Finca El Almendrillo
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About the home
Luxurious large group holidays beckon whether multi-generation families looking to entertain the kids or large groups of adults simply looking to mix poolside relaxation with the best sights of classical Spain (Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba - 1 - 2 hrs drive).
The Finca sits in tranquil seclusion surrounded by picturesque olive groves. Indoor and outdoor kitchens and a traditional cobbled courtyard ensure mealtimes to remember. Days are spent lounging by the beautiful pool or on the many patios, balconies and terraces; perhaps taking the easy one hour drive to the coast at Malaga or Motril. Closer to home there is walking, mountain-biking, horse-riding and bird-spotting where you will not see another soul all day.
Designed for children and adults alike, room for everyone in the huge pool.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 20, 10 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Will consider: | Corporate lets Long lets |
| Access: | Car essential Nearest amenities: 3km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | May take pets - please enquire Smokers welcome Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, Private outdoor pool (heated), Internet access, DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | TV, Video player, CD player, Pool / Snooker table, Table tennis, Games room, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Iron |
| Utilities: | Dishwasher, Cooker, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 10 Bedrooms, 7 bathrooms of which 4 en suites and 3 shower rooms |
| Furniture: | Sofabeds (3), Single beds (6), Double beds (7), Cots (3), Dining seating for 20, Lounge seating for 12 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided Highchair available |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (heated), Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available, Swing set |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
Mike & Emma bought this huge cortijo Farmhouse in 2002 and spent the next two years lovingly restoring it to its full grandeur and adding the modern airy barn conversion - The Casita. In 2004 we welcomed our first summer guests and were bowled over by the response. Six years on we have made many improvements to the luxury of Finca El Almendrillo.
. The 150 year old Farmhouse consists of:
- seven picturesque pine-beamed bedrooms.
- most can be adapted to twin or double use.
- sofa-beds in two living and walk-through rooms provide extra sleeping space.
- Gran Sala (11 by 7.5 metres) is a cool and ambient woodlined refuge to meet and chat/watch a DVD/use WiFi during the mid-day heat.
The Casita is a sensitive architect-designed barn conversion offering some independence from the rest of the group with
• -three more bedrooms
• -second indoor kitchen
• Altogether the Finca boasts ample space for 20 or even more (contact owner).
Further details outdoors:
Finca el Almendrillo is an acre and a half (6000 square metres) of rural haven in total privacy surrounded by the whirr of crickets in the picturesque olive groves.
-To the south the famous view of goat pasture and oak forest stretching to the hills of the Sierra de Loja and to the east the majestic Sierra Nevada.
-Traditional central courtyard provides a focus for daily life with its own outdoor kitchen featuring huge barbecue and catering grade cooker (catering arranged on request).
-Two enclosed private gardens.
-Numerous balconies, terraces and shaded spots.
-Massive 17 metre / 55 foot pool (deep and shallow end, roman steps for toddler paddling) adjacent to generous terrace and pergola.
-Pool is gated,fenced and a distance from house to ensure child safety.
Further details
-All guests receive detailed information on the area and the Finca to ensure an excellent holiday.
- Welcome food and drink provided.
-Owners contactable by phone in case of difficulty or just a question.
-Network of tradesmen available.
-Finca El Almendrillo is totally solar-powered offering carbon-neutral holiday relaxation.
Conditions
Special booking conditions:
-Deposit payable to secure.
-Returnable damage deposit against accidental damage beyond normal wear and tear.
-Smokers are welcome to smoke on the many outside terraces.
Photos
The Andalucia / Granada Province region
Finca El Almendrillo occupies an almost unique position happily placed equally distant from the Andalucian big three ancient sities (Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla) and the Coast at Malaga (Costa del Sol) and Motril and La Herradura (Costa Tropical). All of these are easily within 90 minutes drive from El Almendrillo, save for Sevilla which will take a little more than 2 hours on the direct A92 motorway.
Within this area Granada Province and it’s neighbours offer an untold wealth of popular destinations (including the magnificent Ronda) and unknown corners of the real Spain, quiet and virtually unseen by tourists in decades – for example upland parts of the romantic Alpujarras.
Throughout the region weather is guaranteed sunny and hot during the summer months.
The Granada area
Many holiday-makers at El Almendrillo never leave the Finca ! But if after a few days’ poolside relaxation (and an idyllic, safe environment for young and old) you feel the need to get out and about , 10 minutes drive from El Almendrillo there is the village of Fuente del Conde with supermarket and Los Pajaritos bar and restaurant. En route you will pass through beautiful countryside seeing (with luck) baby goats, sheep, hoopoes and peacocks.
