Summary

This is a stylish villa with pool in a secluded area near to Jimena de La Frontera in the Cadiz Province of Southern Spain.  This is rural Spain, close to the National Park but within 25 minutes drive of the Costa de la Luz and the Costa del Sol including Algeciras and Gibraltar.  The accommodation consists of two en-suite bedrooms, a spacious lounge and kitchen, as well as large pool side and enclosed terraces.

Home from Home in Spain - Huerto de Los Almendros - Jimena de la Frontera, Spain

Between the "Estacion" and the "Pueblo" of Jimena de la Frontera, 30 miles due North of Gibraltar is the finca (villa) Huerto de Los Almendros (the almond plantation). Jimena has two small supermarkets which are very satisfactory for groceries and every day needs. Both the Estacion and the pueblo also have a range of other shops, as well as bars and restaurants.

This house was the home of an artist and her husband who were one of the first Northern Europeans to settle in this lovely "white village" in the heart of Andalusia. The house’s location was chosen for the quality of light that it enjoys, as well as the stunning views over the valley below.

The house is furnished to a very high standard both inside and out in an English country house style but with some Spanish touches.

The House is ideally situated for exploring the "real" Spain inland from the Costa including the gems of Ronda (which can be reached by train up the stunning Guadiaro river valley), Gaucin and Casares. If the bright lights draw you though, the Costa is just 25 minutes drive away.

We are also fortunate in having a charming Spanish couple living in the next door cottage, who will be only too happy to answer your questions about the region.

Prices start at just �400 per week.

For further details please contact Sheila Kershaw on 07448 069517 or sheila.kershaw@basemel.co.uk

Rooms:

Salon / Dining Room

With views over the valley to the hills beyond, with a side door leading out to the swimming pool and extensive terrace area.

For any cooler evenings in the winter there is a wood burning stove.

The walls in this and other rooms in the house are hung with original paintings.

The house also has board games, a hi-fi, TV and DVD player.

Kitchen / Utility

There is a fully equipped kitchen with hob, kettle, small oven/grill/microwave, large fridge/freezer and dish washer.  There is a utility room next to the swimming pool in which is a washing machine.  Also in here are various buoyancy aids for the pool.

Bedrooms

The master bedroom with views to the front of the property is very spacious with twin beds as well as a large fully equipped bathroom (bath and separate shower).

The other bedroom is to the rear of the house.  This has a double bed, an en-suite shower room and pleasant views of the wooded rear garden.

There is another shower room & WC leading off the entrance hall.  A further bedroom can be made available for an additional fee to cover cleaning; but please bear in mind that the house can only accommodate a maximum of four persons.

Terraces / Swimming Pool

The middle terrace is ideal for lunches (either in the sun or out of the sun in the half covered area at the back) and dinners, as well as relaxing on the sofa and chairs provided.  A small BBQ and utensils (but not fuel) are provided

The covered side terrace is our favourite breakfast location. It and the terraced area around the swimming pool are also ideal for sunbathing.

The swimming pool is approximately 9m by 5m and between 1m and 2m deep with easy access 0.5m wide tiled steps

More about the house and area:

The House

The house stands in its own gardens with views of the peublo of Jimena de la Frontera, one of the many pretty "white villages" for which this part of Spain is famous. To the front of the house is a large paddock where the next door farmer grazes his horses.

On the other side of the swimming pool is a small cottage which has been converted from the stables of the house. Here live Ana and Manolo who look after the house and welcome guests on arrival. They will be happy to tell you about any local events such as ferias or concerts which might interest you. They both speak very good English.

Swimming Pool

Spanish law requires us to point out that the pool is NOT a supervised facility and so may be used only on the understanding that such use is entirely at your own risk. Only the steps provided should be used to get into and out of the pool. If you are thinking of bringing small children you should also be aware that (as you can see from the photo in the brochure) the pool is not fenced off.

Bedding & Towels

Bedding and towels for the bathroom and kitchen are included, as are things like washing up liquid and cleaning cloths. We do ask you, however, to bring your own swimming towels.

The property lies about half an hour by car from the airport at Gibraltar (Easyjet from Gatwick/Manchester, BA from Heathrow, Monarch from Luton/Manchester/Birmingham) or an hour and a half from Malaga (served by flag carriers (BA etc), low cost airlines (Easyjet, Ryanair, Vueling, Jet2 etc)) or Jerez (served by Ryanair). The property can be reached by public transport (coach or coach/train) but most guests hire a car because services are limited.

