Andalucian holiday rental home - Alhama de Granada self catering home

Our 250 yr old ‘Casa’ comprises half of the original house and is decorated with an eclectic mix of furniture and curios, collected on extensive travels throughout Spain, South America, North Africa, Thailand and India. The resulting effect is both decadent and rustic whilst being incredibly comfortable and homely at the same time. The materials, fittings and technologies installed during the 3 year restoration have transformed the house into a luxurious haven. It boasts 360-degree views, including the historic church and castle, from its rooftop terrace, an equally perfect place for yoga, sunbathing, quiet reading and evening cocktails. The house is situated in one of the oldest parts of the town, on a quiet side street, a mere 100 metres from the main town plaza. The rooms are generously proportioned to provide guests with a sumptuous feeling of grandeur and luxury while at the same time being wonderfully cosy and inviting. A Winter stay is just as delightful as every other time of year with the wood-burning fire (logs provided and stored in the basement) in the living-room and underfloor heating providing a wonderful, and romantic, haven. The days are still comfortingly sunny and warm for those escaping colder climes, so all the outdoor activities can be enjoyed knowing the blaze of the hearth awaits you in the evening. During the Summer, the mountain breezes gently waft through the windows and around the terrace at the top of the house allowing you to enjoy far more of the outdoors and the sunshine than you would in lower altitudes. The air is pure and clean, and feels like a true tonic when experienced after some time in a busy city. There's plenty of activities during the day to keep anyone entertained and the tapas bars and restaurants will certainly do that in the evenings. Equally there is an inspiring farmhouse kitchen for those who wish to channel their inner Heston while they have the time.

Views:A stunning view from the roof terrace across the historic Church in the town square to the mountains beyond.

The lively, market & spa town of Alhama de Granada is described in the Rough Guide to Andalucia as being “one of the unsung gems of Granada province”. The natural hot springs are 1km from the town centre, they are free to use and are located in a tranquil, riverside woodland area and should you fancy an evening dip in the waters you may have the great fortune to happen across our dear friend, Paco, practising his flamenco singing down there (most nights at 11ish) as you gaze up at the stars. Alhama sits along the edge of a breathtaking limestone gorge, which can be walked from end to end, with caves, ruined mills and natural pools to explore. At the far end of this 30 minute walk you are rewarded with a drink or some great local cuisine at either El Ventorro or Pato Loco restaurants, or you can have a dip, jacuzzi, steam and massage in the stunning Arab baths situated in enormous caves behind El Ventorro or a swim in the Pato Loco pool. There’s a diverse range of tapas bars and restaurants all within an easy walk of the house & to our delight Alhama is in one of the last pockets where tapas are still given free when you order a drink. Other activities in and around Alhama include cycling, walking, climbing, canoeing, quad biking and horse riding. You can be advised by English speaking organisers based in Alhama. Sol y Nieve (Sun & Snow), the ski resort at the Sierra Nevada, is a great day out and within easy reach of Alhama, taking 1 hour and 20 minutes to get ther

Rental notes: £500 / week; or £100 / night for a minimum of 3 nights. Someone will welcome you at the house with the keys.

Originally part of a larger property called the Palacio de los Espejos (the letter ‘J’ in Espejos is pronounced like an ‘H’), Casa de los Espejos is named after the Espejo family who owned the former Palacio. Restoration began on the house in early 2005 after it had remained empty and slipped into serious disrepair for twenty years. Our ‘Casa’ comprises half of the original house and is decorated with an eclectic mix of furniture and curios, collected on extensive travels throughout Spain, South America, Thailand and India. The resulting effect is both decadent and rustic whilst being incredibly comfortable and homely at the same time. The materials, fittings and technologies installed during the restoration have transformed the entire house but particularly the kitchen and bathrooms into luxurious havens for enthusiastic chefs and bathers alike.

Outside Area:The roof terrace is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a gorgeous view. The perfect spot for al fresco dining, yoga, or drinks in the evening watching the starlings perform their dance at dusk.