Further afield we can help you organise horse-riding for novices or fully-experienced (or both together), tennis or point you in the right direction for unforgettable views on a day’s walk or mountain-bike trip to the spectacular limestone crags of Torcal and the amazing Wolf Park.
Within 15 minutes drive there are four restaurants which we are happy to recommend giving a variety of local cuisine – traditional and modern. In the nearby white town of Iznajar there are bars, restaurants and a 9th century Moorish citadel to explore. Further afield (30 mins drive) the towns of Loja and Archidona offer real Spain, shopping and a pleasant, relaxed café society.
All guests receive an email giving useful information about their future holiday and on arrival at Finca El Almendrillo you will find an up-to-date file giving suggestions of outings (water-parks, zoo) near and far. We are happy to respond to queries and questions from the moment you click on us to the last day of your holiday !
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Granada: 55 km |
| Ferry: | Malaga: 60 km |
Granada or Malaga airport. Approximate driving time 1 hr (Granada) 1 hr 10 mins (Malaga).
Make an easy and economic choice from Easyjet, Monarch, Ryanair, Flybe and many others. Numerous cheap car hire options at both airports.
Activities near Granada
Tennis in town
Watersports
Waterpark
Horse Riding
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
A winter sun break
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 17 Oct 2011 |
We stayed at Mike's house for two weeks this summer. We had a large group (27 total)-- consisting of babies, children, adults and grandparents. Everyone felt completely comfortable, with plenty of space to hang out with each other or get away to be alone to read or rest. The main house and casita are spacious, but we spent most of our time outside enjoying all the different sitting areas and views. We circulated between time at the pool- which is enormous, dinner in the courtyard with the outdoor kitchen, in the side yard where Mike and Emma have a playhouse, hammocks, and "rock wall" for the kids to enjoy, and in the backyard where the ping pong tables are. There are beautiful old trees to climb, and hammocks scattered in different areas of the property. We wanted the children to see more of Spain, but they did not want to leave the Finca. Mike found us a great baby sitter, so that the adults could do some day trips. You don't have to worry about packing entertainment for the kids- Mike provides more than enough toys, games, books, scooters, bikes etc for all to enjoy. Mike also provided gates for stairways since we had toddlers in our group. There are several really nice towns to visit- Loja, Antequera, Iznajar, and Rute are just a few of them. Larger cities, like Granada and Malaga are an hour away. Sevilla was a two hour drive. Ths is the perfect place to come, especially if you have small children or older adults. It is safe, private, and comfortable. You can tour many beautiful, interesting parts of Spain, but then come home to cook and swim and enjoy each other in an amazingly beautiful setting. |
11 Oct 2011 |
An amazing experience! Beautiful house in a moorish style makes you feel like you are in Morocco. Breathtaking views of the mountains from terraces, especially good when viewed from the hammocks with... more |
22 Aug 2011 |
Après un petit périple culturel en Andalousie, nous avons fait route , en ce début du mois d'août 2011, pour une semaine de détente à «Finca El Almendrillo », que nous ne pouvons que recommander aux amateurs de nature et d'authenticité. Tout y est réuni pour un séjour de détente exceptionnel à la campagne : vue unique sur les champs d'oliviers, piscine immense surplombant les cultures, nombreuses terrasses, maison spacieuse, beaucoup de chambres équipées de salle de bain, jeux divers pour les enfants, lits fait à l'arrivée, grande amabilité et disponibilité des personnes qui, tous les deux jours, passent nettoyer la piscine, arroser et s'assurer que vous n'avez besoin de rien. Les propriétaires, Mike et Emma, ont fait de ce lieux un endroit magique qu'ils ont à cœur de partager en vous donnant toutes les informations pratiques sur la maison, le village, ses environs et les sites à découvrir. |
Guestbook for Finca El Almendrillo
Reviews from 2010.
Spanish atmosphere and perfect comfort - Five familys (a total of 22 small and big persons) made this comfortable and charming farmhouse our own during a trembling hot week in July 2010. Some of us are quite experienced when it comes to renting summerhouses in Europe (8 years in Italy, France and Portugal) and our evaluation showed that Almendrillo was one of the best places we have guested !...For the adults cooking good food and having long late dinners are important - Almendrillo made it possible since there are three good kitchens. We used one kitchen only as breakfast kitchen and the two others for our big lunches and dinners. Every night we choosed a new spot and and a new atmosphere for our dinner - intimacy on the courtyard, magnificence on the front terrace or the closeness to the stars and the moon on the upper terrace. Not even a week has passed since we came back to Sweden, but I already long back to Almendrillo!
Anna, Sweden, July 2010.
