Cortijo del Marques

Hotel review

When Austrian born Silvia and her Dutch husband Eilko bought this exceptional property they knew they had found somewhere very special indeed. At the end of a bumpy, 4km dirt track just north of Granada, this old manor house-cum-farmstead is set in the most glorious rolling hills, reminiscent of Tuscany but without the house on every hilltop. You can tell as soon as you arrive, hot and dusty, that here is an oasis that has been created with alot of care and love — it is, after all, not just a business, but also home for this couple and their children. Guest rooms have been brought to life with a selection of carefully chosen antiques, objets and furniture, and most are grouped around a large, open courtyard; many have ancient wooden beamed ceilings, stone columns, fireplaces and tiled floors. One is kitted out with a range of restored wooden horse troughs (La Cuadra), while the room in the tower has amazing 360 degree views across a landscape of olive groves and sunflowers. Off one side of the courtyard is a small swimming pool — though large enough for laps — while adjacent is a proper restaurant with a wide terrace for evening drinks amidst orange and olive trees. Nearby is a large, echoing chapel, once the prayer place of the Marquis. This is a chilled place, a retreat of silence broken only by the tinkle of a fountain, the laughter of children (though oodles of wifi can keep them pretty quiet these days) and the scurrying of the kitchen staff preparing your dinner. For things to do round about, glorious Granada, with it's arab old town and world wonder Alhambra, is just 20 minutes away, while riding and walking in the hills around will introduce you to this most magical of landscapes. Available for exclusive use — iit makes a great location for weddings, parties and corporate shindigs too.

James Dunford Wood Review published: 20/09/2024