Property Details

Our property is over 100 years old and is located in the north of Spain on the unspoilt coastline of Cantabria. We sit on over 30 acres and, being perched high on a hill, we have uninterrupted views of the Cantabrian sea and surrounding area. We are a family of four, originally from Berkshire, England and live within the property.

We are close to the medieval town of Santillana del Mar and the Altamira National Museum which is considered to be one of Europes leading museums of prehistory. Santillana del Mar is a place where time and art come together. Centuries of fine stone working have resulted in a beautiful town in which the memory of the past remains clear. The town stands in a dip between rolling hills covered in green meadows and woodland, dotted with the ochre walls and red roof of farmhouses. As the stones shed their accumulated moisture the landscape is often shrouded in a dream-like mist.

The studio apartment offered has its own ground floor external entrance and consists of a double bedroom, kitchenette including fridge and two ring hob and bathroom with shower. It also has a double 'mezzanine' bed which is suitable for two adults or children (not suitable for infants). All linen and towels are provided. A child's cot can also be provided at no extra cost.

Local Area Details

The tiny autonomous region of Cantabria in northern Spain is one of the Iberian Peninsula’s hidden jewels and largely overlooked by the mass market tourist industry. Most British holidaymakers arriving by ferry at the Cantabrian capital of Santander only catch a glimpse of this gorgeous region through the car window as they pass through en route to one of the costas.

The Cantabrian climate supports a breath taking array of landscapes ranging from spectacular mountains bedecked with flower-filled meadows to lush green valleys and dense forests which provide a safe haven for some of the country’s few remaining wild wolves and bears.

There are plenty superb sandy beaches which never suffer the over-crowding of Spain’s eastern and southern coastlines, hidden coves and pretty fishing villages to be found along the Cantabrian coastline. Fresh seafood (including locally caught lobster and clams) is prominent on local menus and there are some exceptional dining spots to be found in converted monasteries and palaces. The El Capricho restaurant in the medieval town of Comillas was a former summer residence of the Spanish royals. The intricately decorated building is one of the few outside Catalonia to be designed by the great Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.

The spectacular Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) mountain range, to the south west of us, is one of the best places in Spain for hiking, climbing and various other outdoor pursuits. And for those more interested in history and culture, Cantabria is a treasure trove of medieval villages, ancient monuments, grandiose architectural gems and well-preserved prehistoric cave paintings.

One of the region’s most precious assets is the Altamira Cave where huge multi-coloured paintings dating back 15,000 years adorn the ceiling. Access to the cave is severely restricted these days but you can see a recreation of the paintings at the Altamira National Museum which is only a 15 minute walk from us.

The Cabarceno Nature Reserve, forty five minutes drive from us, is one of Cantabria’s top visitor attractions with its safari park where endangered exotic creatures from five continents roam semi-wild. The park is home to more than 500 species including elephants, leopards, bears, lions and kangaroos.

Whatever your level, beginner or expert, Cantabria offers a wide range of either on-road or off-road cycling. For those in search of steep trails and wild off-road routes the Picos de Europa mountain range is only an hour away. Local to us you will find traffic free trails suitable for all ages and abilities. We can provide a safe place for your bike, cleaning facilities, general tools and, for adventurous couples, a Cannondale mountain bike tandem to explore the local trails with.

For those wishing to improve their Spanish language we can organise private tuition for all ages.

If you’re considering a more permanent move to Cantabria we can provide advice about such things as residency, employment, property purchase, health care, etc. We can also help by providing introductions to local English speaking builders, architects, estate agents, independent solicitors and council representatives. Please phone for more details.

Getting here couldn't be easier. We are only a simple 40 minute drive from Santander airport and ferry port. Bilbao is also within easy reach. Ryanair provide cheap daily flights from London Stanstead and Liverpool to Santander. Easyjet also fly daily from Stanstead to Bilbao. Car hire and pick-up is provided at both airports. If you wish to bring your own car (or hate flying) Brittany Ferries sail between Plymouth and Santander twice a week. P&O and AT Ferries also provide a twice weekly service between Portsmouth and Bilbao.

Property Features

* Close to a Beach
* Pets are allowed
* Children are allowed

Contact Information

Name:	Robert Williams
Telephone:
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Fax:
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