I had dreamed of celebrating my 60th birthday with a gathering of my family in a truly Spanish courtyard under the blue Andalucian sky and El Almendrillo provided everything I could have wished.There were fourteen of us ranging in age from 8 months to 90 years and the range of accommodation provided by the Farmhouse and the Casita was excellent. The swimming pool is absolutely splendid – acknowledged by all to be the best private pool we have known – safely situated with closable gate so we could relax when in the house and the little girls could run around to their heart’s content. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were enjoyed all together in the courtyard or on the terrace but there are also lots of lovely areas for people to be on their own and just to absorb the peace of the breathtaking views. We enjoyed a very good meal in Antonio’s Bar from which the fitter walked home in the evening light. We only wished we could have stayed longer.
Celia, UK, May 2010
Our holiday at Almendrillo was fantastic, truly one of the best holidays I and my friends have ever had. I and three other families rented the house in August for 2 weeks. Nothing prepared us for the stunning beauty of the farmhouse and its location - perched on the side of a hill, overlooking miles upon miles of olive groves...If you want peace - but not boredom, if you want to have fun with your friends - but not be on top of one another, if you
want to spend hours by a huge swimming pool, if you want to hear your kids reading to one another perched in a massive Spanish oak tree, if you want to visit a Flamenco shop or eat great tapas in Malaga at the drop of a hat or visit the Alhambra on a morning’s excursion or if you simply want to wake up early and watch a group of swallows on the move not five feet away from you... then you are in the right place. At the end of the day, this is what life is all about. It simply doesn’t get any better than this.
Helen , Brooklyn New York, August 2010.
I can't recommend Almendrillo enough.. it's a fantastic set up, and was ideal for our group of 17, with loads of space, and different areas for relaxing, as well as a beautiful courtyard for big meals. Other places we've been to as a group have been a bit cramped, but the sheer size of the villa, and all the terraces, lounges, taken with its relative seclusion, make it perfect for big groups like ours. There is no shortage of bedrooms / bathrooms / kitchens / living areas - I don't think we knew all of them by the end of our week...I would recommend this place without any reservation for a big group of friends wanting a relaxed holiday.This is by far the best villa we've been to, and the only one I would be happy to come back to year after year... An unforgettable week.
Niten, Bristol UK, July 2010
We have had a fantastic week at Almendrillo with our children and grandchildren - 19 persons alltogether. The Finca is perfect for a big family and a lot of fun for the kids. All our expectations were fullfilled!
Poul, Copenhagen Denmark, July 2010
What a pleasure it was, when arranging a family holiday (for a group of thirteen), to spend our time at El Almendrillo. Our family embraced three generations. We were initially attracted by the wonderful, user friendly website. First impressions were immediately reinforced by the very helpful e-mail communications which ensued. When we arrived at El Almendrillo we enjoyed the stunning scenery and the really warm welcome that we received from the owners, Mike and Emma.
The accommodation was ideal for our group. There was plenty of space and privacy for everybody, while still sharing the same large house. In addition to the generous indoor space, the several outdoor sitting areas lent themselves towards leisurely meals al fresco. For the more active, the large swimming pool (within its own enclosed compound) was always immaculately clean and had spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The outdoor facilities provided plenty of fun for all ages.
For those who wished to leave El Almendrillo (which we did very reluctantly), the availability of mountain bikes provided an opportunity to explore the adjoining olive groves. The nearby goat farm gave a chance for the younger family members to get to know the goats in their natural environment. The very welcoming riding stables nearby allowed both the young and old to go horse riding. We obtained very useful advice about getting in local catering which was second to none – such a pleasure when a restful night (away from the kitchen) was required! El Almendrillo is a very well equipped house and an ideal venue which all contributed towards easy living. As a holiday location, it has so much to offer and it proved to be a perfect choice.
Bryan & Anne, Dublin June 2010
Reviews from 2009
At the Finca you could ask for nothing more, the farmhouse is full of character and the views truly breathtaking. The kids had hours of endless fun in the huge swimming pool while we just sat back and took in the view...If you want to chill out and relax there is no better place."
Debbie, Edinburgh UK 2009
Thank you for the amazing retreat for our family holiday, we haven't ever seen so many members of the family so relaxed and happy at any one time before. The location and ambiance of the Finca is so relaxing, completely away from it all surrounded by lovely countryside which is fantastic for walking. With so many seating areas, balconies and hidden corners it was easy for everyone to find peace and quiet on their own if needed, or enjoy spending time with the whole family around one of your huge tables eating, drinking and talking until the early hours. All the children (and adults!) have come home wanting to stay forever and we all agree that it would be a special place to come back and enjoy again and again. We all especially loved the huge pool which is big enough to swim a few lengths and have all the kids splashing around. We also enjoyed the pool table and football table on which we hosted a family football tournament. The views speak for themselves but have to be seen to be believed, especially in the evening - we've never seen so many stars in the night sky.
