About our self catering holiday villa for rent in Frigiliana on the Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain
| Location: | Frigiliana, Costa del Sol | Pet Friendly: | some pets - please enquire | |
| Accommodation Type: | self catering accommodation | Changeover Day/Time: | fully flexible however check-in/out time dependent on incoming/outgoing guest | |
| Sleeps Up To: | 5 people (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) | Access: | car not necessary, 400m walk to village on level and surfaced road | |
| Rental Rates: | 355 - 700 euros/week | Family Friendly: | suitable for families with children, the elderly, infirm or those with reduced mobility | |
| Nearest Beach: | Torrecilla, Burriana beach in Nerja: 7kms | Rental Types Considered: | short term lets, long term lets, long winter lets, short breaks, vacation rentals |
Location, location, location
Just a short drive to Nerja on the coast
Our holiday villa is within a stone's throw of the beatuiful village of Frigiliana, a small but lively village in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara and only 7 kilometres inland on the Costa del Sol and the nearest major town, Nerja, on the coast. Frigiliana and Nerja are on the eastern edge of the province of Malaga in the larger region known as Andalucia.
...and just a short walk from the house to the village
The villa couldn't be more suitably located, being but a short, effortless walk into the village along the flat and surfaced country lane. Do not even think of getting into your car! - as you can so easily walk into the village to meet up with friends for a refreshing midday drink, or dine in one of the top-notch restaurants or tapas bars in the evening. Coincidentaly, walking back to the house is not a problem either, even if you've had one too many! No pasa nada! That's the whole idea!
Or as the local shepherd, Sebastian, would say, "Happiness is but a mere step to the village followed by a pint or two of lager or a glass of the local wine."
However, being on holiday is not all about the easy access to the local bevys! Get yourself ready for a little history lesson!
History of the cortijo
The "cortijo" - country house or campo house as it is referred to in Andalucia - has an interesting history. During the 19th century, it was originally located in another spot lower down the valley near to a stream. Its position near to this stream was important for the easy access to the water as it was one of only three distilleries operating at the time in Frigiliana. Around the beginning of the second world war, there was a huge storm which caused flooding, and the stream rose as high as the front door of the building. Startled by this, the owner decided to relocate the house and distillery to a higher and safer position by literally dismantling the building; removing the rafters, beams, doors and windows, clay roof tiles and some of the stones from which the foundations and walls were built. The building was relocated higher up the valley and positioned above the original right of public passage that runs up the valley. Up until not too long ago, this was the only access path for getting out of Frigiliana to the north and to neighbouring villages in the mountains. It was literally just a narrow dirt track which was widened and paved only about eight or nine years ago.
At some point, the distillery stopped production and remained in a semi-abandoned state, being used only as a country refuge for temporary stop-offs and as a storeroom for agricultural tools and implements. The owner then became more interested in dedicating time to maintaining a small orchard on this and an adjacent piece of land until the property was then finally sold.
The restoration of the country house and the distillery
The original structure has been completely restored, keeping as much of, if not all of the original features while also preserving the style and the distinctive architectural features that typify these little country houses in Andalucia. For example, the thickness of the walls and the rough render were maintained throughout, both on the inside and the exterior. The thick stone and clay walls help keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Also, the shape and style of the windows were kept the same, although the size was modified slightly. Though typically characteristic and charming as they were, these smaller and randomly situated windows prevented to a significant degree much needed light from entering the building. The windows were modified using only traditional materials while respecting the window aesthetics and design style of the area. They are made from tropical hardwood and are of the triple-light, double casement type with an hermetic closing mechanism and double-glazing. The outer window design is of open-bevelled outer walls and a traditional clay tile windowsill.
The two bedrooms and bathrooms at the back were the original stables and animal pens while the front of the house was dedicated to the distillery. One of the bedrooms has direct access to a secluded terrace at the back of the house which catches the morning sun and has views up into the mountains. The high ceilings with their exposed beams create a spacious, bright and airy feeling. There are several doors around the house for easy access to the various terraces.
Restoration of country house complete!
