Molino Río Alájar, Casas rurales

Molino Rio Alajar, Aracena Natural Park, Andalucia, Spain - Explore & Book

"Wrapped round by forests of oak and chestnut, reached by the narrowest of lanes flanked by ancient dry-stone walls, there can be few settings as lovely as this. When I arrived, 2 dogs were lazing in the sun, a gardener was turning soil in the vegetable garden, and a dozen birdsongs punctuated the afternoon stillness. Río Alájar is a true rural retreat, but without a hint of horsehair shirt.Your home-from-home will be one of 6 seductively intimate guest cottages which horseshoe around the upper reaches of a broad sweep of garden, looking out to the verdant Alajar valley. The guiding ethos of the Molino is to respect your privacy even though, if the mood takes you, there’s a charming sitting room and library in the old mill house across the way. The network of footpaths which lead out from here are as beautiful as any in southern Spain. And for stay-at-homes there's a shared pool sculpted in amongst the oak trees at a discreet distance from the cottages, a tennis court, table football and even guitar lessons. There's an organic vegetable garden which you’re welcome to plunder for your self-catered meals. You'll be pushed to find a better base for a week of rural ramblings or indulgent family R&R. Highs This hidden corner of west Andalucia is beautiful with a capital ‘B’, and Alajar is the prettiest of the Aracena villagesThe Molino is set up with kids in mind and this place is simply perfect for a relaxing family holiday – there were masses of bambinos running around during our summer revisit The peaceful Aracena-Aroche Natural Park brims with waymarked footpaths; you can book a week's self-guided walkingThe feel-good factor of the natural surroundings is matched by the cosy and welcoming cottage interiorsEcotourism Club certified: solar powered, organic vegetable garden on site, food otherwise purchased locally, recycled materials deployed in the buildings, commitment preservation of wildlife and biodiversity Lows Arrival is by way of a long, narrow lane that was laid down with horses and carts in mind; it seems a bit of an ordeal the first time, but you soon get used to itYou're in a remote part of Andalucia: don't expect much English to be spoken in the villagesThere's no catering: Peter and Monica can provide a welcome hamper and shopping service, but you'll need to do the cooking (or walk into Alajar for meals)Bear in mind there's a 7-night minimum stay during peak seasonExpect to see lots of kids around during the school holidays (a plus for some)" - Guy Hunter Watts