See also Casa de la Lagartija (Sep Ad). These two beautifully restored village houses are available to rent together or separately. Shared use of adjacent orange orchard for picnics or splashing in paddling pool. Casa de la Puerta Grande is a beautifully restored village house in Albuñuelas, an undiscovered Moorish village hidden in its own dramatic gorge amid the lush beauty of the Lecrin Valley. Here where mules and donkeys still wend their way past the windows of the house each day to work in the fields, is a region of glossy-leaved orange groves, set against the dramatic snow clad backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Because of its unique beauty and favoured climate the Moors called this place the Valley of Joy. Despite this tranquil setting, the village is within 30 minutes reach of both the vibrant historic city of Granada and the attractions of the Costa Tropical, 45 minutes from the Sierra Nevada ski resort and 20 minutes from the spa town of Lanjaron, the gateway to the Alpujarras. Situated in the oldest part of the village on the edge of the orange groves, Casa de la Puerta Grande has been restored and very comfortably refurbished, retaining its traditional chestnut beams, whitewashed walls and tiled floors softened with sumptuous fabrics and locally made rugs. The ground floor consists of open plan living room/dining room with large open fireplace, opening onto a country kitchen and small patio Andaluz. A few steps up, on a mezzanine floor, a Moorish-style double bedroom also opens onto the patio. Upstairs is a large, sunny Master bedroom with a spectacular beamed ceiling and far reaching views and a well-equipped bathroom (bath/shower). More steps up lead to a lovely roof terrace where you can eat in the shade, sunbathe, or enjoy fabulous views over the rooftops to the stunning Rio Santo gorge. The Lecrin Valley & Sierra de Albuñuelas are ideal for bird watching, walking, horse riding, painting and photography. Guided walks are available which start from the village and can take in items of historical interest (Moorish, Roman, Iberian) as well as the flora and fauna of the valley. The many other beautiful villages of the Lecrin Valley & the Alpujarras are also well worth exploring and offer a range of interesting restaurants, many with wonderful terrace views. The lower barrio of Albuñuelas has a bar/restaurant of some character and the local bread van and fish hawkers visit each morning to sell their wares in the street just below the church. The upper barrio, a short walk away, has several shops, a bank, bars and restaurants and a weekly market on Thursday mornings. Full catering (English or Spanish), specially prepared one-off meals, or welcome/picnic hampers can also be arranged at this property by request. The epic GR7 walk from Algeciras to Istanbul passes the door of the house and one of the GR7 markers can be seen upon the wall. This was the same route taken by Europe's first mapmakers Al Idrisi and Leo the African. The valley just beyond the door of the house is rich with oranges, almonds, grapes, figs, pomegranates, persimmons, and prickly pears. In the spring the air is perfumed with orange and almond blossom. The higher slopes of the gorge abound with olives and the scent of wild herbs. In the evenings one can sit upon the roof terrace and watch the eagles soaring as the sun sets over the gorge. ****: (sleeps 4/5):Ground Floor: open plan sitting / dining room (with open fireplace); fully equipped kitchen; patio with washing machine Mezzanine Floor: Moorish-style bedroom (double or twin) First Floor: Master bedroom ( double), additional Z bed available on request, cot and baby equipment also available on request; bathrooms ( bath tub with shower over): Terrace with furniture & BBQ: All linen provided: Parking in the village car park at Albunuelas. Most facilities a healthy 5 min walk from house. NOTE: Starter pack of essential groceries, picnic packs or catered meals available on request.