Beautifully furnished farmhouse with private pool, glorious views. Sleeps 6/8, all rooms en-suite. Fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher. Utility room with washing machine & freezer. Large living area with satellite TV, DVD, wood burning stove, dining table for 10.

Bedroom 1

• Super-king size bed

• Balcony

• En-suite bathroom with shower & bath

• Access to private terrace

Bedroom 2

• Twin beds

• En-suite shower room

• Access to private terrace

Bedroom 3

• Twin beds

• En-suite shower room

Study

• sofa-bed
•  en-suite shower room.

Gallery with reading area.

Double height salon.

Dining area to seat 10

Kitchen

with dishwasher, hob, double oven, larder fridge, mixer, juicer, all equipment, breakfast bar.

Utility room with washing machine, freezer, iron, ironing board

9m x 4m private pool with lighting

Outside covered eating area for 8.

All linen, towels and pool towels provided.

The Cortijo is a rebuild of the original farmhouse that stood on the site. This was too dilapidated to refurbish so we have attempted to recreate it in a similar style and spirit. It has 3 spacious double bedrooms and a study with sofabed, all with en suite shower rooms; the master bedroom  also has a bath.

The kitchen leads via an arch into the large, double height, galleried sitting/dining area. The gallery is accessed from the master bedroom and offers a quiet space for reading and relaxing. Although the house has full central heating there is a wood-burning stove in the living area.

Outside the house is set in an acre of garden. To the front is a terrace stretching the full length of the house with 3 sets of French doors opening from the living room and kitchen; this incorporates a shaded pergola beneath which is a dining area with a large brick built BBQ.

The swimming pool (9m x 4m) and sunbathing area are accessed by steps leading down from the main terrace. The remainder of the front garden is given over to olive, almond, apple, orange, mulberry, pomegranate, bay  and fig trees.

On the first floor the master bedroom suite has its own private sunbathing terrace at the rear of the house.

The rest of the rear of the property is a natural woodland garden with olive trees, holm oaks, cistus (rock roses), and, in season, wild crocus, narcissus and three types of wild orchid, plus numerous other wildflowers.

The area is rich in bird life and three of the more unusual species you may see from the garden are hoopoes, azure winged magpies and eagles.

Montefrio itself has a trio of extraordinary beautiful and impressive churches. Well worth a visit.

There are numerous cook books, reference books and novels in the house. Please use them.

The same goes for the house. We have tried to make it a bit more special than the average holiday home so please enjoy it - and care for it!

A full guide to the house detailing facilities is available to download and print here.

Cortijo las Pilas de la Dehesa is located 1 km east of Montefrio, 500m down a good, unmade country road off the GR3410 road to Illora/Puerto Lope.

Montefrio is about 40 km north west of Granada, is an easy 45 minute drive from Granada airport and about 1 1/2 hrs from Malaga airport. See maps below for detailed directions.

For those of you with SatNav the map reference is 37°19¢05 N 3°59¢17 N.

A car is essential.

Montefrio is in the Poniente Granadino area of Granada Province of Andalucia.

Map showing Granada Airport and Montefrio
CLICK HERE FOR MAP

Map showing Montefrio and the Cortijo
CLICK HERE FOR MAP

Satellite image showing unmapped dirt road to the Cortijo
CLICK HERE FOR MAP

"Wonderful!!!"

The house is just lovely all the fittings and furnishings are first class, all the bedrooms had an ensuite which was very useful as we were a party of 8. The views from the house and the surrounding countryside are so scenic we couldnt stop looking, so peaceful and calming. You can walk to the nearby town of Montefrio. It is lovely as you walk down the hill you can see the view of the town ahead. The town has everything you need and the locals are all v friendly. I wish I was there now!!!! Enjoy your stay you wont be disappointed!!

-Mrs M Tysoe



"Cozy Spanish Experience"

We stayed in a really beautiful home. It had central heating and an open fire, which really topped it off as it can be a little cold in Spain in February. It was decorated to a high standard inside and felt really homely. The house is only five minutes from a little town called Montefrio, which has all the essentials like local shops, restaurants, supermarket and internet cafe. The town has a beautiful church, and is set up on a hill. You are not too far away from Granada, so I would recommend visiting the Alhambra. The Sierra Nevada is an hour a half away and well worth the visit. Claire was very friendly and helpful and really made every effort to accommodate our needs. We had a lovely relaxing time and will definitely go again.

