Aracena holiday cottage rental, Castano del Robledo with walking, beach/lake nearby, log fire, balcony/terrace, rural retreat, TV, DVD

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Casa Castaño (cottage)

Home description

A pretty whitewashed cottage full of original features and with a large 25sqm roof terrace offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Set on the edge of the quiet village of Castaño del Robledo in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena. The area is famous for its cork and chestnut trees, wild mushrooms and excellent serrano hams. The two bars in the village square are just a minute away, as is the village swimming pool, but the views from the house are of fields and forest. Beautiful walks start literally just outside the door. If you are looking to buy a place in the area this cottage is potentially for sale, please enquire.

The rear view of Casa Castaño	A welcoming entrance awaits you...
Cozy up!	All-day sun on the roof terrace...then watch the sunset

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/67700

The Costa de la Luz / Huelva Province region

The Sierra de Aracena is a great place for walkers, horse riders and nature lovers, whatever the season. Even in the height of summer, when much of Andalucia gets dried up in the heat, it remains green and lush. In autumn the changing leaves are stunning, and the wild mushrooms and bountiful chestnuts attract people from far and wide. In winter, though snow does sometimes fall and rain showers can be heavy, it is also not unknown to be able to sunbathe at Christmas! Spring brings a profusion of wild flowers at every turn.

Aracena / Castano del Robledo area

Castaño and its surrounding villages still offer the 'real Spain' - beautiful and varied walks, great tapas, good wine, sleepy afternoons and, quite frequently, wild fiestas too! (details on request). But it would be possible to spend an entire week just sitting on the roof terrace watching the swallows, storks and eagles, the changing light, and at night the huge star-filled sky.

Castaño village has its own public open air swimming pool (open summer months only), and there are also nearby rivers and a large lake where you can swim on those hot afternoons. But once you've wound down and relaxed, the cottage is also a great base for walking and exploring the surrounding region. Many other pretty villages are within easy walking distance, Alajar and Almonaster la Real being two of the most picturesque. The town of Aracena with its cliff-top castle, bars, cafes, banks, restaurants, supermarkets, shops and the 'Cave of Wonders' (spectacular caverns of stalagtites and stalagmites), is 15 mins drive/bus.

Slightly further afield, there are the Rio Tinto Mines to explore. The wonderful city of Seville, with its magnificent Cathedral/Mezquita, is just over an hour's drive away. (Why not have a day there for a boat trip down the Guadalquiver River, a tour round the city's sites in a horse drawn carriage, and a truly authentic Flamenco show?) Portugal is only 40 mins away (check your car hire insurance covers it though). Within 2 hrs drive there's the Costa de la Luz, whole stretches of beautiful beach which at most times of the year are deserted. And finally, on the same coast lies the world famous Coto Doñana National Park - an absolute must for bird watchers. In fact there's so much to do you'll need to book a second visit to fit it all in (as several of our guests have, which is why we now offer repeat-booking discounts!) .

How to get there

Seville airport is the best option with Ryanair from Stansted for as little as 1 pence each way! Or try Clickair from London Gatwick (more civilised timings). Or Iberia from Heathrow (1 hr 15 mins drive to cottage from Seville). Jerez - Ryanair (2 hrs 30 mins drive). Faro in Portugal - Monarch, EasyJet, bmibaby etc (2hrs 30 mins drive) and Malaga - many scheduled and charter flights (3 hrs 30 mins drive).

A car is advised for sightseeing, walks further afield and reaching a bigger variety of restaurants, but is not essential. Try Holiday Autos. Buses go from Seville to Aracena and Fuenteheridos village twice daily (just 7 euros each way; ask for details). Or a taxi Seville airport/Castaño costs about 100 euros.

Activities near Aracena

Facilities

Further details indoors:
This lovely cottage has been sympathetically modernised just enough to make it very comfortable but without removing any of its old Spanish charm. Though whitewashed on the outside, inside it is colourfully decorated in pastel shades of yellow, cream and terracotta.

The characterful kitchen has marble worktops and local hand made furniture but also all the 'mod cons'. Just off the kitchen is a utility area with new 7kg washing machine and large dryer. And the kitchen gives out onto a paved patio area that's great for barbeques and well shaded for those long hot afternoons.

The upstairs lounge/dining room has an open fireplace, great for cosy log fires in the cooler evenings, exposed chestnut beams (castaño means chestnut in Spanish!) and a Juliet balcony offering great views to the west.
It contains a dining table, 6 dining chairs, 2 armchairs, various antique furniture, TV and DVD player, and a high quality sofa.

There are three characterful bedrooms spread over three floors, as well as two bathrooms (that's two toilets, one bath with shower and one shower). But the real focus of interest is generally the roof terrace (see below).

