Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Casa de la Lagartija (House of the Gecko) is a restored village house of great character situated in the spectacularly situated Moorish Village of Albunuelas - which overlooks the Rio Santo gorge and is reputed to be the most beautiful village in the Lecrin Valley. The house is an upside-down house on three floors with the Master Bedroom, Living Room and Roof Terraces all having wonderful views over the orange orchards and the gorge. The house has retained its Chestnut beams, colourful local tiles and copper sinks. The house also shares our garden among the orange orchards which can be used by tenants for BBQs, picnics or splashing about in the paddling pool. In the right season the oranges (as many as you can eat) are free! For futher pictures and information on the property or the area please contact us.
Master Bedroom with view of our orange orchard
Dawn from the side Terrace
Twin Bedroom
Exterior of Casa de la Lagartija - as seen on Channel 4
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12963
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.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Granada: 40 km
Railway:
Granada: 40 km
Ferry:
Motril: 20 km
Activities near Lecrin Valley
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Waterpark Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation A winter sun break Good nightlife City breaks Cycling holidays
Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Cots (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 4, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Further details indoors: Bedroom 1 with double bed. Bedroom 2 twin beds Also cot, highchair adaptor etc available on request.
Further details outdoors: Side terrace (from living room) with views Roof terrace with stunning views Shared use of beautiful garden
Further details
Can also be rented with the 1 bed house next door (La Joya - see separate entry), or with our two other similar 2 bed houses close by (Casa de la Puerta Grande or Casa Idrisi). Contact owner for further details.
Conditions
Location not suitable for the infirm.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
1 Sep 07
1 Oct 07
390£ 310
0-
0-
1 Week
1st Oct - 3rd Nov
1 Oct 07
4 Nov 07
250£ 198
0-
0-
1 Week
4th Nov - 15th Dec
4 Nov 07
15 Dec 07
225£ 179
0-
0-
1 Week
15th Dec - 6th Jan
15 Dec 07
6 Jan 08
390£ 310
0-
0-
1 Week
6th Jan - 9th Feb
6 Jan 08
10 Feb 08
225£ 179
0-
0-
1 Week
10th Feb - 31st March
10 Feb 08
1 Apr 08
290£ 230
0-
0-
1 Week
1st April - 28th April
1 Apr 08
29 Apr 08
390£ 310
0-
0-
1 Week
29th April - 31st May
29 Apr 08
1 Jun 08
330£ 262
0-
0-
1 Week
1st June - 30th Sept
1 Jun 08
1 Oct 08
390£ 310
0-
0-
1 Week
81
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. Flexible Start days. We can accept payment in euros or sterling
Guestbook
Just wanted to thank you for the use of Casa de la Lagartija. We had a really nice time, it's in a great location with lovely views out over the gorge just as your details described.....
The locals were very friendly and fussed over the children, the oranges were plentiful and the sun was shining......I'm sure we'll be looking to come back some time in the future.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12963
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12963
Contact details for home 12963
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Denise Guest
Tel:
+44 (0)1929 481229
Mobile:
+34 610 939954
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Languages:
Contact Notes: Email
Advertiser joined: 22 Jun 2006 This property added: 26 Jun 2006
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