1 Bedroom Hillside Casita near Tarifa, Andalucia, Spain
- Mountainous
- Near the Sea
- Village / Rural
- Garden
- Swimming Pool
- Beach nearby
- Golf nearby
- Horse Riding
- Therapies
- Walking
- Watersports
- Child Friendly
- Ideal for honeymoons
The casita’s location in Andalucia is breathtaking, and just the ticket for anyone looking for unusual places to stay. Situated on a beautiful terraced mountainside that looks to another continent, it sits in front of the entrance to the Alcornocales National Park and below it, a winding road delivers you to the unspoilt beaches of cosmopolitan Tarifa and the Costa de La Luz. This is a well-placed springboard to all things Spanish, or an idyllic place to just stop.
The casita stands alone in our gardens, and, while you have total privacy, we can help you with any aspect of your stay - perhaps a guide to Morocco, a horse ride along the dunes, kite-surfing lessons or simply a pointer to some of the best tapas bars in the area. Algeciras has a lively daily market that is almost timeless, where stall holders selling local cheese, jamon, and fresh fish display a truly authentic slice of life. Go early for hot churros and the best catch, then in the evening you can barbecue under the stars with the twinkling lights of Africa in the distance. If the famous Levante wind picks up on the beaches, our spring-fed pool is the perfect place to shelter. The best time to come is between April and September, so you can make the most of outdoor living. Cook on the terrace, read a book in the shade of the orange tree and marvel at the light catching on the Rif Mountains in the distance.
The casita is 340 metres above sea level, a ten minute car ride takes you to the beach and the view from your terrace provides an ever changing display of light and colour on the mountains of Morocco's coastline. You could easily spend time doing nothing, but if you want to venture out, historic and beautiful places like Sevilla, Cadiz and Vejer are all near enough for a day trip. You need a car to get around here with ease, but a memorable car free day would be to take the train into the mountains toward Ronda.
Getting There:
The house is situated off the N340, 20 minutes from Gibraltar and 1.5 hours from Malaga. From Malaga take the N340 to Algeciras/Cadiz (take the E15 toll road to Sotogrande, then the coast road). From Algeciras continue on the main N340 to Cadiz. As you enter Pelayo, the two lane uphill traffic reduces to one lane. Pass restaurant Juan Mora and pass under a footbridge and Bar Las Piedras. Turn off here and continue in the same direction but on parallel slip road. After 100m take the first right into Calle Sierra de Lucena. Continue straight on, pass a rubbish bin and take left-hand fork at yellow wall. We are at the end of this track. Please sound your horn. From Cadiz, take signs for Tarifa/Algeciras. Pelayo is at KM98. Drive down the main road and at the metal footbridge, go to the central reservation and turn left into Las Piedras. Then follow instructions as above.
Nearest Airport:
Gibraltar 30 minute drive
Nearest Train Station:
Algeciras 10 minute drive
Nearest Bus Stop:
Algeciras
Nearest Ferry:
Algeciras or Tarifa
Nearest Restaurant:
Pelayo
Nearest Beach:
Tarifa
Nearest Shop:
Algeciras or Tarifa
Nearest Market:
Algeciras
Car Hire:
- N/A -
Interior Details
The casita started life as a grand chicken house but is now comfortably furnished in calm colours. It is built on one level with a series of steps up and down to the grassy terraces. Some of the paths are cobbled so may not be so accessible for the elderly. Practically, the casita is equipped with all you need to make a good meal – the small galley kitchen has a gas hob and electric oven plus a small fridge with freezer. The bathroom has a shower with a mini bath tub; if you have small children then it doubles well for you all. We provide towels and these are changed midweek. We also provide kitchen linen and we are happy to give you pool towels to help save on luggage.
Exterior Details
The entire property is set on a hill and once upon a time the land was sculpted into terraces and became the local market garden. Today the terraces still remain and have been lovingly cared for by Santiago the gardener and his family for over 40 years. Owners from around the world have introduced different plants and the seasons bring a wonderful show of flowers, explosions of fragrant mimosa in the winter, strong sculptural Calla lilies in the spring and bursts of blue Agapanthus in June. The house backs onto the national park and many ancient cork trees have lived through the changes in the garden over the years. The combination of care and nature has created a garden that feels managed and natural at the same time. Jasmine, Dama de Noche and orange blossom all have their moment in the passing of a year and fill the evening air with their fragrant perfumes. The immediate outside stone terrace has a small dining table and various seating arrangements.
Further Details
The casita is set up to sleep two people very comfortably. In the summer months, where the majority of time is spent outside, we have had many families with young children that have chosen to add extra beds and share the sleeping space. We also have a travel cot with mattress/bed linen should you come with your baby. If you arrive on a Sunday and would like a basic shop ready for your arrival please email us a list. Note that all shops are closed on Sunday and regular supermarket times are approximately 9am – 9pm Monday - Saturday. You will need some form of ID (either passport or driving license) for most credit card purchases in shops even if you know your pin. Holidays are a time for treats and if you would like to have a massage on site then this can be arranged.
Conditions of Rental
A 50% deposit, paid by bank transfer, is required on booking and the balance (also payable via bank transfer) must be received no less than 4 weeks prior to arrival. Check out is 10.30 am, check in is 1pm - 2.30 pm or 6pm - 7pm. If your travel plans greatly differ with our check in times, please consult us when making your booking. Please note we do not accept credit cards. In terms of cancellation, we require 6 weeks’ notice to refund your deposit in full. Any notice less than this period and the deposit will be retained.
