Lecrin Valley holiday cottage rental, Albunuelas with walking, beach/lake nearby, log fire, balcony/terrace, rural retreat

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La Joya (The Jewel) (cottage)

Home description

The sunny roof terrace has views south, over the Rio Santo gorge and West to the Sierra de Albunuelas and for more outside space - there is use of our beautiful garden with palm tree, oranges, lemons, olives, pomegranites, figs and many aromatic herbs. Visitors can help themselves to fruit in season.

The house has many lovingly restored features such as the wood and rush ceiling in the bedroom and the old iron balcony covered with brilliantly coloured pots of geraniums - which was a feature from the original building. There are also many romantic extras such as low lighting in the tower staircase, concealed lights within Moorish Arches and the tiny ' blue star' skylight high in the bedroom wall.

In addition to the traditional features - there are also many invisible contemporary comforts such as underfloor heating in winter, a good shower with plenty of hot water, a washing machine/tumble dryer tucked away in a cupboard, and a well equipped kitchen with new appliances.

There are no cars in the old Barrio Bajo of Albunuelas, although donkeys pass the ground floor windows of the house each day on their way to work in the orange and olive groves. Freshly baked bread and fish from the coast can be bought each day from hawkers in the square below the church. There are bars restaurants and village shops within walking distance and the village square has a weekly market on Thursdays.

While the tradtional Spanish way of life is preserved in Albunuelas, it is still only 30 minutes from the historic city of Granada, with the stunning Alhambra Palace (one of the most beautiful buildings in the world) elegant plazas, fountains, wonderful tapas bars, Moorish bath houses and a vibrant souk in the Moroccan quarter.
The Sierra Nevada Ski resort and the Costa Tropical are both also within easy reach. For further pictures and information about the property and the area please enquire.

Living Room	View South from terrace - overlooking the Rio Santo Gorge
Living Room Glimpsed through Moorish Arch	Bedroom with lovely balcony

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12885

The Costa Tropical/Granada region

The historic city of Granada (with its vibrant Moroccan quarter and the attractions of the Alhambra and the Generalife) are a 30 minute drive. The Lecrin Valley is adjacent to the Alpujarras (the highest villages in Spain -made famous by Chris Stewart's book 'Driving Over Lemons'). The spa town of Lanjarron is a short drive and higher Alpujarran villages such as Pampaneira, Capileira and Bubion are accessible within an hour.

The dramatically situated coastal town of Salobreña, clinging to a rock with its castle perched on top, is a 35 minute drive away. The larger town of Almuñecar a few minutes further on has an interesting market on Friday mornings. Marina del Este has a few exclusive shops and a couple of nice waterfront restaurants overlooking the Marina. More secluded beaches can be found around La Herradura. A little further on still lies the more cosmopolitan coastal town of Nerja with its famous caves.

Skiing is available at the Sierra Nevada ski resort - one of the most exciting places to ski (the venue for the 1996 world ski championship). At over 9000 ft (skiing from 3500 metres down to 2000 metres) it is one of the highest resorts in Europe and can be reached within a drive of about 45 mins - 1hr 15 mins, depending on conditions. Ski hire and ski passes are available either in the resort itself or in the centre of Granada, next to the bus stop for the Granada-Sierra Nevada bus (which runs regularly). An international ski school is available on site. There are 70km of ski runs, 45 pistes (with more than enough variety to suit all levels), 300 snow machines and views of Africa from the top. Night skiing by floodlight!

There are two golf courses in Granada province, plus a new one to be completed soon. The 18 hole Granada Club de Golf in Las Gabias is 30 mins away and is signposted from Armilla. No reservations necessary. Clubs can be hired and if you play in the morning, the cost for 18 holes is approximately 20 euros (more on Sundays and festivals). The 9 hole course Los Moriscos is 40 minutes away in Motril.

Lecrin Valley / Albunuelas area

The lower barrio of Albuñuelas has a bar/restaurant of some character and the local bread van and fish hawkers visit each morning to sell their wares in the street just below the church. The upper barrio, a short walk away, has several shops, a bank, bars and restaurants and a weekly market on Thursday mornings. There are several nice swimming pool/restaurants in nearby villages. Guided walks are available from local English residents which start from the village and can take in items of historical interest (Moorish, Roman, Iberian) as well as the flora and fauna of the valley. Ideal for relaxation and perfect for walkers or bird watchers. The epic GR7 walk from Algeciras to Istanbul passes the door and one of the GR7 markers can be seen upon the wall. The lush valley just beyond the house is rich with oranges, almonds, grapes, figs, pomegranates, persimmons, and prickly pears. In the spring the air is perfumed with orange and almond blossom. The higher slopes of the gorge abound with olives and the scent of wild herbs. In the evenings one can sit upon the roof terrace and watch the eagles soaring as the sun sets over the gorge. The Moors christened this place the Valley of Joy.

