LOS MELEROS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Los Meleros is a lovely old Andalucian finca set within its own grounds, reached down a track and completely private but within 1 ½ kilometres by car of Olvera – known as the King of the Pueblos Blancos - in the Sierras of Cádiz Province.
The house has been restored to a very high standard whilst still retaining the farmhouse feeling with access to country walks. The garden is mature with many fruit trees, herbs and flowers and swimming pool. There is an abundance of bird life including hoopoes, golden oriels, eagles and the wonderful song of the nightingales at night.
The owners farm the land as well as their own, which is adjacent to Los Meleros, thus they are always on hand to help or advise. They also have pottery and fused glass studios and small gallery which can be visited by arrangement.
The famous cities of Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada and Cádiz are all between one and half to two hours away with Ronda some 40 minutes and many other places to visit within the area itself such as the Roman remains of Acinipo [old Ronda], the national park and town of Grazalema; Setenil de las Bodegas with its cave houses and restaurants. The possibilities are endless, and the owners will always be glad to advise.
HOUSE LAYOUT
The house is entered via a large flower, herbs and shrub filled terrace with places to relax and is the main exterior eating and gathering place. This is partly covered but also has vines to provide entire shade in the summer. Here there is also a barbeque area with easy access to the kitchen and facilities.
The front door is off this terrace into the central part of the house which is open plan including a sitting room with comfortable seating and a wood burner, a kitchen and a separate large dining room.
There is a large utility room immediate off this area with facilities for food preparation and storage as well as the washing up sink, a fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher.
Off the central open plan area is a further study/4th bedroom. This has a full-size single day bed with a second trundle bed and thus can sleep another two people comfortably or can be used as an ‘office’ for visitors who still have to maintain their business contacts!
There is also a downstairs shower room and toilet, log storage and general changing area and a door that leads out to the rear terrace and swimming pool [8 x 4 metres with steps and a shallow end for children]. The pool is set in lawn and surrounded by shrubbery and roses and is completely private and has copious sun beds/loungers with a choice of shade or sun. The pool and lawn is fenced off and accessed through a gate thus easy to supervise small children.
Upstairs are a further three double bedrooms – one with double bed and two with single beds. The double bedroom has direct access to an ensuite private bathroom with toilet [although this can also be shared with the rest of the rooms if required, through a further door from the landing] however there is also a separate shower room with toilet on this floor. There is central heating for winter lets and ceiling fans in each bedroom for the warm summer nights. All rooms in the house are fitted with mosquito netting so you can enjoy plenty of fresh air without inviting unwanted visitors!
The property has a lot of mature fruit trees and dependent upon the time of the year grapes, figs, plums and quinces can be enjoyed by the visitors.
AMENITIES AND EQUIPMENT
The equipment in the kitchen includes an induction hob and oven, kettle, microwave, toaster, juicer, hand blender and a mixer and all cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery etc. There is also an iron and ironing board and hair dryer and a child’s cot and pushchair plus a highchair for the dining room. All linen and towels are provided including pool towels.
Sunbeds and sunshades are provided and there is an outside shower by the pool which, weather permitting, will be open from May to September or early October.
There is covered car parking facilities for two cars and plenty of other parking space.
For autumn/winter lets a large basket full of logs will be there on arrival and additional logs can be arranged at a minimum cost with the owners.
The pool is cleaned mid-week, but this will be done early in the morning to avoid disturbance. Likewise, the terraces and garden will be watered two or three times a week but once more in the early morning!
If you wish the house to be cleaned during your stay this can be arranged at cost.
A grocery shopping service can be arranged and this should be requested in advance of your arrival with a list of requirements. A welcome pack of essentials is provided, free of charge, for your arrival.
Inside the house is a no smoking zone – please honour this request.
The owners speak English and Spanish.
Rentals will normally run from Saturday to Saturday.
ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES
Blue tooth speaker
Books and board games
Wifi Internet – bring your own devices
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO
Apart from the famous Andalucian cities mentioned – all well worth a visit – there is Jerez de la Frontera with a tour of the famous Sherry Bodegas with tastings of course! In the other direction is Antequera with fascinating Dolmen sites and the beautiful El Torcal.
Olvera itself has a multitude of restaurants and tapas bars as does neighbouring, very lively, Algondonales.
The Via Verde [Green way] in Olvera is a famous old and disused [or actually never used] railway track which has been turned into a walking, riding or cycling trail of some 36 kilometres with wonderful views and a chance to visit the centre for the famous Griffon Vultures – the largest colony in western Europe.
Algodonales is a centre for Parapenting [paragliding] activities including schools and an opportunity to book a taster flight if you have never done it before.
The National Park of Grazalema is some half an hour away with wonderful walks in the mountains, and of course, Ronda with its fascinating gorge which divides the town into two, its old winding streets, modern pedestrian shopping street, copious places to eat, and the most famous bullring in Spain with a museum.
….or you can just stay home and have a complete rest in a tranquil and beautiful setting spotting the wonderful bird life. Paqui could be tempted to prepare you a delicious Arroz [Paella] on the premises which you can just enjoy or give a hand in the preparation! Perhaps you might even like a taster few hours at the pottery with a chance to learn a little about the craft and this can be arranged with some notice.
Frank Hair arranges private birding days out including visiting Laguna Fuente de Piedra to see the second largest Flamingo population in Europe if it is the right time of the year.
Bicycles can be hired, and guided walks can be arranged.
