The Cottage:
El Balcon has been completely restored and is now an attractive, comfortable holiday home for 2/3. The cottage is on two floors, furnished with a mix of antique and new pieces. Downstairs is the suntrap porch which leads into an open-plan living/dining room with a glass doored wood burning fireplace and a sofa bed. The well-equipped corner kitchen is tiled and easy to work in with a full size refrigerator and a 4 burner cooker with oven. Upstairs the bedroom invites with its large queen-size bed, bathroom, spacious washbasin and sitting area. The large sunny balcony off the bedroom offers unending entertainment as you watch the weather change over the valley and ocean beyond. Not one but two lighthouses can be seen at night, Cabo Peñas and Cabo Vidio.
A short walk up from the rest of the farm El Balcon is just far enough removed to make it the ideal place for people who want to relax or even need a quiet spot to write and work.
The Farm:
Because we are committed to protecting the environment and enjoy our organic lifestyle our linens are washed in natural soaps and sun dried. The house has features which save on energy and firewood is provided for your warmth. We encourage recycling and the chickens are the first step in the composting process. We do not own a tractor or heavy farm machinery therefore the place is doubly safe for children since there is no traffic. Organic dry food items are available for purchase, herbs and flowers free for the picking and we are always happy to share the seasonal abundance of the garden.
We enjoy sharing our enthusiasm for Asturias by helping with translations, reservations and tips on where to eat and what to see and do. There is a great deal of information in the house as well as in the 'Resource Center'. Asturias is full of pleasant surprises.
A welcome pack is included containing wine, coffee, teas, bread, milk, sugar and eggs (when our chickens cooperate).
The Area:
Enjoy a day on the balcony, walk the hills or jump in the car and in only 10 minutes you can be on the beach. There are many to choose from, quiet and secluded to busy with all the amenities. In 20 minutes you can find yourself in the beautiful bustling fishing ports of Luarca and Cudillero where a wealth of local fish and seafood, as well as typical Asturian dishes await you. Just inland have a look into the past where traditional lifestyles abound and revolve around cattle, both dairy and beef. Market days are not to be missed and arts and crafts shows are common in the summer. The cities of Aviles, Gijon and Oviedo are less than an hour away by car for nightlife, museums, the new aquarium, cultural events, and shopping. Take the narrow gauge FEVE train instead of the car! We are in western Asturias and therefore not close to the Picos but Somiedo Natural Park is not to be missed with its thatched mountain cottages and abundant wildlife. We can recommend walks in the area.