For intrepid travellers there is magnificent drive from the village, over the Camino Forestal until you hit the back road from Granada to Almunecar (via Otivar and Jete). Turn South on this road to drive through dramatic limestone scenery down to the coast (or stop off to see the waterfalls near Otivar). Alternatively cross straight over the Granada road and carry on to warm waters of Lake Bermejales or the thermal pools of Alhama de Granada.

There always seem to be fiestas going on somewhere in the area. The main events in the Albunuelas village calendar are Semana Santa (Easter Week) - every town and village has its own processions (the ones in Granada are stunning and justly famous); the day of the Virgin - a week-long summer fiesta with sangria parties, children's activities, marching bands and processions - culminates on August 15th; & May Crosses - when the village is decorated with flowers and crosses of all sorts. Corpus Christi is also a big celebration in Granada and there is also an annual music festival. To see real flamenco, visit some of the many cave-restaurants in the Gypsy area of Sacromonte.

The beautiful Lecrin Valley is also great base for fishing with huge carp in the Embalse de Beznar and barbel fishing in the Rio Santo. Nearby, the Embalse de Quentar, north-east of Granada & further into the Sierra Nevada, is easily accessible despite its remote location. It has steep sides but with several flat areas ideal for a range of fishing styles. A little further still on the same road is the Embalse de Frederico Abellan. This is bigger and more open in aspect with large shallow coves all round. Both have carp, barbel, trout and bass & the restaurant built into the cliffs at the Frederico Abellan has a fantastic view to boot.
Contact us for details on how to easily obtain a Spanish fishing licence.

How to get there

Airports - Granada (30 mins); Malaga (2 hrs); Almeria (2 hrs)
Cheap flights - RyanAir & Monarch to Granada; Easyjet RyanAir, Monarch, Thompsonfly, Flybe etc etc to Malaga
Airport Car hire available at Granada and Malaga from www.hellehollis.com (15% discount when you quote our Owner's Club number H0508).
Full directions to the property sent on confirmation of booking.

Activities near Lecrin Valley

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Roof terrace with views of the Rio Santo gorge.
Double bedroom with comfortable double bed, stunning beam and rush ceiling and balcony.
Living/Dining area with sofabed (which could sleep 2 more -although this property is recommended for couples).
Beautiful new bathroom with excellent shower and plenty of hot water.
Well equipped kitchen area with golden granite surfaces and brand new, high quality appliances, oven, hob, concealed extractor, fridge (with small freezer section). Kettle, coffee maker, juicer etc.
Heated towel rail and underfloor heating in winter.

Further details outdoors:
Behind an ancient wooden door in a stone wall lies our beautiful garden-with-a-view among the orange orchards. We have a palm tree, oranges, lemons, pomegranites, grapes, figs, olives and aromatic herb banks. Help yourself in season. In the garden shed you will find chairs, paddling pool, BBQ etc.

Further details

Garden is shared with the neighbouring rental property.

Conditions

Not suitable for the infirm.

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
	6 Jul 07	1 Oct 07	350£  278	0-	0-	1 Week
1st Oct - 16th Dec	1 Oct 07	17 Dec 07	250£  198	0-	0-	1 Week
17th Dec - 2nd Jan	17 Dec 07	3 Jan 08	350£  278	0-	0-	1 Week
3rd Jan - 1st Feb	3 Jan 08	2 Feb 08	190£  151	0-	0-	1 Week
2nd Feb - 1st April	2 Feb 08	2 Apr 08	250£  198	0-	0-	1 Week
2nd April - 10th April	2 Apr 08	11 Apr 08	350£  278	0-	0-	1 Week
11th April - 1st July	11 Apr 08	1 Jul 08	270£  214	0-	0-	1 Week
1st July - 30th Sept	1 Jul 08	30 Sep 08	350£  278	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Flexible Start days.
We can accept payment in euros or sterling

Availability notes

To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12885

Contact owner

To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12885

Contact details for home 12885 Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:	Denise Guest
Tel:	+44 (0)1929 481229
Mobile:	+34 610 939954
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Contact Notes: Email
Advertiser joined: 22 Jun 2006 This property added: 22 Jun 2006

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