The cottage does not have central heating, and being 800 m above sea level and in the mountains, it can get cold at nights in Autumn, Winter and early Spring. However, there are two large gas heaters and two electric radiators that can be moved about the cottage, as well as the log fire in the lounge, and plenty of duvets and blankets for the beds, so there should never be any reason to be chilly.

Do note that this is NOT a modern apartment with large picture windows and air con. Old Spanish houses typically kept the windows fairly small to keep out the sun on very hot days, and this cottage is no exception. But this traditional design, along with very thick walls, means the house stays beautifully cool even on the hottest days (and in mid summer even in the hills it can reach the high 30's).

We do not recommend the cottage for those with limited mobility; however, there are 2 bedrooms (one with a dbl and the other with 1 sgl bed) and 1 washroom (consisting of sink, toilet & shower) on the ground floor. The kitchen/patio are also ground floor.

Further details outdoors:
With almost 360 degree views over the fields and distant villages beyond, the roof terrace is just a wonderful spot to while away the day sunbathing, reading, watching the prolific bird life or having 'sundowners' (Sangria, cold beers, red wine, G&T, take your pick!). And on a clear night the star gazing is simply 'out of this world'. This is, after all, the highest house in the highest village in the Sierra, and from up here it shows! (Parents should note that, while the terrace has 3 sturdy horizontal wooden posts for railings (20, 60 and 90 cm high - see photographs) young children on the terrace would need to be supervised. The door to the roof terrace, though, is lockable with a removable key). There is also a shady ground-level patio off the kitchen with a barbecue.

The village of Castano has its own outdoor village swimming pool, but note that its use is limited to the high summer months, generally July & August.

Please bring towels for use on the terrace/beach; towels for indoor use and linens are provided.

There is an excellent guidebook available that is full of local walks, maps and o: "Sierra de Aracena - a Walk Guidebook" by David and Ros Brawn, part of the 'Discovery Walking Guides' series (available from 'Stanfords' in London).

Further details

We advise caution and suggest close supervision of chidren on the roof terrace and within the cottage itself.

We don't normally except pets, as we don't wish for them to be left alone in the cottage. Please enquire with us if you have a very small non-shedding dog or other pet, which we may find acceptable. An additional damage deposit will be taken. They must not, in any case, be permitted on the sofa or in the bedroom.

English/Spanish speaking keyholder.

Wood logs for fireplace can be provided at cost - please enquire.

Conditions

Terms & Conditions
A contract shall only arise when both your booking is confirmed in writing via a letter of confirmation sent by email and the required deposit/full payment has been received by us. We aim to have this confirmation email sent to you as soon as possible and within 24 hrs of the time you made your booking. Payment by debit or credit card will ensure that we receive your payment immediately, co-enabling a contract to be formed.

Booking, Rental Deposit & Security Deposit
The Rental Sum is calculated on a per person basis. There is no cost for children up to 1 year of age.
If the Booking is made within 8 weeks of your arrival date the whole of the Rental Sum (rent plus the final cleaning charge), is required with your Booking Form, together with a Security Deposit of £200.
If the Booking is made before 8 weeks prior to your arrival date, a Rental Deposit of 25% of the Rental Sum is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance of the Rental Sum, together with the Security Deposit of £200, is then due 8 weeks prior to your arrival.
The Security Deposit will be returned to you within 10 days of check-out less any deductions, via the same method your booking was made, in accordance with the Terms & Conditions.

Payment
We accept payment via debit or credit card (surcharge applies).
We are unable to accept any type of cheque or bank draft sent by post.

Cancellation or Change
Cancellation fees depend on notice given and are as follows:
More than 55 days prior to arrival 25% of total Rental Sum
30 – 55 days prior to arrival: 50% of total Rental Sum; Security Deposit will be returned to the guest within 10 days of cancellation date
Less than 30 days prior to arrival: 100% of Rental Sum; Security Deposit will be returned to the guest within 10 days of cancellation date
Rental Deposit of 25% is non-refundable, even in the case of force majeure. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance with cancellation cover.
To modify the number of guests: with fewer guests the remaining balance stays the same; with more guests a supplement of £10 per person per night is payable.
Your Booking cannot be reduced in number of nights. If you require additional nights this may be possible at an additional charge.
Cancellations or changes are best made via email and you should request a ‘read' receipt from us to ensure that we have seen it. Cancellations or changes should be made by phone if you are requesting them at a time very close to your arrival date.

Number of Guests
You must book for the number of guests in your booking party. If this number varies during your stay, you must book for the highest number of persons that will occupy the accommodation. The number of persons who may use the accommodation must not exceed the allocated capacity, except for children under 1 year of age; and we must be made aware of this in advance of your stay.Unless otherwise agreed by us, only the guests listed on this booking form are entitled to use the accommodation.