Rural, self-catering accommodation at its best
Although the house is on sloping land, there are very few exterior and interior steps, which makes the accommodation particularly suited to elderly people or those with reduced mobility. Both bathrooms, for example, have walk-in shower stalls with anti-slip tiles. The villa is also perfect for families with children, couples or anyone just looking for rural, self catering accommodation but with the added convenience of being within close proximity to the village and its services.
Despite its convenient location, you would never know you were that close to the village. Our country house is in a typical rural setting, neatly tucked away in an adjacent and secluded valley. This priviledged position leaves only the surrounding countryside or "campo" and the Mediterranean sea in view for guaranteed relaxation and an enjoyable retreat.
The villa is perfectly located in the countryside on a surfaced country lane, and only an eight minute walk to the village.
Our country house is set amidst a typical mediterranean, rural, mountain landscape; a rugged mountainside covered in wild rosemary, thyme and lavender and remnants of old olive trees which were once part of a preexisting plantation. The house overlooks the winding country lane and boasts a great vantage point for witnessing the goings-on of rural, country life. The goatherd, who keeps his herd of goats further up the road, frequently passes by with his little rampaging lunatics in the evenings (only in the evenings). Keep that gate closed!!! Making less of a sensation however, but impressive nonetheless, is the very handsome pair of oxen that come by as infrequently and imposingly as an armoured bank truck. OMG! These beasts are huge! Look out also for the horses that go trotting by as part of a guided horseback excursion into the mountains led by Placido, or sometimes when Franci, Miguel or David take their horses up the lane for a trot and a bath, you can shout out and have them stop. Take a little sugar or a carrot out with you and they should happily let you stroke the horse.
Interior details of our typical Andalucian country house
Interior decoration and furnishing
We have made every effort to make the house as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, for both body and mind. As such, the house has been selectively and tastefully furnished, incorporating an interesting mix of modern and antique. The interior decoration has been carefully chosen in order to make the house as warm, comfortable and welcoming as possible with interesting and unique paintings and pictures in all rooms.
Bedrooms and bathrooms
The en suite bedroom is incredibly spacious and airy, with two large windows for letting in lots of light and cool breeze in the summer. The centre of attention of this bedroom simply has to be the fabulous four poster, cast iron, queen size bed. A huge armoire adds a sophisticated and distinguished touch. The en suite bathroom has a large walk-in shower stall of 90 x 90cm.
The en suite master bedroom.
The second bedroom is a double bedroom and is equipped with two single beds measuring 1,00m x 2,00m each. **These beds are designed to be joined together to make one huge king size bed** - absolutely marvelous for two couples - equates to reduced fighting and disagreement over the sleeping arrangements for the four poster bed! There is also an immensely spacious wardrobe and a writing desk and chair. This bedroom also has access to the secluded back terrace with table and chairs and garden bench - the perfect place for quietly waking up in the morning with your breakfast.
Fully equipped country-style kitchen
The kitchen is bright and deceptively spacious. It is ridiculously well equipped and includes an electric oven, range hood, combi fridge/freezer, microwave, hand held food mixer, electric juicer, lots of crockery, serving dishes, etc., tea set, BBQ implements, and a plethora of other accoutrements vital for making kitchen work quite literally a breeze. If you plan on coming for a long winter let or long holiday break and intend on putting the kitchen through its paces, you will be glad to know that there are insane amounts of counter space for flexing your stuff and getting up to all kinds of imaginable lunacies in the kitchen. There is good under-counter storage space as well, not to mention a large and separate larder which doubles-up as a laundry with lots of shelving. And let's not forget about the porcelain sink, adding a final and definitive touch to kitchen lovers' heaven on earth!
Other details
There are ceiling fans in all rooms for cooling off during the hot summer months; and for winter lets, a powerful, ecological 13kW pellet stove (pellet heater) provides the necessary heating requirements. For weekly winter lets, pellets are included in the rental, however, for long winter lets, pellets are provided at cost for lets of 8 days or more. Towels and bed linen are provided for all lets. For bookings of more than a week, extra sheets and towels are provided.
Satellite TV, hi-fi and pay-as-you-go internet are also included. However, Sony Playstation 2 and collection of games are also available for rent at a reasonable price per week. For this and other additional requirements, see the section on equipment hire.
