BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED TRADITIONAL HOUSE WITH STUNNING VIEWS COMING SOON - CASA DE LA LAGARTIJA (HOUSE OF THE GECKO) IS AVAILABLE FROM FEB 05 Close to Casa de la Puerta Grande (SEE SEP AD UNDER ALBUNUELAS). This beautifully restored pair of village houses in Albuñuelas are available to rent together or separately. Casa de la Largartija is an 'upside down house' which backs directly onto the orange groves. The orchard behind belongs to the house and can used by the tenants for picnics, or simply splashing about in the paddling pool. The two bedrooms (one on the ground floor and one on the first floor) each have their own bathrooms. The second floor houses a well-equipped and characterful kitchen and a living/dining room which has balcony windows opening onto a stunning view of the dramatic Rio Santo Gorge. The second floor also has an additional balcony dining area. There is also a fabulous 3rd floor roof terrace, fully equipped with sun recliners, eating area and BBQ. This a comfortable and well-equipped house. Thoughtfully restored with authentic chestnut beams, copper sinks and a lovely wood burning stove. Albunuelas is 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. 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 (or 6 using sofabed in living room) All linen provided: Heaters are also supplied for the winter months and fans for the summer: 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.