Rural Accommodation Andalucia

Cortijo las Rosas is a beautifully kept oasis amidst the olive tree covered hills. My husband, John, and I spent a week in April alternating trips to Cordoba, Priego de Cordoba and Ronda with days relaxing poolside. Gillian and Marylynne were very helpful with any queries we had. The accommodations were above average…..clean, comfortable with many extras not usually found in self-catering rentals. I would suggest getting the Welcome Pack as we were very happy to be able to stay put for a day after finding our way through the hills. I would recommend this accomodation to anyone who is seeking a quiet place in the countryside that is also convenient to the cities and towns of Andalucia.

We, a family of four from the Netherlands, really enjoyed our stay at The Casita Perdiz. The location is great with beautiful views on the hils covered with olive trees. The house is very clean, tastefully decorated and the terrace outside next to the swimming pool has nice tiled benches. We used our private inner court yard with flower pots for breakfast outside. Gillian and Marylynne are very kind hosts. They supplied us with good information about places to visit and places to eat out. Marylynne even brought an interesting archeological site to out attention on the beautiful table hill close to our house. Our youngest daughter enjoyed walking the dogs with Gillian in the morning! Do not forget to eat excellent tapas at the nice square at the top of the village of Iznajar. Although the first days were rather chilly, a good excuse for sitting around the log fire place in the evening (early May), the last few days gave us plenty of Spanish sunshine. We will never forget our holiday close to Iznajar.

Nous avons séjourné une semaine dans la casita Liebre et nous sommes enchantés de nos vacances au Cortijo Las Rosas. L'accueil des propriétaires est très chaleureux, le logement cosy, soigné et très bien équipé (même pour les bébés ou jeunes enfants). Le gite se trouve à +-10km d'Iznajar par les petites routes de montagne, autant vous dire que ce lieu est calme et reposant.
C'est donc un lieu idéal pour visiter les grandes villes de l'andalousie (proche de Cordoue et Grenade) ainsi que ses petits villages, tout en offrant la possibilité de se reposer dans un lieu charmant.
Bref, nous y retournerons sans hésitations et nous vous conseillons à tous de passer par là.
Amitiés à Gillian et Marylynne.
Julien, Edouard et Emilie

spain

My family and I had a wonderful week at Cortijo Las Rosas in September this year. Gillian and Marylynne are excellent hosts and really do think of everything. Our casita (Liebre) was simple, stylish and spotlessly clean. The kitchen was more than adequately equipped and the welcome pack was great. We have three young children and our hosts did everything to ensure that they had all that they needed (baby bath, highchair, babyseat for pool etc). We had a lovely week and would not hesitate to recommend Cortijo Las Rosas to our family and friends.

Ich verbrachte mit meiner Tochter eine Woche in Cortijo Las Rosas. Es waren wunderschöne, erholsame Tage mitten in der Einsamkeit der Olivenhaine. Wer Erholung in der Stille sucht, abseits von Touristenströmen, ist hier genau richtig aufgehoben. Es gibt Wanderwege ohne Zahl in dieser anmutigen Gegend für die Bewegungsfreudigen. Für solche, die einfach nur abhängen wollen, ist ein Schwimmbad vorhanden. Wir wohnten in der Casita Liebre, eine Ferienwohnung, die ich als "urig" bezeichnen würde, angenehm unterschieden von den vielfach gesichtslosen Unterkünften und schon in sich ein dickes "PLUS". Die Ausstattung war tadellos, – wir fühlten uns einfach wohl.
Ohne allzu grossen Aufwand sind Cordoba, Granada und anderes zu erreichen, was einen Besuch lohnend macht.
Die beiden Vermieterinnen sind die nettesten und fürsorglichsten Damen, die man sich denken kann, immer freundlich und hilfbereit, ohne sich aufzudrängen. Wir danken den beiden für eine Urlaubswoche, an die wir immer gern und mit ein bisschen Wehmut denken werden. Vielleicht kommen wir noch einmal zurück.

