Property Details

Casa de la Lagartija (House of the Gecko)is a restored village house of great character situated in the spectacularly situated Moorish Village of Albunuelas - which overlooks the Rio Santo gorge and is reputed to be the most beautiful village in the Lecrin Valley. The house is an upside-down house on three floors with the Master Bedroom, Living Room and Roof Terraces all having wonderful views over the orange orchards and the gorge. The house has retained its Chestnut beams, colourful local tiles and copper sinks.

The house also has its own orange orchard which can be used by tenants for picnics or splashing about in the paddling pool. In the right season the oranges (as many as you can eat) are free!
La Lagartija is situated just around the corner from Casa de la Puerta Grande (see separate entry), and the two properties can also be rented out together to larger parties if desired.

For further information please see our website on www.geocities.com/lecrinvalley

Local Area Details

Distances
The historic city of Granada (with its vibrant Moroccan quarter and the attractions of the Alhambra and the Generalife) are a 30 minute drive. The Lecrin Valley is adjacent to the Alpujarras. The spa town of Lanjarron is a short drive and higher Alpujarran villages such as Pampaneira, Capileira and Bubion are accessible within an hour.

Coast/Beach
The dramatically situated coastal town of Salobreña, clinging to a rock with its castle perched on top, is a 35 minute drive away. The larger town of Almuñecar a few minutes further on has an interesting market on Friday mornings. Marina del Este has a few exclusive shops and a couple of nice waterfront restaurants overlooking the Marina. More secluded beaches can be found around La Herradura. A little further on still lies the more cosmopolitan coastal town of Nerja with its famous caves.

Golf
There are two golf courses in Granada and plenty more within reasonable driving distance such as the one at Motril on the Costa Tropical (9 holes). The 18 hole Granada Club de Golf is signposted from Armilla. No reservations necessary. Clubs can be hired and if you play in the morning, the cost for 18 holes is approximately 20 euros (more on Sundays and festivals).

Skiing
Skiing is available at the Sierra Nevada ski resort - one of the most exciting places to ski (the venue for the 1996 world ski championship). At over 9000 ft (skiing from 3500 metres down to 2000 metres) it is one of the highest resorts in Europe and can be reached within a drive of about 45 mins - 1hr 15 mins, depending on conditions. Ski hire and ski passes are available either in the resort itself or in the centre of Granada, next to the bus stop for the Granada-Sierra Nevada bus (which runs regularly). An international ski school is available on site. There are 70km of ski runs, 45 pistes (with more than enough variety to suit all levels), 300 snow machines and views of Africa from the top. Night skiing by floodlight!

Further details
The lower barrio of Albuñuelas has a bar/restaurant of some character and the local bread van and fish hawkers visit each morning to sell their wares in the street just below the church. The upper barrio, a short walk away, has several shops, a bank, bars and restaurants and a weekly market on Thursday mornings. There are several nice swimming pool/restaurants in nearby villages. Guided walks are available from local English residents which start from the village and can take in items of historical interest (Moorish, Roman, Iberian) as well as the flora and fauna of the valley. Ideal for relaxation and perfect for walkers or bird watchers. The epic GR7 walk from Algeciras to Istanbul passes the door and one of the GR7 markers can be seen upon the wall. The lush valley just beyond the house is rich with oranges, almonds, grapes, figs, pomegranates, persimmons, and prickly pears. In the spring the air is perfumed with orange and almond blossom. The higher slopes of the gorge abound with olives and the scent of wild herbs. In the evenings one can sit upon the roof terrace and watch the eagles soaring as the sun sets over the gorge. The Moors christened this place the Valley of Joy

Property Features

* Close to a golf course
* Close to a Ski Resort
* Close to a Beach
* Pets are allowed
* Children are allowed

Contact Information

Name:	denise guest
Telephone:	+44-1929 -481229
Alt Telephone:	+44-7941-782522
Fax:	--
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