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Property |
Location |
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Casa de los Espejos |
Granada, Andalucia, Spain |
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One-off feature |
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Casa de los Espejos or “The House of Mirrors” is a stunning 250 year old, four bedroom house in the charming Andalucian town of Alhama de Granada, southern Spain. After a painstaking restoration project lasting three years, it was listed and protected in 2008 for its historical interest by the Council of Andalucia. |
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Property Info |
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Accommodation Type:
| House / Villa |
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Property Setting:
| Village / Rural |
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Holiday Type:
| Relaxing / Night life / Family / Sports & activity / Culture |
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Bedrooms:
| 4 |
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Guests:
| 8 |
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Catering:
| self-catering |
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General Info |
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This is a traditional Andalucian house infused with decadence and modern luxuries. Originally part of a larger property called the Palacio de los Espejos (the letter ‘J’ in Espejos is pronounced like an ‘H’), Casa de los Espejos is named after the Espejo family who owned the former Palacio. Restoration began on the house in early 2005 after it had remained empty and slipped into serious disrepair for twenty years. The house is situated in one of the oldest parts of the town, on a quiet side street, a mere 100 metres from the main town plaza. There’s a diverse range of tapas bars and restaurants all within a stone's throw of the house and to our great delight Alhama is in one of the last few remaining pockets of Spain where tapas are still given away with every drink ordered - a great way to sample a wide range of local cuisine for free! |
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Details on the area surrounding the property/accommodation |
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Activities in and around Alhama include cycling, walking, climbing, canoeing, quad biking and horse riding. You can be advised on all of these by English speaking activity organisers based in Alhama or arrange equipment hire and guided excursions. At between 2100-3300m above sea level, Sol y Nieve (Sun & Snow), the ski resort at the Sierra Nevada, is a great day out and within easy reach of Alhama, taking 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there by car. The resort is the southernmost and sunniest in Europe, with the sun shining an average of 70% of the days within each year. On a clear day you may even catch sight of Africa and the Atlas mountains in Morocco. All equipment can be hired at the resort and classes are provided for all abilities. The ski season usually runs from late November until May. |
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Getting there & away/local amenities |
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Getting There:
| Malaga airport 75 minutes. Detailed driving directions given on booking. |
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Nearest airports:
| Malaga 75 minutes drive |
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Nearest train station:
| Loja or Granada |
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Car Hire:
| Advised |
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Nearest restaurant:
| Lots of bars, cafes, restaurants moments away |
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Nearest beach:
| 45 minutes drive |
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Nearest shop:
| Lots within short walking distance |
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Nearest market:
| Every Friday |
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More Info |
Owner Info |
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Name |
Terry Mottershead |
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Contact Phone No. |
0034690786302 / 07976704584 |
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Accommodation details |
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Activities Nearby |
Canoeing / Climbing / Cycling / Horse Riding / Skiing / Walking
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Interior Facilities |
Dishwasher / DVD player / Linen provided / Log Fire / Television / Washing Machine
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Interior Details |
Our ‘Casa’ comprises half of the original house and is decorated with an eclectic mix of furniture and curios, collected on extensive travels throughout Spain, South America, Thailand and India. The resulting effect is both decadent and rustic whilst being incredibly comfortable and homely at the same time. The materials, fittings and technologies installed during the restoration have transformed the entire house but particularly the kitchen and bathrooms into luxurious havens for enthusiastic chefs and bathers alike. The house sleeps up to eight people in four bedrooms although couples are also welcome. A large sitting room, kitchen, dining room, games room and additional upstairs sitting room provide plenty of indoor space for everyone to spread out and seek some peace and quiet if so desired.
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Exterior Facilities |
Terrace
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Exterior Details |
This tall Andalusian townhouse is just 100 yards from the main plaza in Alhama de Granada and has wonderful views of both the church and the castle from its rooftop terrace. The crowning glory of the property has to be this roof terrace, which has spectacular, commanding 360° views over the town, the church, the castle, the main plaza and the rolling patchwork of agricultural land into the distance.
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Further Details |
The spa town of Alhama de Granada is described in the Rough Guide to Andalucia as being “one of the unsung gems of Granada province”. Situated in the heart of Andalucia, Alhama is a lively market town (population 6000) located 54km south west of Granada, in an area known as the Poniente Granadino. The town's history dates back to Roman and Moorish times, with its name taking reference to the Arabic ‘Al hammam’, meaning ‘hot springs’. The natural hot springs are 1km from the town centre, they are free to use and are located in a tranquil, riverside woodland area and should you fancy an evening dip in the waters you may have the great fortune to happen across our dear friend, Paco, practising his flamenco singing down there (most nights at 11ish) as you gaze up at the stars. Alhama sits precariously along the edge of a breathtaking limestone gorge, which can be walked from end to end, with caves, a ruined mill and natural pools in the Alhama river to explore. At the far end of this leisurely 30 minute walk you are richly rewarded with a drink or some great local cuisine at either El Ventorro or Pato Loco restaurants, or if that sounds too much like hard work you can have a dip, jacuzzi, steam and massage in the stunning Arab baths situated in enormous caves behind El Ventorro or a swim in the Pato Loco pool.