Arrival Procedure
Once your full Rental Sum and Security Deposit have been received by us we will send you Details for Check-In & Check-Out. You should print this document and bring it with you as it has all the information which you will need on arrival, including details of your Contact Person.
From time to time it may be necessary for us to reassign your Contact Person. If this is the case we will contact you prior to your arrival date to inform you of the details.
If you can't provide your estimated time of arrival (ETA) when you book you should inform your Contact Person at least 3 days prior to your arrival date. Please ensure that we have an updated ETA for you so that we can plan for your check-in and so that your Contact Person stays informed about any delays or changes.
Standard check-in is from 16:00 until 22:00 on the day of arrival and checkout is by 10:00 on the day of departure. If you hope to check-in earlier please check with your Contact Person within 3 days of your arrival to check to see if this is possible. It will only be possible if the Apartment happens to have been vacant the night prior to your arrival.

During your Stay
Damages: You agree to keep the Apartment and contents in or on the property in a like state of repair and condition as at the commencement of the rental and will inform us of any damage, breakage, or loss that may occur during the period of the rental.
Behaviour: You agree that you will ensure that all members of your party and your guests behave in a considerate and responsible manner. We reserve the right to curtail the stay of any guests acting inappropriately, which will result in loss of all Rent paid and the refundable Security Deposit.
Smoking: You agree not to smoke, or to allow smoking, inside the propertyt at any time.
Pets: Pets are not allowed unless agreed with us in advance.

Departure
Departures are at 10:00 or before. More information is included in the Details of Check-In & Check-Out document.

Cleaning
You agree to leave the property clean and tidy and to dispose of all rubbish correctly. The cleaning fee you have been charged covers the linen and towel changes and a cleaning meant to disinfect and ensure that proper hygiene standards are met for the next set of guests. Should the Apartment be left in a poor condition, requiring more cleaning than usual, then this will be charged at £20 per hour and deducted from the Security Deposit.

Liability
We will not be liable for any act, neglect or default on the part of any person nor any accident, damage, loss, injury, expense or inconvenience whether to person or property which you or any other person may suffer or incur arising out of or in any way connected with the Rental or resulting from any other cause whatsoever. We advise you to arrange your own insurance to cover yourselves and your personal belongings whilst staying at the Apartment.
By making an online booking you confirm that you have read the Terms and Conditions accepted them and that you are over 18 years of age. You agree to accept responsibility for any damages and to vacate the property at the conclusion of the period for which you have booked.

Privacy Policy: We collect personal information from you to process your booking & to inform you of any changes or problems concerning your rental. We also need this information to monitor & improve our services to you and be able to send you occasional promotional offers. We will respect the privacy of your personal data, and will comply with all relevant and current data protection legislation. Without your consent we will not make your details available for marketing purposes to anyone outside Mike Fox Developments Ltd. and, unless required to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, will not disclose your personal data to anyone. If you wish to update or delete your personal information; or if you prefer that we do not email you to tell you of promotional offers please advise us.

Rental rates

Prices for group size 5
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Standard Rates	16 Sep 09	1 Jan 11	567£ 567	9090	9090	3 Nights

Prices for group size 4
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Standard Rates	16 Sep 09	1 Jan 11	504£ 504	8080	8080	3 Nights

Prices for group size 2
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Standard Rates	16 Sep 09	1 Jan 11	378£ 378	6060	6060	3 Nights

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Rate for 3 people is £70 per night / £441 per week.

Christmas & New Year Surcharge 20% (23 December - 03 January)

Easter Surcharge 20% (02 April 2010 - 05 April 2010 / 22 April 2011 - 25 April 2011)

Summer Surcharge 15% (15 June 2010 - 31 August 2010)

Weekly tariffs include a 10% discount off our Nightly Rate.

Long Stay discounts available; please enquire.

Security Deposit £200

Changeover fee 85 euros on arrival (cash only). Wood available for purchase, at cost, pease enquire.

Guestbook for Casa Castaño

"All in all a very nice holiday - lovely cottage, friendly and welcoming people, wonderful walks and tasty food". Caroline and Paul.

"A thoroughly wonderful week of rest and relaxation as well as many amazing walks. The house was cozy and comfortable. The children loved the 'secret attic room' and blazing fires." The Emborsky family.

"The scenery is amazing, especially after rain when the colours are so vivid. We look forward to our next visit". John and Dot Nelson.

"The cottage is fantastic - full of character, bags of space, and perfectly located. Also amazingly quiet at night for Spain!" Andy Davice.

"The roof terrace is absolutely wonderful. I spent my days just sitting reading a book, watching the swallows diving all round, then sipping gin and tonics as the sun went down. I shall certainly be returning!" Nick Stein.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/67700

Contact details for the advertiser of home 67700
Name:	Julie Madison
Mobile:	+44 (0)7944 737898
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email, especially if a Spanish speaker.
Holidaymaker FAQs
Advertiser joined: Jun 2008

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