completely natural. Beach towels are provided at the house, making packing that much easier.

If you love good food, enjoy walking and appreciate mountain scenery you will find this area of Asturias a real treat. And those keen on activities will find plenty of information in the house with ideas for canoe hire, quad biking, paintball, horse riding and both swimming and tennis (in summer) at the municipal sports centre in Infiesto.

If you need to connect to Internet during your stay, the forward-thinking local townhall in Infiesto (6 km) also provides free internet with computers provided. There's also WiFi at certain café-bars if you bring a laptop.

Note that the house bicycle would mean quite a long ride to the shops in the nearest village, but bread (daily), fish and fruit and veg (twice a week) are delivered regularly.

Facilities
4-ring vitroceramic hob; electric oven; microwave; kettle, cafetière; juicer; dishwasher; washing machine;TV; DVD; CD/radio; iron & board; cot and highchair on request; wood burner (firewood included); electric panel heaters in main room and bathroom; hairdryer; portable barbecue; private gardens with garden furniture; breakfast starter pack; bicycle; all bedding and towels included, including beach towels.

Distribution
On two floors
Ground floor: porch area; open plan dining / living room and kitchen.
First floor: two double-bedded rooms; bathroom/WC with shower over bathtub
Exterior: large gardens opposite the house with garden furniture.

Location & Distances
In the small hamlet of Carbayan (no services)

Infiesto (restaurants, most facilities, inc. free internet)	6 km
Good beaches (Rodiles, Playa Griega)	35 mins
Picos de Europa National Park	40 mins
Lastres fishing village, beaches and Jurassic Museum	45 mins
Asturias Airport (at Aviles)	1 hr
Llanes (fishing village)	1 hr
Santander (town, airport, ferry port)	2 hrs
Bilbao (city, airport, ferry port)	3 hrs

Booking information for this property
Changeover day: has some flexibility.

Prices and dates