Lisa & Nik , Swindon UK, 2009
We spent 2 weeks at Almendrillo in June this year and we had what I can only call “The Holiday of a Lifetime!” There were 16 in our group, 10 adults and 6 kids (15-4). It was absolutely perfect for us. The house is really big with well furnished spacious rooms and a real homely feel. The courtyard was perfect for family meals in the evening. The pool is big and safe, we spent many an hour chilling out watching the kids enjoy the pool. The view from the house is second to none..miles and miles of olive trees, hills and the occasional farmhouse. I had the pleasure of horse riding over that terrain and it was amazing. We went for walks through the hills also with a rewarding dip to finish! There was loads to do for everyone between bikes, table tennis, climbing trees and excellent day trips. Granada, the Torcal, Cordoba, Antequera..all well worth a visit. We didn’t bother with the coast as the pool was so good. I would thoroughly recommend the house for a few families or a large group of friends. It was an absolute privilege to spend time there!"
Aine, Dublin, July 2009
We didn't just flourish in El Almendrillo, we had an unforgettable, vintage time, which will live long in all our memories. From El Almendrillo there is no habitation to be seen anywhere except a picturesque ruin in the valley a pleasant walk away. This 150 year old Finca was not just beautiful but serene in its landscape. The idle elders of the family could spend the whole day with a glass of Rioja imbibing the corduroy lines of olives and hills topped with windmills. There are several keen walkers among us, who got up most mornings at 6.00a.m, drove the hour and a half to the Sierras and experienced walks to rival the Alps. Some of us joined the multitudes in Cordoba and Granada and were predictably astonished, the Finca lies between them both. For the grandchildren El Almendrillo is a paradise, it has quite the best pool we have ever rented. The village is about half a mile downhill from the Finca but there lies a herd of goats and a charming goatherd who lets small children watch the milking and the cheese making. In the evening we gathered under a large holm oak tree, with brown children in its branches and sang all our childhood songs in the nightjars. The lunatics carried their beds out on to the balconies and slept under the stars. Indelible memories of El Almendrillo."
Jane, Dublin August 2009
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros € | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 10 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Spring 2012 | 17 Mar 12 | 26 May 12 | € 1900 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Early Summer | 26 May 12 | 9 Jun 12 | € 2150 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer special offer ! | 9 Jun 12 | 30 Jun 12 | € 1980 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer | 30 Jun 12 | 21 Jul 12 | € 2600 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Midsummer | 21 Jul 12 | 1 Sep 12 | € 2600 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late Summer / Autumn | 1 Sep 12 | 10 Nov 12 | € 2150 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Prices for group size 14 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Spring 2012 | 17 Mar 12 | 26 May 12 | € 1900 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Early Summer | 26 May 12 | 9 Jun 12 | € 2150 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer special offer ! | 9 Jun 12 | 30 Jun 12 | € 1980 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer | 30 Jun 12 | 21 Jul 12 | € 2600 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Midsummer | 21 Jul 12 | 1 Sep 12 | € 2600 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late Summer / Autumn | 1 Sep 12 | 10 Nov 12 | € 2150 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Prices for group size 20 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Spring 2012 | 17 Mar 12 | 26 May 12 | € 2300 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Early Summer | 26 May 12 | 9 Jun 12 | € 2600 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer special offer ! | 9 Jun 12 | 30 Jun 12 | € 2080 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer | 30 Jun 12 | 21 Jul 12 | € 2950 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Midsummer | 21 Jul 12 | 1 Sep 12 | € 2950 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late Summer / Autumn | 1 Sep 12 | 10 Nov 12 | € 2300 | - | - | 1 Week |
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Spring, Summer & Autumn 2012 - Prices are for one week bookings in the The Farmhouse (sleeps 14) or the Whole Finca (sleeps 20).
The Whole Finca consists of The Farmhouse plus The Casita.
In Spring and Autumn we also offer the Casita for off-season breaks - Self-contained two-bedroom house, third bedroom also available.
All prices includes cleaning, welcome food and drink, bed linen and towels. For longer bookings price also includes mid-stay clean and change of bed linen and towels. For further details please contact Mike & Emma
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 |
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Availability notes:
Now taking bookings for April - October 2012. Excellent rate per person per night for large groups of families and friends Please contact Mike & Emma with any questions.
Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 3 years listed You are contacting Mike & Emma
Languages spoken     The owner is based in Spain and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2008. This villa has received 9 reviews from previous guests.  |
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