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'ESQUEREDO' is a delightful house for 4/5 persons - located on the castle wall of the ancient fortified farmstead in the historic village of Fornalutx - with stunning, uninterrupted views of the Puig Major, the highest point in the Tramuntana mountains. (House is seen here bottom center with the 6 dark green windows.) The village side of the house is wrapped around a picturesque and secluded cul-de-sac, offering complete privacy.
FORNALUTX - known as "the village of a thousand years" - was built around the 10th century Moorish tower and fortified farmstead, seen to the left of Esqueredo. The village is an oasis of tranquillity, with historic houses built in mellow, caramel-coloured stone, lining cobbled mule steps rising from above a charming town plaza.
Adjacent to the larger house 'ESQUEREDO' is the wonderfully friendly and inviting guest house, casita 'LA CASA DOS' - a romantic get-away for couples any time of the year. Although completely separate, 'La Casa Dos' can add a double bedroom and bathroom as both houses can be rented on a nightly basis (minimum 5 nights). Again, it is situated right in the most picturesque and ancient part of this enchanting village.
'ESQUEREDO' has Master queen-size bedroom, ceiling fan and spacious en suite bathroom with shower. Second Bedroom with either king-size bed or two singles. Bathroom with large bathtub and shower. Cook's kitchen equipped with gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Utility room with freezer, second refrigerator, washing machine, and storage space. Breakfast room, Dining area. Large split level Lounge/sitting-room with second couch converting into extra double-bed.
Outside: the house is situated in a secluded cul-de-sac, with breakfast/dinner patio adjacent to kitchen and sun terrace adjacent to sitting room on the top floor. 'Esqueredo' - high on the edge of the village and with windows on all four sides - receives gentle micro-breezes even in the hottest, stillest of summers. The thick walls, some over 400 years old, and new roofs provide insulation. All of the plumbing and electrical supply has been newly installed (220v/50Hz.).
'LA CASA DOS' is a charming and intimate traditional casita (fully restored) with queen-size bedroom, Bathroom with shower, Kitchen, with gas hob and oven, refrigerator, and washing machine, Entrada also used as dining area, Sitting-room with VCR, DVD & CD Stereo - and secluded terrace with full sun awning.
FORNALUTX sits nestled in the most spectacular vale within the 'Serra de Tramuntana' - the Valley of Sóller (pronounced Sól-yer). From its Moorish towers and ancient walls, Fornalutx commands fabulous views of orange groves and olive terraces climbing high into the backdrop.
Staying in this historic 'Aldea Mil Años' pueblo, one can almost experience the spirit of the early settlers. The Venetian traders cutting through the high passes in search of olive oil, the then currency of the Mediterranean. The Roman soldiers milling Saharan wheat in the water mills powered by the valley’s abundant springs. The Moors, with their understanding of all things created in stone, ceramic, and terra-cotta.
The very name Fornalutx is the subject of debate. Some say it derives from 'horno' and 'lutz' - describing the men’s view of the carbon burning oven lights as they came down in the evening from harvesting the terraces. Others say that it originates from the glow of the smithy’s forge or 'forja.' Your choice. The smithy is still there, hand crafting beautiful railings and village lamp-posts.
As Fornalutx offers a true oasis of tranquillity in the daytime, scented by citrus trees and almond blossoms - so the imposing peaks of the Tramuntanas fall steeply into the sea, creating coves so sheltered as to be almost invisible. These in turn give way to lush green valleys and, in the winter, rushing 'torrentes.' Many of these areas can be explored from the village by taking the local twisting mountain roads, revealing a different panoramic vista at each turn.
However, it is always a joy to return in the evening to Fornalutx - three times awarded the "Most Beautiful Village in Spain"- to enjoy its five excellent restaurants, three bars, and convivial evening ambiance. The village has been written up in 'Bon Appétit', 'National Geographic Traveler', 'Town & Country' and the 'Los Angeles Times'. |
Pet Friendly: (Dogs need to be 'walked out' - Cat litterbox must be provided.)
