No pets allowed Not suitable for children under 5 Not suitable for elderly or infirm Smokers welcome Self-catering
Home description
Casa-Britannia consists of a house divided into three apartments. The guest apartment and owners apartment are accessed at ground level. However, because the building is on the side of a hill the rear of the apartments appear at first floor level. Underneath these apartments is a further apartment (not in use) the garden and the bar. The swimming pool area is one further terrace lower still.
Holidays here are generally more suited to adults who want a relaxing holiday. The village roads are mostly hilly and narrow, there are also fairly steep steps down to the swimming pool so it is not well suited to younger children the infirm or disabled.
Castillejar is situated 766 metres above sea level on the edge of one of Europe's only officially designated deserts. The town is a very rural one which mostly consists of farmers. There are not many UK residents and certainly no 'kiss-me-quick' culture. Crime is very rare. The village has half a dozen bars, three small supermarkets (closest the 'Spar' about 200 metres) two banks, a chemist, two butchers and a few other shops. The bars here still supply free 'Tapas' (a little 'snack') with each beer or wine. A beer in the local bars will cost around 1.20€.
The weather here from April to September is normally very good. June to August can be very hot. The heat of the summer plus the height above sea level and steep inclines can make you feel exhausted. However, a good book in the shade, a cold beer and a dip in the pool does wonders!
Relax by the swimming pool
Apartment - Lounge with 'freeview' TV + DVD player
Apartment - Fully equipped kitchen
Apartment - Twin bedroom
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/80570
The Costa Tropical/Granada region
The stunning little village of Castillejar is one of the six Andalusian hamlets that make up the region of Huescar in the north east corner of the Province of Granada. With a population of around 2,000, this idyllic haven is tucked away and yet easily accessible at just 25 minutes off the A-92N (motorway). It is some 90 kilometres from Granada City and just 13 kilometres from the main town of Huescar.
This beautiful region of contrasts is one of the prettiest and least spoilt areas in Andalusia and is well worth a visit. Castillejar was a fortress against invasion from Murcia in Moorish times gone by and still shows distinct links with its historic past. Sitting between the two rivers Guardal and Barbatas, this enclave has, over the centuries, been witness to the passing of important historic settlers of many different cultures of the Iberian Peninsula. Nowadays it is the perfect stopping off point for visitors to the nearby Natural Parks of Castril Sierra and Cazorla. Other points of natural beauty and interest in the vicinity are the lakes of Negratín and San Clemente, the archaeological route, Baza Natural Park and lots more.
Temperatures can be extreme and very different from the typical Costa del Sol climate. Be prepared for hot dry summers and cold winters, with snow on the surrounding mountains.
Castillejar area
Castillejar along with the other villages in and around this area, have a continued tradition of building and living in cave houses. With all the mod cons of modern living and the added the advantage of a constant all-year-round inside temperature of between 18C and 20C, the cave dwellings are as practical as they are pretty. Although the village has traditionally been an agricultural and farming community, there is now a keen focus on rural tourism.
The opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, horse riding are endless in the area all around this and the other villages of the region. The contrast in the surrounding countryside from desert to lush green valleys is a paradise for the keen photographer or artist. This is especially true in spring and autumn. The abundance of flora and fauna is always full of surprises.
A favourite place, by the banks of the River Guardal, is Las Presas, where there is a special picnic area, ideal for families to enjoy the countryside in safety. There are rustic stone benches and tables. The surrounding trees offer welcome shade from the hot summer sun. After eating and enjoying the countryside, you can also visit the nearby ancient archaeological site of Balunca, which is just a couple of kilometres outside of Castillejar. It's also worth finding your way to the Mirador de las Eras Altas, which is a high viewpoint which gives a sweeping panoramic view over the valley, with the river Guardal wending its way through the fine countryside.
Fiesta de la Cruz The renowned Crosses of May is celebrated on the third of May, when a beautiful religious procession is followed through the village, all decked out with colourful flowers.
San Isidro Labrador There are three days of celebrations around the 15, 16 and 17th of May, the highlight of which is the procession making its way to the hermitage.
Fiesta of the Patron Saint Celebrations in honour of the Village Patron Saint, Santo Domingo de Guzman is held at the beginning of the hot month of August. This fiesta brings in many people from surrounding areas and the village takes on a new life. The village square becomes the central point for dancing, traditional music, fairground rides, fireworks and colourful celebrations which proceed throughout the night. There is a temporary bullring erected on the outskirts of the village with bullfights on three evenings.