Local Shops and Restaurants

Jimena has two small supermarkets which are very satisfactory for groceries and every day needs. Both the Estacion and the pueblo also have a range of other shops but for the very large supermarkets such as Carrefour you need to go down to the coast to Algeciras, La Linea or Estepona. And then, of course, there is always Marks and Spencers and Morrisons in Gibraltar!

There is also a small market in Jimena on Fridays. This varies from week to week but tends to be a mixture of fresh veg. and textiles/leather goods. Much larger markets are held on a daily basis up and down the coast. The nearest is a huge one in Estepona on a Wednesday. On a Sunday morning there is also a much more select affair in Estepona port. It is fun to wander around this market and then have lunch in the port as the market breaks up (about 2pm). A major league people watching opportunity! In season, you would be well advised to book as soon as they open in the morning if you want to sit outside. Also on a Sunday, there is a huge car boot/market between San Luis de Sabinillas and Manilva.

As to restaurants, there is a traditional "Venta" just along the main road towards Ronda called "Taberna de Paco Queso". You are likely to need to speak a bit of Spanish here, it is definitely a bit of true Spain frequented by the younger locals. In the pueblo there are restaurants at which some English is spoken: "El Anon", "Casa Henrietta" and "La Tasca" to name a few. There are also numerous bars at which some food ("Tapas") is usually available.  One of our favourites is "Troyano" by the exit from the Estacion towards Algeciras.

If you are tempted to go further afield then the choice is frankly, overwhelming. There are some excellent places in Duquesa (both the Puerta and the village) down on the coast, including some fine fish restaurants, the "Molino" at the Estacion de Benoajan is an excellent outing on the train for lunch and the restaurants in the new Ocean Village complex in Gibraltar are good for lunch or dinner by the water's edge. Speaking of Gib, early evening cocktails at the Rock Hotel is something special, if only for the stunning views over the bay as the sun sets. The list of restaurants really is endless, so no doubt you will discover your own favourites!

Places to Visit - Fairly Local

The castle in Jimena � On the face of it the remains of a 13^th century Moorish castle, we are now being told that this could be one of the Roman empire�s most important settlements.  There is an information leaflet written by a friend of the house�s original owner, Hamo Sassoon, in the desk drawer.  In any event, the view from the top of the castle is well worth the climb! 

Castellar – Another castle but this one is a little better preserved and has a community still living in it. There are also some stunning views on the way up to the top over a lake which the locals use as a guide to whether the coast is going to be subject to water shortages this year or not. You have a choice as to which road you use to get back down to the main Algeciras – Ronda road. You can go back the way you came or you can go straight on – but be warned, it’s a pretty rough ride!!

Ronda – which you could drive or can be done on the train. Whilst there, the bullring is worth a visit and the views from the Parador are so beautiful that they may even help you to get over the cost of the drinks! Having said that, we think that the best bit about the town is the way that you can wander through the old town, over the bridge and �people watch� imagining an almost unchanged lifestyle over the past three or four centuries.  For lunch, there are a number of excellent restaurants in the old town and near the bullring.  Book your table on arrival in Ronda if you want the view over the valley.

Gibraltar – A very interesting day out, especially if you are into history.  A guided taxi tour is a very good way to see everything.  You should confirm that the negotiated fare includes the �10 entry fee to the Upper Rock.  Don�t forget your passport and don�t be tempted to take your car in.  It can take hours to get across the border by car.  Opposite the frontier about three blocks inland there is a pretty secure underground car park.  From there it is a five minute walk into Gib and then there are plenty of buses which will take you over the airstrip into the city.  Finally, remember to be careful what booze/ cigarettes you bring back because Gib is a duty free zone and so the EU allowances don�t apply.

The hill road to Ubrique – a lovely drive through some stunning Andaluth scenery. Also has a couple of Ventas en-route in which you can practice your Spanish whilst eating your lunch, although Ubrique itself is a bit disappointing.

Costa de la Luz & Tarifa – A windsurfer’s paradise so try not to be blown off your feet! By far the least developed of the Costas with some stunning views over towards Morocco.

Seville – is a beautiful city with one of the biggest ferias there is. This is held around Easter each year.

Jerez – home of the Spanish sherries, all the major names have on-site tasting facilities and tours.  To get there you can either go on the motorway or take the Ubrique road and turn left at Puerto de Galiz - a stunning drive!

Malaga – everyone just passes by the city to the airport but the centre has not really been touched since the 15^th century and is well worth a visit. Combine your visit with the Monday market for a special treat.

Granada – Really not possible in a day but well worth an overnight trip. Really shows to its full effect the Moorish influence on this part of Spain.  It takes a little longer on the train but the views en-route make the journey very enjoyable.  NB If you want to visit the Alhambra palaces then we suggest you book your entry time well in advance.

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