This beautiful five-bedroom country villa, set in a nature reserve in northwestern Andalusia, is a gem of a place. Originally an olive mill, it has been lovingly converted yet still retains much of its original charm and character. Colourful mosaics and a stylish wrought iron door extend an elegant welcome to the property with stairs leading to the vast kitchen on the first floor. Well-equipped and drenched in natural light, the kitchen is a sociable space with an eight-seater breakfast bar and a 10-seater hardwood dining table. The large corner sofa also invites you to sit and chat with friends and family while soaking up the views of the glorious valley.
From the kitchen, red-tiled flooring sweeps through to a high-ceilinged sitting room. Adorned with artefacts from various parts of the world, including rugs from South America and pictures from India, it's the perfect room to relax in. On chilly nights, grab a book from the adjacent library and curl up on the leather sofa in front of the fireplace. There’s even under-floor heating for additional comfort! One of the bedrooms is located on this floor and features a king-size bed, built-in cupboards, an en-suite shower room and more glorious views. Three other bedrooms are located on lower levels and can be accessed via the hall. All are light and airy with unfussy decor, whitewashed walls, and shuttered windows.
While the interior is effortlessly serene, the outdoor space is simply magnificent. With three terraces and a rolling hillside, there's plenty of space to enjoy. Start the day with a coffee on the upper east terrace while watching the sunrise over the treetops, then plunge into the swimming pool. Afterwards, enjoy a game of petanque on the private pitch or cool off in one of the dipping pools. There's even an orchard if you fancy picking your own fresh figs, pears, and oranges. Alternatively, you might want to take it easy on a sun lounger and enjoy the sound of birdsong in the surrounding oak and olive trees.
After a day of fun and relaxation, congregate on the western terrace for some enchanting sunset views over the town of Cortegana. Later, feast al fresco at the large dining table and watch as the stars light up the sky. This is a magical place for those seeking rest and relaxation. However, there are amenities nearby, with the small town of Jabugo just a 5-minute walk away. Jabugo is famous for its ham, and you can sample it at the local bars, restaurants, and shops.
Features:
The Villa
Located near the quaint town of Jabugo, this beautiful, five-bedroom country villa, set in a nature reserve in northwestern Andalusia, is a gem of a place and the perfect option if you're looking for a rural paradise.
First Floor (going down)
- Entrace hallway with glass and iron inner door
- 'Chestnut' room: bedroom with king-size double bed, two built-in wardrobes, and en-suite shower room
Ground Floor
- 'Mark Wilkinson' kitchen: spacious kitchen including utilities with high ceilings, 8-seater bar, 10-seater Australian hardwood dining table, large corner sofa, coffee table, and 'views to die for' over the wooded valley
- 'Sitting' room: large, comfortable room with high ceilings and fireplace, shower room and toilet, and stairs leading to the 'Musician's Gallery' which contains a single bed, and Smart TV
- 'Library' room: bedroom with single bed, built-in cupboard, and large collection of holiday reading
- 'Cork Oak' room: large bedroom with king-size double bed, dressing table, two built-in cupboards, en-suite shower room, private doorway onto the upper terrace
Second Floor (going down)
- 'Holm Oak' room: bedroom with views of the valley, four poster king-size double bed, dressing table, built-in cupboards, and en-suite shower room
Third Floor (going down)
- 'Mill Wheel' room: spacious bedroom with four poster king-size double bed, sitting area, high ceilings, side room, view of pétanque pitch and woodland, and en-suite shower including the 'loo with a view'
Exterior Grounds
- Approximately 10 acre property in four fenced-in areas and surrouned by dry stone walls
- Private gate and driveway with secure garage for 4 cars halfway the driveway
- Private swimming pool (depth: 2 m) with 3 ladders, 2 showers, 4 parasols with mobile charging ports, 8 sun loungers, 4 wooden table, and 2 lilos, surrounded by walls with built-in lights
- Casita backing onto the swimming pool, containing a fridge and basin for preparing food and drinks, massage table, and log burner for colder winter nights
- 'Alberca' water storage tanks, dotted around the property - two are beside the villa and have been converted into filtered and chlorinated dipping pools, the other two are used for irrigation on the property
- Three terraces connected to the villa with various seating and dining options
- Orchard with a number of pear, orange, fig, and other fruit trees (specific tree information, including in what season they ripen, is available in the villa Welcome Pack)
- Petanque pitch at the bottom of the house
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi connection
- Fans available
- Underfloor heating in all rooms
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Highchairs (own harness needed), cots, baby bath, and babygate available
- Shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner provided in bathrooms
Tourist Registration Number: CR/HU/388
Location:
The Old Mill Jabugo is located in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche National Park in northwest Andalucia. Surrounded by oak, olive and fruit trees and overlooking a valley, the stunning landscape is the real drawcard here. There are a number of walking trails in the area, and bird watchers can enjoy spotting goldfinches, woodpeckers and white storks. Alternatively, explore the surrounding area on horseback or spend an afternoon mushroom picking in the woods.
From the villa, a track leads to the small town of Jabugo. Famous for producing the finest ham in the world (jamon de bellota), be sure to stop at one of the local restaurant or tapas bars to sample the delicious cured ham. Afterwards, follow the Casita de Ladrillo hiking trail from the town centre. It’s a short walk, and children will love discovering the houses (casitas) of the three little pigs that are placed along the way.
Spain's Moorish past is evident in the surrounding towns of the Sierra, and there is plenty to see and do in each one. For a day out, head to Aroche. Close to the Portuguese border and 25 minutes by car from the villa, this pretty town is dotted with whitewashed houses and has an impressive medieval castle and church. Be sure to stop at the local museum and discover prehistoric and Roman artefacts that have been discovered in the surrounding area.
From Aroche, a 12km walking trail leads to Cortegana. It's a delightful walk through nature, and you’ll spot plenty of birds on the way, including tits, eagles and (if you’re lucky) the rare black vulture. Cortegana is one of the larger towns in the area and boasts a thirteenth-century castle that dominates the hilltop. Climb to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of the Sierra.
Aracena, the main town of the Sierra, is also worth a visit and is a 25-minute drive from the villa. Situated in the heart of the national park, the town is famous for its cave system (Gruta de las Maravillas). Take a guided tour inside the caves and be amazed at the chambers, lakes and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Back on ground level, the thirteenth-century castle and beautiful Gothic church are also quite magnificent.
Terms & Conditions:
Security deposit?
€500 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.
Arrival time?
3 pm.
Departure time?
11 am.
Energy costs included?
Yes, included in the rental price.
Heating costs included?
Yes, included in the rental price.
Linen & towels included?
Yes, included in the rental price.
Pool towels included?
Yes, included in the rental price.
End of stay cleaning included?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.
Internet access?
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is included in rental price. It is good to note that the speed is dependent on the local provider and technical issues may cause reduced speed or cut of service.
Minimum stay?
7 nights during peak season. 4 nights during other periods.
Changeover day?
Flexible.
Pets welcome?
Not permitted.
Smoking Allowed?
Smoking & Vaping are not permitted inside the house nor outside on the property grounds.
Pool heating charge?
Not available.
Tax?
Tourist Tax included in the rental price.
Insurance?
Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay.
Stag & Hen Do's Allowed ?
Weddings, stag/hen do's, and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
Other Ts and Cs?
Guests should be aware that whilst there is a barbecue available to use, it is illegal to operate between June & October, due to risk of starting wildfires.
Smoking - not allowed
