Cortijo de las Arizas
Perched on a hill high above endless olive groves with stunning views over Lake Iznájar on one side and the mountains of La Subbética National Park on the other, Cortijo de las Arizas offers a very private retreat. The views from its terraces and from the infinity pool are breathtaking. Its location between Cordoba and Granada gives ample opportunity to explore the many interesting cultural sites and famous Natural Parks in the area. This is a great place for a family or group of friends to relax or explore the area.
12 persons
| The main feature of Cortijo de las Arizas definitely is it’s situation: from the infinity pool as well as from the terraces and most of the windows you have the most amazing view of the lovely lake of Iznájar. The infinity pool has been created such as to enjoy the view even when you are bathing. Cortijo de las Arizas was named after the marvellous gentle breeze (in the local dialect!) that never seems to stop and ensures a very pleasant atmosphere in and around this house. |
|
|
| In the old days at this authentic whitewashed Cortijo they bred the famous Iberian black pigs. The house is surrounded by the famous Encinas, the typical Holm oaks of this area, that produce the sweet acorns which they needed to feed the pigs. These sweet acorn are the Iberian secret: this is why the meat tastes so good! From the house broad steps lead up to the pool area. You will pass a lovely garden, steeped with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and colourful flowers. |
|
|
| It has rosemary, lavender, agaves, verbenas, roses, jasmin, bougainvillea, plumbago, erigeron, felicias, zinnias and dama del noche (the pungent scent of which only comes out at night). There are vines growing over a pergola, orange, lemon, pomegranate and mandarin trees. The upper terrace surrounding the pool is fully fenced. On three sides the pool is surrounded by a wall creating intimacy. The other side opens up to the stunning vies of the lake. |
|
|
| To one side of the10mx5m large pool you will find a lovely lounge area, which offers shade throughout the day, ideal for a lazy siesta. For those who prefer to sunbathe there is lots of space to relax in the warm Andalusian sunshine on the terraces around the pool. There are separate upper and lower terraces with plenty of loungers and parasols. A toilet is situated conveniently near the pool. There are romantic lights up the side of the steps leading to the pool area, underwater lighting in the pool and lights surrounding it. |
|
|
| The Cortijo has been beautifully restored. From the main entrance you go up the stairs to the first floor, where the open plan living, kitchen and dining area are situated. The living area is a few steps down from the kitchen and the indoors dining area. It has lots of windows to enjoy the views. A cosy open fireplace is perfect for an occasionally cooler evening. For winter the house has full central heating. |
|
|
| The living area has doors opening to a wooden balcony at the back of the house, perfect for the morning sun, and to the largest of the upper terraces at the other end. There is a widescreen TV and DVD player plus a wide selection of DVDs. There is no satellite television though. It also has a CD player with an extra set of switch-able speakers outside on one of the upper terraces. The CD player has an input and charger for an I-Pod. There\\\'s a good selection of CDs. |
|
|
| The house is steeped with lovely authentic details. The modern kitchen is spacious and well equipped. It has a gas cooker, fridge, dishwasher, magi-mix, fruit blender, toaster, etc. On the ground floor is a separate utility room with a washing machine, dryer, sink and an extra fridge. |
|
|
| The kitchen has doors leading out to two of the upper terraces. The Cortijo has four upper terraces, arranged on different levels. The largest is covered for the first few metres next to the house such a to provide a nice cool shady dining spot on a warm summer day. It has a long teak table and chairs. There is an outside, gas powered, barbeque and utensils. |
|
|
| The Cortijo literary has terraces and balconies everywhere. All of the terraces offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The very top terrace is completely lined with thick padded Moroccan seating. From all these levels you really do feel like you are "on top of the world". |
|
|
| The countryside around Iznájar casts a intriguing and compelling spell on you. The views over the surrounding lake, the endless olive groves and rugged mountains are ever changing with the light and give the property a very special sense of peace and tranquillity. All of the terraces offer stunning views of the spectacular sunsets. |
|
|
| The ground floor has five bedrooms. Three of the bedrooms have double beds with their own en-suite bathroom. Two of these have a shower, one is with bath. The other two bedrooms have twin beds with a shared, separate, shower room. Four of these bedrooms have doors out to a long lower terrace. |
|
|
| The sixth bedroom is the lovely master bedroom. This very private and romantic room is accessed either by a set of steps from the courtyard by the main entrance, or by a door leading off from one of the Cortijo’s upper terraces. |
|
|
| The master bedroom has a king size bed and it’s own seating area with open fire. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and a shower, toilet and basin. |
|
|
| Cortijo de las Arizas is a wonderful place to stay all year round. If you come in the summer there are fans to supplement the natural breeze from the lake and the mountains. If it is cooler at night there are open fires and a wood burning stove and there is full central heating. Authentic details and well chosen furniture all add to the romance of this warm and friendly family house. All the rooms are packed full of Moroccan furnishings and rugs. Yet the overall style is primary completely uncluttered. |
|
|
| At the terrace at the back of the house is a lovely vine growing over a pergola, under which a hammock has been hung. From here you also have the gorgeous views over the olive groves and the lake in the distance. This is a wonderful spot to occasionally get away from the rest of the party. |
|
|
| Cortijo de las Arizas is a true home away from home with lots of things to do inside and out. How about a true dedicated Bouladrome, Table Tennis, Badmington and Table Football. Inside you will find Perudo, Trivial Pursuit, Pitt, Backgammon, Chess, Scrabble and many other card and board games. There is a computer including a DVD player in one of the twin bedrooms. This is a haven of tranquillity, perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet after hectic lives at home. Throughout the property there is plenty of room to gather together as a group or to relax and find some peace and quiet on your own. Yet this is a perfect base to explore Andalucia. Location: Cortijo de la Arizas is located in the Subbética Natural Park in the province of Cordoba. The whitewashed village of Iznájar with all the main amenities is only a 5 minutes drive. Malaga, Granada and Cordoba are a one hour drive, Seville two hours. |
|
|
| Surroundings: From Iznájar you have spectacular view over the Embalse de Iznájar, great for swimming. Water sports are enjoyed on its sandy Valdearenas Beach. Iznájar has a Moorish castle dating from the 8th Century and church from the 16th Century. You will be amazed by the beautiful scenery of the Subbética Natural Park, where the scenery varies from lovely valleys with endless olive groves to rocky mountains, dotted occasionally with some picturesque white villages clinging to spectacular mountain locations. You could easily make a daytrip to some of the famous Moorish cities. You could visit the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Cordoba, the bridge over the Tajo in Ronda, or the Alcazar and Giralda in Seville. An easy drive away are the Mediterranean beaches and golf courses. |
|
For more information see ANDALUCIA
