Bienvenidos a « La Casa del Abuelo »
An Andalusian ‘cortijo’ built among centuries-old olive groves, its fourth-generation owner, Masie, has fully renovated the house using the construction methods and materials of yesteryear so as to conserve all the building’s former style.
This charming property has two interior courtyards. One is partly shaded with a beautiful fountain, and the other one you can use has a swimming pool 10 metres long and 5 metres wide, as well as a barbecue.
Just five kilometres away is Cabra, a typical Andalusian village still little known to tourists. Its oldest quarter still boasts its original Moorish architecture, with narrow alleyways and horseshoe arches. If you ask the local village people, you might even get to see the Roman remains. An example of paving from the Roman era is to be seen at the tourist information centre.
When we were last staying there we noticed that documentation on this is essentially written in Spanish, but there are some items in English, and even French and German.
Rambling enthusiasts can discover “La Subida a la Virgen de la Sierra”, highest point in Cabra, and “El Camino Verde”, a now disused railway line which has been transformed into a promenade several kilometres long (and not difficult).
Although the majority of the superb residences with their numerous inside “patios” were sacrificed to the bulldozers in the Eighties and Nineties to make way for apartment blocks, some can still be tracked down in Cabra, and in neighbouring villages (we have some addresses if you wish). Despite the modern development, these villages have retained the true soul of their own identity.
Nestling in the area known as “la Sub Betica”, a southern Spanish nature reserve, and on the “Route del Califa”, despite everything this village has kept its authentic charm and is the setting for numerous events, most often of a religious nature.
Declared the geographic centre of Andalusia, it is located a little more than one hour from Grenada, Cordoba and Malaga. Without going too far, you can discover the great charm and history of the surrounding villages.
If you have found us, it is because you are used to surfing the net. So you will certainly be able to find other information on the region. But if you wish we can let you know more about some of our favourites, and give you some useful addresses.
Hasta pronto en “La Casa del Abuelo”.
Santiago Gonzalez