Santa Maria de Las Casas Viejas

Having stayed at a few estancias and Inns reccommended by the Tierra Buena guide (published by the La Nacion publishing group --- ) I had no trepidation booking a one night stand in what they considered "a historic mountain inn'. We were not prepared for a fantastic old Inn built entirely out of stone and Quebracho wood. Luck would have it that as it was pre-season, we had the place to ourselves. A choice of very large rooms with great mattresses and adequate furnishing - in period. The estancia itself - 4 Kms. from the heart of Mina Clavero in the Trans sierra- was bought by Marta and Carlos Pons some ten years ago and it is comprised of 400 plus acres, complete with private swimming holes. Carlos offered guided horse rides, but we choose to walk through the area with a neighbor, Carlos, who served as our guide. The best was reserved for last as we tasted the elegant culinary skills of Marta Pons and her assistant Graciela. Her spinach and cheese raviolis were light, delicate and perfectly seasoned with a sauce made of fresh tomatoes. Her pernil was tender and lightly perfumed with fresh herbs; but her dairy-less flan was estupendous. Marta's skills most have been the tipping factor in winning the '2006 award as Best Argentine Estancia' from the magazine LUGARES (also published by the La Nacion group ---). Staying with Carlos and Marta is like spending time with the best side of your family! We wound up staying four glorious days.