Casa Las Encinas

This 150 year old farmhouse perched atop a hill surrounded by olive trees was a welcome base from which to explore the surrounding area, and close to the venue for a wedding we were attending. Jeanette and Steve, two Scottish ex-pats and owners of Casa Las Encinas welcomed us warmly and graciously into their home and helped us feel immediately at ease. They were so helpful and insightful on any local information we needed and went above and beyond for us in helping prepare some food for our 18 month old boy, who was very taken with them. The property itself is an idyllic slice of Andalucia. Looking down on a valley of olive trees its rustic charm and relaxed setting were a tonic to two (and a half) tired Londoners in need of a break from everyday life. There is a little stone courtyard, decked out in cactus and a gnarly old grapevine that in summer, we were told, will cover the space entirely with a canopy of vine leaves and grapes. The facilities were excellent with a nice hot shower, comfortable bed and enough room to happily accommodate a family, although be prepared to do some stooping as the cross beams in the roof/bedroom are low down. Breakfast in the morning was a real pleasure with a mix of cereal, toast, yoghurt, tea/coffee and a piping hot plate of scrambled egg and bacon. We took this in the dining room (as the weather was a bit damp) but in the summer, breakfast in the courtyard would be a delight. With 4 cats slinking in and out and plenty of room to spread yourself around, it really did feel like a home away from home. Jeanette and Steve, thanks so very much.