Fiesta of the Virgen de la Asunción This religious festival lasts for three days around the 15th of August.
Fiesta of the Virgen de Mercedes This one-day festival takes place on the 24th September. There is a procession, where the villagers and visitors follow the saint through the village streets and then those present are invited to share a lunch together.
How to get there
Nearest Airports and drive times (approx) to Casa-Britannia
Good websites to find cheap flights http://www.skyscanner.net/ http://www.jumblefly.com/
Good website to find cheap car hire http://www.doyouspain.com/
Detailed directions by car supplied when you book.
We can arrange transport to and from airports depending on the number in your party - please enquire for availability and prices before booking.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Granada: 90 km
Activities near Castillejar
Sports: Horse Riding
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats
Facilities
Luxuries:
DVD player, Staffed Property
General:
Safe, Satellite TV
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
Utilities:
Clothes dryer, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer
Rooms:
Bedrooms (3), Shower rooms (1), WCs (1)
Furniture:
Single beds (3), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 7
Other:
Linen provided, please check with the advertiser regarding towels.
Outdoors:
Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: The modern three bedroom apartment has it's own entrance and parking directly outside the front door.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS 1 x Double room 1 x Twin room 1 x Bunked room (double bed on bottom single on top)
LIVING Freeview TV + DVD player with selection of DVDs Small library of paperbacks (take one & leave one in it's place) Extendable washing line in bathroom Insect netted windows Remote controlled fans in all rooms
SECURITY/SAFETY Safe Smoke alarms Fire extinguisher Fire blanket
Further details outdoors: SWIMMING POOL Round. 6.4 metres in diametre. 1.2 metres deep. Surrounded by decking with sunbathing area and shower facilities.
Although located within the village the pool is nicely secluded with no buildings adjacent.
Access to the swimming pool area is by a small gate located at the side of the apartment. The gate remains locked and a key for guests is provided. There are fairly steep steps down to the pool and a small bridge onto the elevated swimming pool platform. Pool times and rules are published near the pool and in the accommodation information booklet. Children using the pool MUST be accompanied by an adult at ALL times.
BAR-B-Q The owners gas bar-b-q is available for use by guests when requested.
Further details
WE DO NOT 'UP' OUR PRICES DURING TRADITIONAL UK HOLIDAY PERIODS!
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Prices for group size 7
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Summer season
4 Apr 09
1 Oct 09
399£399
5757
5757
Flexible
03
Prices for group size 4
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Summer season
4 Apr 09
1 Oct 09
329£329
4747
4747
Flexible
03
Prices for group size 2
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Summer season
4 Apr 09
1 Oct 09
280£280
4040
4040
Flexible
03
The property's weekend rates apply to: Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Party of 3 nightly rate is £43 (£301 per week)
Party of 6 nightly rate is £54 (£378 per week)
Non-refundable £100 booking fee to reserve required dates.
Full payment required a minimum of 2 week before arrival.
200€ breakages/additional cleaning deposit payable on arrival refunded prior to departure.
Payment methods supplied by proprietors when booking.
Guestbook for Casa-Britannia
Name: Michael and Anita Baker Comments: Thanks John and Elaine, we could not have wished for better this second visit, good weather, good food and perfect hosts! "Your" part of Spain has so much to offer any visitors who are looking for a different holiday away from the usual tourist resorts; we wish you both continued success with your venture and are already looking forward to our next visit! Best regards from Mike and Anita.
Name: TERRY AND TONY ALLISON Comments: GREAT TIME WONDERFUL PEOPLE GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL, SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
Name: CHRIS ARCHER Comments: Casa Britannia..... a haven of peace in this delightful Spanish village. John and Elaine the three hols we have had with you have been superb...we love the combination of exercise and relaxation all without the hustle and bustle of the Costas.We hope that your place remains a secret so it can be kept exclusive.... but i am sure others will discover you and enjoy the delights of Castillejar...not to mention Johns home baking! Take care and good luck Chris and Beryl (homeless Nomads!!)
Name: Roy and Rosemary Brooks Comments: If you want to sample a tiny piece of real Spain, Castillejar is the place. John and Elaine were excellent hosts and together with their interesting local knowledge of the area made our stay truly memorable. The beautifully converted apartment had everything we needed and the weather was extremely kind. The pool was a bonus! 100% recommended.
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Send Enquiry
To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/80570
Contact details for the advertiser of home 80570
Name:
John Pring
Tel:
+34 958 737169
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser