Cottage in fabulous setting, Picos de Europa, Cantabria. Sleeps 4.

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Rustical´s review                                                     See prices

Where Barago village dwindles into superb countryside, we find this endearing stone-built mountain cottage, living out its days in peace and privacy. Not a luxurious villa, it is instead an authentic, pleasant cottage that incorporates local architectonic styles. The location is the magical Liebana region of Cantabria .
 
The spacious pine-ceilinged main room has an open fireplace (firewood provided) and a wooden staircase that goes up to the bedrooms. One overlooks the garden, while the other two look out onto the mountains. If the bedrooms’ decoration is minimal, a view of the majestic Picos more than makes up for it. Although there are three two-person bedrooms, we offer this property for four people only, so that proper comfort for each individual is assured in the living room downstairs. Guests share one bathroom upstairs and there is toilet on the ground floor.
 
The garden has a flat green lawn and outside areas are all fenced off, so this property is good for children. Otherwise, the garden with its flowers and furnished porch is just the spot to tune into mountain stillness. There is extra seating to one side of the garden to afford a different perspective, according to the time of day.

From this cottage, exploring is a must. From the doorstep of the cottage, a local path takes you to adorable little Dobres. Longer walks to Pico Jano, Puerto San Glorio or Pico Coriscao compete with each other to present you with views of two very different worlds and climatic zones. Unmissable!

There are very few bears left in Spain. In this area, however, they are often seen by shepherds and villagers. When we were here, they told us stories about the bears startling cows or breaking into beehives for the honey. This is not your scary North American grizzlie, of course, simply a beautiful local animal threatened with extinction.
 
The trekking and active tourism options in this part of the Picos de Europa are among the best in Europe and as good as anything in the Pyrenees or Alps. Not everyone is a mountaineer, though, and to them we recommend taking the cable car from Fuente Dé way up (800 metres) among the high peaks. You won’t forget or regret it. It’s a journey into the sky, a breathtaking climb.

While it is nature’s heartbeat you feel here, history also plays a background tune. Numerous medieval churches and chapels, some quite remarkable, have drawn pilgrims to this remote region for centuries. For those with an historical bent, it is well worthwhile looking into the culture of this area of Cantabria.
 
If it’s cheese and local produce you want, then be sure to make a trip to nearby Potes on market day. The Monday street market in Potes, the local capital, has been held uninterruptedly for centuries. Not surprisingly, it is said to be one the oldest in Spain.

In summertime, you may wish to try out the new open-air public pool 4 km from Vega.

As one of your holiday documents, before you come we'll send you our tips for walks, restaurants, beaches, activities and places to visit, including a narrow gauge railway ride and spectacular caves.

Facilities
4-ring vitroceramic hob; microwave/grill (no oven); kettle; coffee pot; blender; fridge-freezer; Spanish TV; washing machine; iron; cot on request; oil-fired central heating; open fireplace (firewood included); portable barbecue; 2 sunloungers; garden furniture; all bedding and towels provided (except for outdoor/beach use).

Distribution
On two floors
Ground floor: open-plan kitchen with breakfast bar / living / dining room and open fireplace, leading to garden and porch area; WC with washbasin.
First floor: three bedrooms, two twin-bedded, one double-bedded; bathroom with shower over small tub.

Notes:
-Although it has three bedrooms, we offer the house for 4 people only as we found the living space limited for 6 occupants.

Locations & Distances
On the edge of the hamlet of Barago in La Liebana region.
 

Vega (bank, bars, restaurants, pharmacy)	Less than 5 mins
Potes, regional capital (most facilities, Monday street market)	12 mins
Fuente Dé (cable car up the Picos de Europa)	30 km
Good beaches (San Vicente de la Barquera)	1 hr
Santander (airport, ferry terminal and elegant town)	1 hr 40 mins
Asturias airport (Aviles)	1 hr 40 mins
Bilbao (airport and city)	2 hrs 30 mins

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