Loja holiday farmhouse: The best of rural Granada province,

This 150 year old Finca has everything that a large family could wish for . We were 18 people in three generations aged from 2 months to mid sixties and all judged it the best rental ever. The owner's supplied everything in the way of extra cots and high chairs for children and large fridges for beer and wine for the parents. Situated on top of a bluff with a magnificent view of the valley and hills up to the Sierra Nevadas, it is surrounded by excellent walks up on the ridge or among the olive trees. Some of us drove the hour and a half to the Sierras for more serious walking. We visited Granada and Cordoba, each an hour's drive, and were predictably astonished. The beaches South of Malaga are also an hour's drive away but were not much visited as the Finca has a huge, fenced, salt cleaned pool which is excellent for all the family. Shopping is done in Antequera, half an hour away where there is a mammoth supermarket.The Finca is built around a courtyard where one can dine or if preferred on two different terraces , all of which have a pleasant breeze in the heat and wonderful views All the power for the house and pool is generated by solar energy. One can employ a local lady who comes everyday to clean and to do the washing up as there is no dishwasher. Also a local restaurant will come and cook local dishes such as paella for a festa.The house is very spacious with an excellent supply of bedrooms and bathrooms, though some of us took our beds out on to the substantial balconies and slept under the stars. The large salon provided satellite TV and DVD's for the children and a great play space out of the sun.The children also enjoyed feeding the chickens and collecting eggs. Near the village lives a herd of goats which they loved, especially watching the milking and cheese making. Above the house is a huge tree where we sat in the evening , watching the sunset , drinking Rioja and singing songs.It was a memorable holiday fortnight to be recommended to all young and old.

We spent 2 weeks at Almendrillo in June this year and we had what I can only call “The Holiday of a Lifetime!” There were 16 in our group, 10 adults and 6 kids (15-4). It was absolutely perfect for us. The house is really big with well furnished spacious rooms and a real homely feel. The courtyard was perfect for family meals in the evening. The pool is big and safe, we spent many an hour chilling out watching the kids enjoy the pool. The view from the house is second to none..miles and miles of olive trees, hills and the occasional farmhouse. I had the pleasure of horse riding over that terrain and it was amazing. We went for walks through the hills also with a rewarding dip to finish! There was loads to do for everyone between bikes, table tennis, climbing trees and excellent day trips. Granada, the Torcal, Cordoba, Antequera..all well worth a visit. We didn’t bother with the coast as the pool was so good. I would thoroughly recommend the house for a few families or a large group of friends. It was an absolute privilege to spend time there!