If ‘Cortijo Las Rosas’ was a novel it would fall under the ‘magical realism’ genre of fiction in which magical elements blend with the real world.

The impressive owners have created a beautiful and idyllic rural haven in Andalucia, it’s probably the most peaceful, tranquil and divine hideaway in Spain. The lovingly renovated farmhouse and delightful casitas are situated in a breathtaking location cradled deep in the ancient olive groves that fill the region and are adorned amongst bulbous & burgeoning fig trees (even pomegranates, I believe). There is an abundant scent of lavender that subtly pervades the pathways and terrace, where swallows glide, dive and sequentially skim for a welcome drink from the exquisite swimming pool which overlooks a stunning valley; intricately stitched and woven with olive groves. This is the perfect retreat, an enchanting and ‘magical’ place to relax and unwind – truly a slice of paradise!

Gilly and Marylynne are not only two of the most extraordinary and magnificent women you’ll ever meet, but adorable sisters in arms – literally! They are the astounding owners, who energetically and effortlessly manage Las Rosas, which is clearly lovingly well maintained and runs like clockwork. They made us feel incredibly welcome from the off and are extremely attentive hosts who care deeply that you enjoy your time and stay; nothing is too much trouble! They’re tremendous fun, so kind, thoughtful, extremely witty and utterly charming. They’re enthusiasm simply knows no bounds (I can only dream of having that kind of boundless energy in my prime!)

The dual focus and friendly advice is invaluable, both immersed in Spanish culture, they are extremely knowledgeable on not only when and where to visit, but how to navigate yourselves there. These women really know they’re stuff! Both were extremely helpful and accommodating in guiding us and they seemed uncannily able to gauge just what we needed (or did not) at any given time; excursion, adventure, relaxation – appearing with guides, maps and further literature with an almost sixth sense! Right from the start, you know you’re in very good hands. You sense they probably have the capacity to solve the current global economic crisis between them!

Las Rosas’ location is a fantastic starting point to tour the Subbetica de Cordoba region; our day trips and excursions included: Cordoba (World Heritage Site), Priego de Cordoba, Zuheros and Granada (the Albayzin). We have stayed in Antequera before and highly recommend El Torcal natural reserve where there are some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe – it really is otherworldly! Also, approaching Iznajar you have an incredibly dramatic setting, when you first glimpse the Embalse de Iznajar; the largest lake in the whole of Andalucia, which is frequented throughout the warm season as a beach. Each casita has plenty of guides and a comprehensive instruction book containing good routes, clear road directions and very useful tips on parking.

The property boasts three superb casitas with private entrances and the facilities are excellent. We stayed in Casita Galgo and savoured every minute of it! The accommodation itself was top notch, very comfortable, immaculately clean and fantastically well equipped; combining many home comforts with traditional touches and bright fabrics. There is a delightful private courtyard with jasmine, potted plants and a built-in BBQ. The bedroom on the ground floor is lovely and cool with comfortable beds and has a well-proportioned ensuite bathroom.

The upstairs living / kitchen area has spectacular views across the valley and captures the sunset (and sunrise, if you’re early risers). The kitchen is well conceived and brilliantly kitted-out, there’s simply everything a cook would need (bar a tagine), but then it’s a long way from Tunbridge Wells and slow cooking! Opt for the abundant and generous ‘welcome pack’ (exceptionally good value at 20 euros), it provides all the essentials and much, much more besides. They also ply you with delicious virgin olive oil from the local cooperative.

Simply spend time basking in the sun, lazing, dozing, lolling about or reading under a parasol by the beautifully situated pool overlooking the olive groves. It’s spectacular by the pool at night; either lit or unlit, just gazing under the vast myriad of stars and constellations dancing and winking at you (look out for shooting stars in July & August). It’s blissfully quiet by day and night, with the sounds of swallows and crickets only interrupted by the popping of a cork (or two!) from the poolside fridge/freezer. A perfect setting to enjoy a glass of cava, sip fine wine or try Gilly’s own summer tipple (cerveza and ginger ale, which makes for a delicious bittersweet Spanish lemonade) Salud!

