'Esqueredo' - front center - sits on the historic fortified wall of the village.
Location: Fornalutx, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, Europe (Palma & Palma Int. Airport [PMI] 25 to 30 minutes drive)
Accommodations: Village House, 2 Bedrooms + Detached Unit, 2.5 Baths (Sleeps 5-7)
'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'.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: (7 kilo / 1,000 rpm spin-dry)
- Linens Provided: All linens are commercially laundered & pressed (Nominal charge per person p.w. Please provide your own Beach Towels
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Convertible Bed: (Double bed size)
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: (Sky basic BBC/CNN - or bring your own Sky card)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library: (100 Academy & BAFTA screeners)
- CD Player (2)
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator: (and separate Deep Freeze)
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio (2)
- View/Location
- Mountain View: (Uninterupted views of Puig Major)
- Communications
- Telephone: (By arrangement)
- Broadband Internet: (Ethernet connection)
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Oil-filled Radiators in every room, Sky Card reader, Dual standard (PAL/NTSC) DVD-VCR, CD/MP3 Players, NOTE: Due to their position 83 steps above the village square, the houses are not suitable for those with walking difficulties, Beach 5km (10 min, ) to Port de Soller with its pleasant sandy covered bay; inexpensive beachside restaurants, Late/last minute bookings welcomed, No change-overmday or booking by week policy, Minimum rental 5 days, All cleaning and laundry charges included, Rentals 10days+ include mid-stay clean and linen change
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly: (Dogs need to be 'walked out' - Cat litterbox must be provided.)
- Kid Friendly: (Special conditions for children 10 and younger may apply)
- Smoking Not Allowed: (Smoking allowed on patios/terraces and in the private cul-de-sac.)
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- HIKING: The abundant footpaths through the terraces are suitable for all levels of fitness. Close by Fornalutx is the 'Baranque' - one of the hundred wonders of the world. These stone steps were cut through the mountains perhaps 2500 years ago by the Carthaginians, as they expanded their oil trading routes. To this day, nobody knows whether the great stones of the ancient olive tree terraces perched precariously on the mountainside, were rolled up the hill, or drawn down. The valley, part of the TRAMUNTANA NATIONAL PARK, is famed for its walking paths, from easy strolls to advanced hiking, climbing and overnight camping.
Rate Details (In Euros)
ESQUEREDO: June-October €800/wk-€115/night; Nov.-April €650/wk-€95/night.
LA CASA DOS: June-October €595/wk-€85/night; Nov.-May €500/wk-€75/night.
Christmas, New Year & Easter weeks: Esqueredo €750/wk; La Casa Dos €595/wk.
Base rate is for 2. Add €75 per week/€15 per night for ech addtl. person.
Nov-March: 2 persons 4 weeks+ €550/wk (Christmas/Easter pro-rated as above.)
Clean & Utilities Incl.. Commercial Laundry €10 pp pw. 4 NIGHT MIN excl. Holidays
US guests: $+2% Personal check for deposit/€IBAN transfer for balance.
UK: €IBAN or £+2% to NatWest. Euro-zone: SWIFT/IBAN. Credit-card exceptional +5%
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Property Photos
- 'Esqueredo' - front center - sits on the historic fortified wall of the village. - Mallorca/Fornalutx, Balearic Islands, Spain Travel Accommodations - Historic, Restored House in the Fabled Village!
- 'Esqueredo' - Upper terrace overlooking the Castile del Munt, with mountain view - Mallorca/Fornalutx, Balearic Islands, Spain Travel Accommodations - Historic, Restored House in the Fabled Village!
- 'Esqueredo' - The sitting-room leading to the 2nd bedroom - Mallorca/Fornalutx, Balearic Islands, Spain Travel Accommodations - Historic, Restored House in the Fabled Village!
- Comfortable Master Bedroom with en-suite bathroom (note Wi-Fi)
- Main Bathroom with full-size bath and large shower
- Master Bedroom en-suite bathroom with spacious shower.
- Kitchen and Entrada leads onto sunny breakfast patio with built-in Bar-B-Q
- The steps down from 'Esqueredo' & 'La Casa Dos' pass by the Castile del Munt
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #15228
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Date last modified - June 21, 2009
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