Cortijo el Campillo

This is a renovated traditional farm - cortijo - with guest rooms in a purpose built extension, all with flat roofs and set in gardens furnished with drought tolerant planting. (It was photos of the gardens that first caught my eye - this is a semi-desert region and lush lawns and water demanding plants are a drain on precious water supplies, and offensive to my eye - OK I'm a bit eccentric here... We had the 'blue' room. Small inside (apparently planning restrictions applied to the modern extension), with a comfortable double bed, and a small table and stools. We needed to be well organised to open both our small suitcases! The wash basin was also in the room (with delicious geranium scented soap - must try to track that down...). The shower and WC were in a tiny separate room. But all the rooms have their own terrace with table and chairs facing the garden/surrounding landscape, so there is no feeling of being cramped. Guests are able to make use of the communal kitchen to prepare evening meals, and this is also where breakfast is served; an ample spread of everything you can imagine - breads, cakes, ham, cheeses, fruit, .... crepes if you wish... fresh juice, tea, coffee... and advice from the hosts on how to fill your day. The only down for us was the lack of any restaurant within walking distance. It is several km back to the nearest village (Albaricoque), most of it on unsurfaced road, where the restaurant was closed. Also closed in Pozo... we ended up back in San Jose. If we came again we would perhaps come equipped with food to cook ourselves. The surroundings are stunning if you like unusual landscapes - I do. The 'garden' just flows into the surrounding fields scattered with statuesque agaves and prickly pears. There are interesting traditional water storage cisterns scattered among the farm buildings, starkly beautiful volcanic hills with walking trails, and at night the sky is dark and starry. (There is even a telescope on the flat roof). A paradise for landscape photographers, wildlife lovers, walkers...