One of the most pleasurable and ‘magical’ holiday experiences ever – we had an incredible time and felt so bereft on departing that we’re already planning an autumnal break in October 2012; madly scouting for flights only after a couple of days back in UK. We’re very much looking forward to a snug bolt-hole, lit wood-burning stove, day trips to the Alhambra, Sierra Nervada and a unique dining experience at Casa Piolas in Algarinejo with a gastronomic tour-de-force – yum, yum!

My last bit of advice, if you’re planning an Andalucian holiday and ‘Cortijo Las Rosas’ is on the list, look no further. Like an extraordinary novel – you’ll fall in love with it, definitely want to delve in again and revisit… its compelling and magnifique!

We stayed in Casita Perdiz for two weeks, and had an absolutely wonderful time there. The accomodations were lovely, the surroundings gorgeous and serene, and the pool without equal for beating the heat or unwinding after a day spent seeing the sights. The Casita was lovely, with a cozy dining table in the courtyard perfect for breakfasts and dinners, and a living room with enough room for us all to curl up with our books in the afternoon.

The Cortijo las Rosas is within easy driving distance of a number of small towns and larger cities; perfect for day trips and excursions. Gillian and Marylynne were incredibly helpful; recommending restaurants, local sights, and helping to arrange a hotel when our limited spanish was not up to the task. They've provided driving instructions to the major cities nearby, which were invaluable, and helpful restaurant reviews and tips to cope with the Spanish sun. Absolutely spring for the welcome basket! The food is delicious, and it means that first day at the Cortijo can be spent relaxing and settling in, without having to worry about groceries and shopping.

A one of a kind experience!"

Wir haben hier 2 wunderbare Wochen (Mai/Juni 2012) in der Casita Perdiz verbracht. Die Casita ist sehr geschmackvoll (siehe Bilder) mit zwei Schlafzimmern und Bädern eingerichtet, wobei das zweite Zimmer nur über den privaten (und schattigen) Innenhof erreicht werden kann – ideal für unsere 13-jährige Tochter! Besonders toll fanden wir die "Rundum-Versorgung" – es ist einfach alles da: ob Küche (Salz, Pfeffer, Gewürze, sogar Alufolie und Plastikgeschirr für Pool und Picknick), Vorratskammer mit separatem Kühl- und Eisschrank (für "Großeinkäufe";) und Waschmaschine (natürlich mit Pulver :o), ausreichend Liegen und Sonnenschirme am herrlichen Pool, Infomaterial im Haus oder direkt bei den super-netten Schwestern Gillian und Marylynne, die bei Bedarf stets mit aktuellen Tipps zu Restaurants oder Parkmöglichkeiten aushelfen. Und die hier schon öfter abgegebene Empfehlung für das Willkommenspaket können wir nur unterstreichen! Das Haus liegt extrem ruhig inmitten von Olivenhainen und "ab vom Schuss" und ist daher nix für Partygänger, aber ideal für idyllische Abende am Pool und liegt doch in der Nähe der großen Sehenswürdigkeiten (Cordoba, Granada und Malaga sind jeweils in ca. 1,5 Std. mit dem Auto erreichbar). Die 700m Buckelpiste zum Haus waren nur am Ankunftstag (im Stockdunkeln) etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig, danach aber auch mit einem Hyundai i20 kein Problem. Unbedingte Empfehlung für alle, die Ruhe und Entspannung in schönem Ambiente suchen.

Have travelled all over the world and this idyllic retreat is one of the very best we have known! Tucked amidst the olive groves and at the end of a long private driveway… we had only nature as a neighbor. The owners are ***. The casita was immaculate – well stocked – and cozy in every respect. Loved the Welcome package – it provided far more than we ever expected. If you are intrigued by a rural retreat with access to most Andalucian highlights within an hour's drive… look no more. We loved it! Thank you so much ladies – and gentleman!