In the country: El Molino, Los Barrios, Spain
A fabulous old grain mill that dates back to before the 16th century has been lovingly restored into a stunning family home with understated luxury on a private organic cattle and cork estate (1000 acres) within the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, just a short drive from the famous beaches of the Costa de la Luz and its magnificent wild oceanic scenery with Morocco as its backdrop!
The building’s unique character has been emphasised in its design, combining traditional with contemporary; a glass window in the floor downstairs sheds light on how the mill functioned and clever lighting highlights the stonework. Other original features from its milling past have also been preserved, such as its metre-thick walls and flag stone tiles, which help to ensure that El Molino is wonderfully cool even at the height of summer.
The downstairs is open-plan with vaulted ceilings that encompass the state-of-the-art modern kitchen with its enormous Silestone work surface and breakfast bar. The kitchen is equipped with six-hob range cooker and American style fridge/freezer/ice-machine to capitalize on the fantastic local produce. Beyond the kitchen is the dining area with large wild olive dining table. The sitting room’s focus is the huge log fireplace, with its plump sofas, chaise long, large brown leather arm chair and large floor cushions for the children to lounge on.
Downstairs there is one double bedroom ensuite with its own Moroccan-style wet room. The other bedrooms are all upstairs – the master bedroom, a single child’s room, two twin bedrooms and a third smaller double, all with splendid wooden beamed high-ceilings complete with roof fan. There are two bathrooms upstairs; the ‘white’ bathroom has been decorated with Tarifa beach shells and has a large bath, twin antique sinks and a walk in shower. The second bathroom has a bath/shower and is ideal for the children.
The garden is out the back of the house on the entreplanta. The rear terrace has been recently expanded to fit the large banquet style wooden table and benches, ideal for entertaining and for protection from the midday sun, serviced by the industrial size stainless steel Weber barbecue. The garden is very child friendly with a huge shaded sand pit area for the children, a hammock in the wild olive tree, a trampoline with its own circus tent and a table tennis table. There is also a small swing for babies and a climbing frame with slide, playhouse, picnic bench, 2 swings and a trapeze. (Toys can be left for guests use on request).
Spanish country living can be experienced first hand, tucked away here deep in the countryside, yet at just 20km from the nearest airport and 3,5km to the nearest town. There is plenty to do both on the farm and nearby. The farm boasts stunning walks that include a visit to its own Moorish thirteenth century look out tower, fishing in the reservoir, feeding the chickens and the horses, or taking a dip in the spectacular 14m by 8m pool found in a quiet and peaceful spot in the garden of the main farm house. There are excellent opportunites for bird watching as the farm sits below the bird migration route to and from Africa. Tarifa and the beaches of the Costa de la Luz are a 20km drive with endless opportunities for watersports and kids clubs. Sotogrande also 20km away has plenty of activites on offer, including polo, sailing, tennis and not to mention golf – there are 25 quality golf courses close by.
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