-Mary


"Pure bliss in Andalucia"

Where to start? The area surrounding Montefrio is true untouched beautiful Spain and Montefrio has to be one of the most picturesque towns anywhere on the planet! The house itself is of the highest quality, simple yet stylish and spacious with all mod cons (with a fantastic fitted out kitchen). It gets the balance between homely and chic perfectly whilst all the time feeling distinctly Spanish. The view from the house even manages to upstage the house itself as it is incredible! Sweeping hills and cliffs roll down the olive grove covered valley infront of you which then climbs and climbs the other side to the peak of a mountain! This view has to be seen to be believed! Me and my wife stayed in Febuary to make the most of the snowboarding in the nearby (1hr by car) resort of Sierra Nevada. Nothing could compare to coming back to the Cortijo after a hard day on the slopes and sitting infront of the fire sipping mojito's. The snowboarding incidentally was excellent and despite some bouts of wind and rain we had some excellent days! I can't recommend this Cortijo and surrounding area enough, not to mention the excellent service received from John and Claire. We will definately be returning as soon as possible. 5 stars!

-Joe


"An extremely comfortable and happy holiday"

The villa is situated just outside the small town of Montefrio and has very spectacular views over the olive groves and the mountains, some of which were cofered in snow. The villa istelf is extremely comfortable and very stylishly decorated. All the utilities were first class and the kitchen area was very well appointed. The villa is large and roomy with plenty of space for everyone and although I was staying during January so therefore did not use the swimming pool, it looked a good size and would be a huge asset during the summer. The small town of Montefrio is charming and if you wish to travel further afield Granada is only forty minutes away by car. A most enjoyable stay and would very much like to go back.

-Gill from Fulham


"Olive Delight"

Last year my family rented this luxury Cortijo set amongst the olive groves just above the small picturesque town of Montefrio. The property exceeded all our expectations.The farm house is set back in to the hill side with beautiful uninterrupted views of the rolling olive groves providing great sunsets in the evening. The property remains cool throughout the day due to the limestone finishes and authentic shutters throughout, so you will not be sweating away, as you are in so many places. All of the rooms are well equipped with clean and modern bathrooms, all with great views and in some cases private terraces. The House has been fitted with modern materials and appliances throughout. If the weather does close in, the log fire and wealth of satellite channels should keep you occupied. For people who have children the fully equipped laundry will be of help. The pool has great views, and is perfectly warm even at the start of May. Montefrio offers everything you need, small shops beautiful buildings and a friendly atmosphere for pre supper beers. If you are looking for a vibrant night life with bars and clubs then this is not the place for you, you are better of in Benidorm. I thought it was rather similar to many Tuscan towns, but without the bus loads of tourists. I would not hesitate in going back again for another holiday.

-Matt

"Lovely house!"

We stayed at this Cortijo with 2 other couples and a teenager for a week in August. We were so pleased to arrive to an immaculate and characterful house with a beautifully-equipped kitchen, a brilliant double-height living room and 4 very comfortable en-suite bedrooms. You can find plenty to do in the local area. We went for a couple of walks, and our friend went horse riding. We can also recommend a trip by car to the top of the facing mountain. Take a bottle of bubbly! The views of the landscape are truly breathtaking. A couple of bikes on site would have made our stay even better - just a discrete hint for the owner ;) Overall it was a really great stay, very relaxing and I'd happily recommend anyone to try it.

-Camille

Montefrio has a Tourist Office - Oficina de Turismo - with English-speaking receptionist (closed on Mondays and holidays), health centre 'Centro de Salud', 4 bank machines, 4 pay phones taking coins and cards, numerous bars, restaurants and grocery stores, including excellent small-sized supermarkets, IBERPLUS and COVIRAN. Bars and restaurants have one closing day per week but are as a rule all open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and shops are open from Monday to Friday and Saturday morning until 2.00 pm. Supermarkets are the only shops open on Saturday afternoons, from 4 or 5 to 8 or 9 pm, depending on the season of the year. On Sunday mornings the bakery is open - but all other shops are closed. All banks and government offices are open from Monday to Friday, mornings only (from about 9 am to 2 pm).

The Health Centre (Centro de Salud de Montefrio), which is open 24/7, is located on C/San Sebastian No. 1. The telephone number is 958 336658. The numerous pharmacies are also extremely helpful and (in our experience) seem happy to treat minor cuts etc.

Aside from the local shops (butchers, fish shop, greengrocers) and supermarkets there is the excellent Cheese Factory, which sells local cheeses, marinated olives, hams, olive oil and local wine. It is located at Av. Miguel Hernandez 17, 18270 Montefrio. Tel.: 958 336 206. Close to this is the market on Mondays. Montefrio is well known for its black pudding (morcilla) which should not be missed.

