Description
Beautiful 13th century restored Olive Millhouse in Andalusia, situated in a peaceful secluded setting nestling among olive groves, with spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and unspoilt countryside. Lovingly restored to retain its unique character and rustic charm, the millhouse now has all the conveniences of a modern villa for your comfort, and a fantastic pool to relax by.
This tranquil old millhouse in Andalusia offers comfortable and spacious family accommodation. It is on a south facing hillside 3kms from the pretty whitewashed village of Riogordo. This small and unspoilt area of Andalusia known as 'Axarquia' to the north east of Malaga - is still a well kept secret and is an ideal setting for a relaxing holiday. Untouched by mass tourism, and surrounded by National Parks it is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty between the Sea and Sierras. The property has been lovingly restored in traditional style, keeping all the original features, and using only traditional materials in order to preserve its unique ambience. Ceilings are all beamed with eucalyptus poles, and floors have either handmade terracotta tiles or the original stone, whilst all the windows have wooden shutters. The old mill, which adjoins the living accommodation, still contains the millstones and olive press.
This is a wonderful area for those who enjoy walking through glorious countryside, bird watching and painting etc., or if you like the idea of exploring on horseback, trekking is now available locally. There are tracks and goat paths all around and several National Parks within easy reach. The spring flowers are world renowned, and spring and autumn also sees the arrival of migrating birds on their way to and from Africa, including many eagles and birds of prey. The beaches are wide, clean and mostly uncrowded. All along the coast you will find little beachside restaurants known as "chiringuitos" where fresh sardines are grilled over olive-wood fires, and in the Nerja area there are many small rocky coves offering superb snorkelling. There is also a scuba diving school and all other water sports. There are several country bar/restaurants nearby, and the pleasant seaside resort of Torre-del-Mar is only a 25 minute drive and offers all facilities and shops.
Culture and sightseeing in the 'Big Five' i.e. Granada, Cordoba,Malaga, Rhonda, Antequera are all possible as day trips from the house thanks to the improved road/rail network, with Seville taking just a little longer. It is also fun exploring the many pretty surrounding 'White Villages' with their different crafts, produce and festivals!
The ground floor has a large dining hall, well equipped kitchen / breakfast room and a large split level sitting room. The sitting room (complete with day beds for your siestas!) used to be the donkey stables and overlooks and opens into the rear walled garden. There is a good library of books, T.V. and DVD player and WiFi access. There is also a shower room and WC on the ground floor, and a stone staircase leading upstairs to the three bedrooms.
One double, one twin and one single room. The master bedroom is ensuite and has a king sized bed. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, and central heating is available for the colder months.
To the front of the house is a pretty cane roofed terrace area with table and chairs for outdoor dining and traditional style built-in barbecue. From this terrace, a path and steps lead down to the private swimming pool surrounded by terraces with sun loungers and umbrellas. The 10x5m pool has corner steps at the shallow end and a flat area of 2 metres making access easier for children. It is 1m deep in the shallow end, dropping to 2m in the deep end. There is a salt water purification system ensuring clean water (and no stinging eyes!) and a freshwater shower on the terrace as well as a changing room at the side of the pool. If you wish to swim under the stars,there is underwater lighting available at night. Flower filled gardens surround the property and include the walled garden/courtyard. There are many trees in the grounds including Olives (one reported to be 2,000 years old!) Pomegranate, Fig, Almond and Orange trees, and 2 lemon trees providing a constant supply of lemons for the G&T!
The rolling hillsides are covered with a patchwork of olive and almond trees on the higher ground, and fruit, mainly peaches, grapes, oranges, lemons and avocados on the lower slopes. Peaceful river valleys wind their way down to the sea, and all around you the dramatic mountains form a panoramic backdrop to the breathtaking views. In the morning and evening the light on the hills and mountains produces an ever-changing tapestry of colours. This is the totally tranquil setting of this villa in Andalusia.
All prices for this millhouse holiday in Andalusia are are fully inclusive of electricity, water, gas and central heating, bed linen, bathroom towels (weekly linen change) & one pool towel per person. A deposit of 25% of the total rental is requested at the time of booking, with the balance to be paid eight weeks before travel. Also at that time a refundable security deposit of £250.00 per booking is requested against breakages/damages or extra cleaning. This will be refunded to you following your return.
Full driving directions to the house from Malaga airport will be sent to you and keys will be locate in a key safe upon arrival. It is a 40 minute drive from Malaga, and 1 hour from Granada Airport to La Molina. It is also now possible to travel by high speed train from Madrid to Malaga city (or even all the way from London via Paris!).
Nearest Airport - Malaga / Granada 40 minutes/ 1 hour
Nearest Train Station - Malaga / Antequera 45 minutes
Nearest Bus Stop - Riogordo 3km
Nearest Ferry - Malaga 45 minutes
Nearest Restaurant - Riogordo 5 minutes, or many others within 15 mins
Nearest Beach - 25 minutes at Torre del Mar
Nearest Shop - Riogordo / Velez Malaga
Nearest Market - Riogordo / Velez Malaga / Torre del Mar
Car Hire - Essential