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Conditions of
Rental |
50% deposit to be paid by bank transfer on confirmation of booking. 50% remainder to be paid by bank transfer no later than eight weeks prior to arrival. A welcome pack is provided comprising coffee, tea, milk etc., and in addition some beer and wine is provided, which we run as an honesty bar. All bank transfer fees, if applicable, must be paid in full by you the guest. Cancellation terms: Over 8 weeks: no cancellation charge. 4-8 weeks: 50% of rate refunded. 2-4 weeks: 25% of rate refunded. Less than 2 weeks: no refund. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE CURRENT AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR PARTY BEFORE YOUR STAY COMMENCES.
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Other Information |
Child Friendly / Short breaks available
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What visitors have said about Casa de los Espejos |
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Alhama de Granada is amazing, the walk in the gorge, the hot spring baths, the lovely friendly people… But to be honest… we love so much the House of Mirrors that we spend most of the time by the fire place drinking the lovely selection of Spanish wines and Cava. The house could not be cozier, with plenty of period futures, rustic décor yet funky and lots of space to be together or to enjoy the privacy of the bedrooms. Perfect for group of friends or families as it offers all you need in terms of infrastructure, every detail was well thought. Going back for sure!
Patricia Bandeira, Spain, Dec 2009 
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I celebrated my 30th birthday with my friends at the House of Mirrors and couldn’t have made a better choice. The house is beautiful, each room very well decorated and extremely comfortable. The house is spacious, the deco very original and of extremely good taste. The kitchen is really well equipped with everything you need to cook the best meal and eat at the stunning dinning room. Don’t miss the walk through the gorge and the Arabic baths which are walking distance from the house. A nice meal at La Seguiriya restaurant is also highly recommended, and it’s only a minute’s stroll from the house. We went in the winter and spent lovely evenings drinking Spanish wine by the fire place.
We’re definitely going back sometime in the summer.
Renata Souza, UK, Feb 2010
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My much needed vacation couldn't have been be more perfect. The House of Mirrors is the perfect place to feel home and at the same time it is classy with pretty rooms and amazingly decorated. My friends and I loved evenings beside the wood burning stove, and the under-floor heating was a real treat. We also spent a good time admiring the beautiful views from the terrace. The house is very well located on a quiet street with shops, bars, pharmacy, restaurants nearby. Don't miss the Arabic baths, a great place to relax. Want to go back, and would definitely recommend
Flávio Pistori, UK, Dec 2010
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We stayed here mid Feb and had a lovely time. Weather was gorgeous sunny and warm during the day. House is very comfortable with roof terrace for breakfast and log fire in evening when colder. Local area is lovely and we did a 50km bike ride round the towns and I had a wonderful massage afterwards by Sami - who's details are on the main website. Great if you want a quiet, chilled-out break.
Penny and Michael Finn, UK, Feb 2011
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We stayed at Casa de los Espejos with our 6 month old daughter - and had the most wonderful month! The house is beautiful but still has a great homely feel (the wood fire is just great in the winter evenings!). The house has everything you could want - including a lovely roof top terrace with amazing views over the village and out to the mountains. We managed a few lunches up there during some surprisingly sunny November day! There is the added bonus of UK Sky TV - which is a handy feature!
The village is great - lots of little supermarkets/shops to stock up on provisions without having to go further afield! Would highly recommend Bar Gallego and Casa Marin for the most fantastic tapas! And great service! And the bakery at the top of the road for lovely fresh bread every day!
The gorge on the edge of the village is just stunning and the half hour walk through it to El Ventorro hotel/restaurant is a must! As are the Arab baths and massage on offer at the hotel!
We had a wonderful holiday and would love to come back! Would especially like to thank Terry for all his help during our stay!!
Many thanks!
Vilna Phisatory,, UK, Nov 2010
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Just to say that we had a fabulous time in Spain.
The house is wonderful. We all felt immediately at ease and relaxed within hours. John and Terry were most helpful too.
The scenery is quite breathtaking. We filled our days with long walks along the old caminos in the gorge within the town and visits to the hot springs, the caves at Gaudix, The Alhambra Palace and Malaga old town. We sunbathed, swum and then dined out in style in the tapas bars and restaurants.
With breakfasts of fresh bread, cheese, ham, olives and tomato salad we were in heaven.
Thanks again. We'll be back...!
Adrian, Rachel, Maya, Maggie and Teddy. August 2011
Adrian and Rachel Kilby, UK, Aug 2011
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