Molino Rio Alajar

The Rural Houses of Molino Rio Alajar is living proof that paradise still exists on earth - and an undiscovered one at that. Set amidst cork oak and chestnut forests in the Natural Park of the Sierra de Aracena, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the 7 stone cottages that make up the Molino are an ideal point from which to discover it. Once there, the only sound the visitor is likely to hear is that of the birds trying to out-sing each other, or perhaps one of the three donkeys that Pieter keeps for children to ride on, "heehawing" away.

A rural setting indeed! This rustic ambience (you may even take vegetables from the patch if you plan to cook dinner) does not come at the expense of modern comforts. A truly nice touch, for example, is the under floor heating in all cottages, which keeps those feet warm and cosy in the winter months. Other curiosities include the old chair and mirror obtained from local barbershop in the pretty neighbouring Alajar village. In fact, the majority of furnishings are all locally bought or made. Should you want to explore the vicinity then a short walk from the Molino takes you along country lanes to Alajar (Arabic for stone) with its white houses and winding, cobbled streets. Some of the bars and restaurants are considered to be the best in the region, not surprisingly as this is ham-producing country par excellence; home to the famous Jamón de Bellota - where the piggies are left free to scrub for the bellotas or acorns, no industrial rubbish here – and the quality of the resulting cured ham is famed throughout the land. Should you wish to burn off those extra calories, may we suggest a scenic walk to the river nearby.

In summary, The Molino Rio Alajar is one of those idyllic secret places that nature enthusiasts and families of all types (children in particular will appreciate the freedom and donkeys) will surely love. Highly recommended.

THE HOUSES:

La Cigüeña and El Conejo: Each house sleeps 4 - 6 people and has under floor heating in all rooms and a large sitting-room with an open fire. The kitchen area is to the side with a five-ring gas hob and electric oven, fridge and a good selection of stainless steel cookware, cutlery and earthenware. The bathroom is downstairs. There are four single beds in the gallery room upstairs. The main bedroom (double bed and en suite bathroom) is on the side of the house and has a separate entrance.

In El Conejo, this room is also accessible through a door from the living room and the gallery has been divided into two separate areas for privacy. Both houses have a terrace. El Buho: House for two persons with a bed-sitting room (wood-burning stove) and an en suite bathroom. There is a kitchen and a small terrace on the side. La Tortuga: Sleeps up to four persons. The house has a living room with a fireplace, underfloor heating and kitchen area, two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two single beds, and two bathrooms. There is a terrace at the side.

El Águila: Suitable for a couple or a small family. House consists of a living room with a kitchen area and a fireplace and has underfloor heating. The bedroom has a double bed, a bathroom with full size bath, and a spiral staircase leading to an entresol with two beds for children.

Zoya: House for 4 persons with floor heating. It has a sitting-room with an open fireplace, a dining area and kitchen to the side. The kitchen is well-equipped and has a five-ring gas hob with electric oven and refrigerator. French windows open onto a raised terrace overlooking the river. Off the sitting-room a doorway leads down steps to a bedroom with two single beds and en suite bathroom. With a separate outside entrance, the second bedroom includes a double bed with en suite bathroom.