There are many bars and restaurants in Montefrio and we cannot mention all by name, but closest to the house is Meson Coronichi which is open at lunchtime only Tuesday to Sunday. It is run by Senor Lorca – front of house, and Senora Lorca who prepares the local produce beautifully. It is advisable to book at weekends. Tel.: 958 336146. Next door is Restaurant Justo which is also a bar, open lunchtimes and evenings. This has an outside patio and is more casual than Coronichi. In town is Meson el Pregonero on the Plaza de Espana, both a bar and restaurant, and a good meeting place. Like many of the restaurants it has a very reasonable menu del dia (lunchtime) and is always lively.

Whilst it is possible to walk into Montefrio it involves a steep 20 minute climb back! Driving takes 5 minutes.

There are two larger supermarkets (Lidl and Mercadona) in Alcala la Real, half an hour's drive away. For a more cosmopolitan choice Granada is only 45 minutes away with a huge Carrefour, Hypercor and several others on the outskirts and the full range of city centre shops and facilities that one would expect.

Local History

On the rocky outcrop is the Iglesia de la Villa, which is well worth the steep climb from town to visit it and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views that often feature in the region's guidebooks and posters.

The church was built on the site of a Nasrid castle. In a key strategic location, the Alcazaba was constructed in the mid-14th century to help defend the Muslim kingdom of Granada and prevent an invasion by the Christians. It is believed to have been designed by the same architect who was in charge of the Alhambra. There was also a watchtower on the castle hill, which formed part of an extremely effective network of lookout posts used to stand guard over important routes over Granada’s vega (plain).

After conquering Montefrío in 1486, the Catholic Monarchs ordered the castle to be demolished and the church built in its place. The architect Diego de Siloé later became involved in the church's design, which has Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance features. You can see ruined sections of the castle walls around the church.

Although the church no longer holds services, there is a small history museum inside it, the Centro de Intepretación La Centinela, with interactive displays on the former castle, the church and the conflict between the Muslims and the Christians in 15th-century Granada. It's open Monday to Friday from 12pm to 2pm.

In the centre of town is the pantheon-style Iglesia de la Encarnación, which has a huge domed roof and was designed in the 18th century by the acclaimed neoclassical architect Ventura Rodríguez.

Signposted off the road to Illora, about 7km east of Montefrío, is an intriguing archaeological site, the Penas de los Gitanos, which has evidence of human settlement from Neolithic times to the Bronze Age. Excavations here have unearthed numerous artefacts including combs made from bone, flint arrowheads and shards of decorative ceramics in the collection of prehistoric dolmens and cave dwellings, one of which has primitive rock paintings. Also here is a Medieval citadel, the remains of a Roman fort and, in the gorge below, six water mills.

 

The Coast

Costa Tropical is about 90 minutes drive south. It has numerous beaches and attractive resorts such as Salobrena, La Herradura and Almunecar.

Salobrena

Salobrena

La Herrudara

La Herrudara

Almunecar

Skiing

Skiing is also approximately one and a half hours drive away in the spectacular Sierra Nevada. This can be excellent but check conditions before you leave and avoid weekends, when the Granadinos swarm up from the city! Leaving at 7am you can be back for your first drink having had a great day’s skiing by 7 pm!

Sierra Nevada and Las Alpujarras on the southern side have amazing walks, riding and mountain biking in summer. There are also numerous local walks – we are compiling a guide.

Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada

Cities

Granada and Cordoba are both within very easy striking distance for a day out. We advise booking the first tickets of the day for both the Alhambra and the Mezquita. Don’t ignore some of the smaller towns – Ubeda and Baeza are both stunning and little known.

Alhambra

Alhambra

Mezquita

Ubeda

Baeza

montefrio.org - Montefrio info (in spanish)
granadainfo.com - Granada info
www.andalucia.com - Andalucia info
costatropicalspain.org - nearest beaches
sierranevada.co.uk - skiing info
sierrapelada.com - local horse riding and trekking

http://www.tutiempo.net - local weather

See my self-catering holiday home No. 413861 on Holiday-Rentals

Season 1 - £790 p.w. (€900)

8th January to 15th March
22nd October to 23rd December

Season 2 - £900 p.w. (€1100)

16th March to 3rd June
1st to 21st October
24th December to 6th January 2012

Season 3 - £1100 p.w. (€1300)

4th June to 15th July
3rd September to 30th September

Season 4 - £1200 p.w. (€1400)

16th July to 2nd September

 

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