Region: Lakes of Ardales and El Chorro, Andalucia, SPAIN
Ref SP001: La Grajala, , Valle de Abdalajis, Andalucia £300 - £850 per week
Lovely Andalucian Farmhouse with Private Pool & Beautiful Views. Horses
Peaceful Location, Very Close to Lakes of Ardales and El Chorro
Sleeps 5/8 (3 Bedrooms)
Nestling on its own amid rolling hills, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding natural and varied countryside,with the Sierra de Abdalajis in view one side, and El Torcal on the other, La Grajala is a tastefully renovated Andalucian farmhouse in its own 14 acres of olives and almonds. It is in a stunning and unique position, providing perfect peace, with no other house in sight. It is the ultimate "get away from it all", but with all modern amenities and only minute's drive from the historic village of Valle de Abdalajis, which has a good market once a week.At the end of the road the turquoise lakes of Ardales start,where you can picnic and swim in privacy in one of the sandy inlets, surrounded by pinewoods and the stunning scenery of a National Park. A bit further is the dramatic gorge of El Chorro, and to the east lie the ancient rock formations of El Torcal. Just north is the impressive "Pink Lagoon" of Fuente de Piedra, where as many as 5000 flamingos collect each year.
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Heating is by gas central heating, Superser gas heaters, and a wood-burner. In winter, the use of two gas heaters is included in the rent. There is a charge for using central heating, wood and tumble dryer.Due to the dire water situation in Andalucia, there is a charge for the washing machine if used more than once in a week. La Grajala lies at the end of a good stone surfaced track of 2km with astounding views .There are no scary ‘edge of a precipice’ bits! Although La Grajala is situated on its own, without another house in view, the owner's accommodation (with own access) adjoins the house, but you have complete privacy, and exclusive use of the terrace and pool area. The advantage is that there is usually someone there to answer questions, change gas bottles, book restaurants etc, and give directions and advice should you require it. We provide a comprehensive welcome pack included in the rent. Hairdryer provided. Crockery, cooking utensils, cutlery, towels etc. all good quality.
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Large private pool 9.5m x 4.5m with 2.4m deep end (suitable for diving) with underwater lighting. Pool shower surrounded by greenery. Large sunny terrace with colourful pots surrounding pool, with shady pergola, teak garden furniture, and unique stone-built barbecue in style of old Andalucian well(which works really well!). Mature gardens on different levels (not steep) with fruit trees and other shady sitting areas. Views of amazing, varied countryside from the terrace and all windows. There are olive groves, almond orchards, wild areas, and lots of trees, so the view is always full of green( unusual in Spain in the heat of summer).La Grajala´s unique position offers a magical sense of 'at one-ness' with nature, with swallows dive-bombing the pool, and colourful bee-eaters circling the house. The morning air is scented with wild thyme in June and July, and there is wildlife all around.
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We have two horses at La Grajala which can be ridden in the company of the owner. If you are a competent rider, you can enjoy wonderful hacking straight from the house, over miles of magnificent and varied countryside, without ever having to see a tarmac road. You pass through olive groves, fields of corn, melon fields, and heavenly pine woods. One of our favourite rides is to Bobadilla, where we dismount at a bar for refreshment before the hack home! We don't meet any tarmac until we reach Bobadilla, one and a half hours from home. We also have a manege so less competent riders can have a go in a confined space. Please note we do not charge for riding, but there is a weight limit, and a hard hat is mandatory.
We also have four kayaks, which you are welcome to use free of charge- except, maybe for a donation to the transport to and from the lakes! Life jackets are provided, which we hope people will use. We prefer not to lend the kayaks to children under 12 years of age.