Exterior features
Fully south-facing property with sea views.
The property is fully south-facing and provides splendid, elevated views of the surrounding countryside, down through the valley, over the avocado and mango plantations with lovely sea views in the distance. The exterior is furnished for outdoor dining and comfortable outdoor lounging. Have lunch or an evening meal outside on the terrace or laze around by the pool on the loungers watching the occasional passerby on their way into the village. If you are the intimate type in the morning, catch the sun on the back patio as it peeps over from behind the hill while enjoying a nice quiet breakfast. But as the day heats up, splash into the swimming pool and cool off while the BBQ is sizzling. Or simply spread out on a lounger with an ice-cold drink in hand with some nice music whilst getting a suntan and feeling the sweet cool breeze rippling over your skin.
South-facing, covered terrace and pool terrace.
Child-safe swimming pool
As an added safety measure, you can be in the living room and still have a clear view of the pool area for keeping an eye on the little ones playing outside. An important additional safety feature of the swimming pool is that the ladder can be unlatched and removed when the swimming pool is not in use making it fully child-safe, even if you are not keeping a constant eye on the children. Pool depth is 1.2m, width 3.5m
And if being lazy by the pool becomes too much of a bore, there are many outdoor activities and things to do both in and around Frigiliana!
Fruit trees and herb garden
The landscaping has now developed into an energetic, attractive young garden with developing flower beds, flowering vines and well developed fruit trees. The orange tree is fully mature and has already produced over several seasons. This year, as of October (2010), the lemon tree will bear lemons for the first time and will continue to do so on a continuous basis throughout the year. The lime tree is small, but like the lemon, is bearng for the first time and though a much smaller tree, already has a modest number of fruit. There is also a grapefruit, guava, and two banana trees. The banana tree has already borne a large fruit pod with young fruit that are quickly developing. There is also a small herb garden with various aromatic herbs. Guests are invited to pick the fruit when in season as well as the herbs for cooking in the kitchen.
The property is completely fenced and gated with a large sliding gate with a security lock. The driveway has sufficient onsite parking for 2 cars and is well lit at night. There is additional parking at the front of the house off the lane.
I have also set up a compost bin for collecting all organic waste from the kitchen.
Summary of Key Features
| Value for Money | Excellent value for money - exquisite and comfortable furnishings and decoration, excellent facilities and equipment, fearfully charming and bilingual host, 24hr assistance available. Simply one of the best properties to be found in rural Andalucia and the Costa del Sol. |
| Superb, Convenient Location | Unique little gem - gives you the best of both worlds - superb countryside location, fully south-facing with sea and mountain views yet only a convenient eight minute walk into the village on a flat and surfaced country lane. Car not necessary. |
| Rustic Authenticity | Villa with history, architecturally preserved, original and authentic features, added intrinsic value and a feeling of being in a family home. Positioned in a dispersed hamlet - feeling of exterior privacy and space maintained. |
| Idiosyncracies | Opportunity to witness goings-on of rural, country life - the goats, horses, oxen, trekkers, wild animals, countryside walks, general goings-on. Fruit trees and herb garden available for guests' use. |
| Additional Features | Well equipped and spacious kitchen, ceiling fans in all rooms, powerful pellet stove, duvets for the winter, large wardrobes in both bedrooms, mosquito screens on all windows, hairdryer provided, bed linen and towels provided, large and spacious terraces - covered and uncoverd, secure and ample parking for two cars, English Freeview/Satellite TV, pay-as-you-go internet, Stereo/CD player, mini-library with guide books and topographic map of the area, hotel coupons for bookings of two or three weeks, smokers welcome, dogs welcome but please enquire first. |
| Rental Rates and Group Size Options | Extremely competitive rates and excellent value for money. Two pricing structures based on different group sizes with an attractively discounted rate on bookings for two people, couples with a baby or young child, or individuals. |
| Safety and Security | Children can be watched upon when in the pool from the comfort of the living room or terrace. Fully child-safe pool as ladder can be unlatched and removed when pool is not in use. Property fully fenced with locking gate. Property is in a hamlet next to the village and not on its own or isolated from other houses, the village or main road. |