Andalucia self catering holiday cottages - Molino Rio Alájar cottages in Huelva

Winner of Huelva Province Tourism Award 2002 and accredited as "Quality Accommodation" by the Tourist Boards of Andalucia and Spain. Situated among some of the finest mountain scenery to be found in Southern Spain, amidst cork oak and chestnut forests, the cottages of Molino Rio Alájar provide a comfortable retreat in a unique Spanish setting. The Parque Natural Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Criss-crossed with ancient paths, some dating from Roman times, the area is a green oasis even during the hot Andalusian summer. The Molino is an ideal point from which to explore this magnificent region.

Views:Stunning mountain views.

A short walk from your cottage, along country lanes lined with stone walls, takes you to the pretty village of Alájar with its white houses and winding, cobbled streets. Some of the bars and restaurants stand out for their cosiness and character. High above the cluster of white houses towers la Peña de Arias Montano, a craggy cliff with a sixteenth century hermitage set on its peak. Alájar's name comes from the Arab word for stone, and the fact is that it is a stony peak that dominates the village and presides over the life and doings of its 836 inhabitants. This peak, called Peña de Arias Montano (after Philip II's unorthodox minister who on retiring felt drawn to this land), next to the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, and the charming layout of the town of Alájar shines whitely, like the cut-out sillhouette of a giant lizard, against the green of the surrounding forests and meadows. You are visiting an area where fine specimens of Iberian swine are bred.You will find shops where you can buy all kinds of sausage meats, sausages, and of course, acorn-fed hams. This old farmhouse belonged to Benito Arias Montano in the year 1527, was the residence of the Cardinal Cienfuegos in the year 1775 and was transformed in 1984 into a restaurant. The dining room was the actual chapel. The splendid food is based on old recipies from the village.

Rental notes: During July, August, Christmas and New Year minimum stay 7 nights.

Great care has been taken over the furnishing of all the houses, making them pleasing to the eye and comfortable in the rustic style: All bathrooms consist of a shower, toilet and basin. All the houses have a television and DVD player. Bed linen and towels are provided, but please bring towels for swimming. La Tortuga is now fully refurbished and expanded. The main door opens into a hallway with a window showing the enclosed patio. To the right is the spacious living room with fireplace, underfloor heating and kitchen area. A large bow-window looks out over the lawn to the hills beyond. The main bedroom has a double bed and a stylish bathroom in sea green. The second bedroom has three single beds and en-suite bathroom. As with all the houses, the terrace provides the opportunity for dining outdoors while enjoying the pristine Sierra air.

Outside Area:The spacious communal room has a sitting and dining area in front of an open fireplace. Guests can pick their own vegetables from the garden and firewood is provided in the houses. Extra firewood is available for 10 euro per barrow. Donkeys can be hired on an hourly basis for guided treks through the countryside. Outdoor Chess table, Boules, Outdoor table tennis. We also rent out bicycles type Hybrid. The tennis court (artificial grass) bordered by fruit trees and with views of the surrounding mountains is available for guests. Please bring your own tennis kit and equipment. There's also a large vegetable garden with delicious fresh vegetables to try.