Alcantarilla

An Andalucian idyll in the heart of the soaring Serrania de Ronda mountains, Alcantarilla is a converted Spanish farmhouse that has served the rolling smallholding for centuries.

     

Preserving all of its original features - from the pan tile roofs and doors, to the metre-thick stone walls and an ancient Moorish aqueduct that still functions to this day - there is very much a sense that you are treading on hallowed land. And indeed you are, for this winding valley was once populated by the Romans and later became the frontier between Arabic and Christian Europe, with fortresses lining its river and a famous battle taking place in the 15th century near the house. Functioning as a home for its owners, there are few places in Spain as comfortable and well appointed. The luxury three-bedroom farmhouse, which comfortably sleeps six, has been renovated to the highest standards and feels spacious, as well as cosy.

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Using local building methods and sustainable materials, such as local stone, the house has been decorated in sensitive neutral shades. It features earth-fired barro floors and original hydraulic tile patterns on window-ledges and thresholds. Thanks to its sturdy stone walls it stays cool in summer as well as warmer in winter, particularly with its log-burning stove and central heating if needed.

The private cobblestone terraces have been left as they were found (rustic, uneven and incomplete) and a stunning patio Andaluz (typical of the area) has been added to one side, featuring cooling water features, ancient centenario olive trees and a pergola, bedecked in jasmine, honeysuckle and roses.

To complete the picture there is a stunning 13-metre spring-fed 'alberca-style' pool to unwind and cool down after a day's sightseeing in nearby Ronda, or further afield in Sevilla, Malaga or Jerez.

For More Information Please visit www.alcantarilla.co.ukgo back

La Morera

The dream holiday villa of three British businessmen took years and plenty of hard slog to come to fruition. But thanks to two years project management by Rob Barclay of Andalucia Exclusive this breathtaking hill farm has been turned into one of Spain's most highly rated places to stay.

Conservation was always the priority in its renovation. Relaying cobbled patios, conserving the roof tiles and old beams and restoring its ancient water system, were immediate concerns.

However this was closely combined with comfort and style, and materials were sourced from around the whole region to be used both inside and out of the home.

Nowadays, it is clear to see how this 800 metre squared, eight-bedroom farmhouse, of five separate buildings, was well worth the work and investment on behalf of the owners. One of the most luxurious houses in the Ronda area, it is rented most of the year round.

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La MoreraIts the scale of the project, and the many issues arose, involved a lot of complicated and sensitive negotiation on the part of Barclay. With around two dozen workers to co-ordinate, this was no easy task. Fortunately his excellent command of Spanish won through, and a number of certain crises were avoided.

The experience has left Barclay with some excellent contacts within the region, and already a number of further clients. For More Information Please Contact Usgo back

Malaga Flat

Original loft conversion in historic centre of Malaga

In the heart of the historic heart of Malaga city, Andalucia Exclusive converted this pretty top floor flat. The stylish conversion was undertaken over four months maintaining as much of the original fabric of the 19th century building as possible.

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