In the mountains northwest of Sevilla, you will find Molino Rio Alájar, a breathtaking property where everyone's muse lives.
It boasts five cabins, all beautifully appointed with modern amenities, yet they retain the rustic charm and tranquility that sets you back to another age. This is where you should come to relax, recharge and enjoy this small slice of heaven.
Some years ago, Peter Jan and Monica bought an old ramshackle water mill and over the next years they restored it, built five top quality cabins and at the same time went to all the flea markets, auctions and antique stores in the province of Huelva, Spain. There they collected everything. Old locks, antique delft tiles, barber chairs, wine presses, anything that would add to the magic that is the Molino. You have your own cabin, but it is fun to gather in the communal house and chat with the other guests, make a pot of soup for all to enjoy, study the guide books and maps of the area, or just enjoy the fireplace and scratch the dogs ears while sipping a locally made acorn liqueur. You can pick vegetables from the garden and firewood for the fireplaces and the outdoor grill is provided free of charge.
The two larger houses sleep 4 - 6 people. Each one has a large sitting-room with an open fireplace. The kitchen has a gas stove and electric oven, refrigerator and a good selection of cook ware, cutlery and earthenware. The bathroom is downstairs. There are four single beds in the loft upstairs. To the side of the house and with a separate entrance, a bedroom with a double bed and en suite bathroom completes the accommodation. Both houses have a terrace for dining alfresco.
The two smaller houses are studios with two single beds, wood-burning stove, small refrigerator and an en suite bathroom. Each has a small terrace on the side. All the houses have under floor heating, telephone and television.
Just a 15 minute walk from the Molino, past craggy cork oaks, you will find the small (836 souls) village of Alájar. There are several bars and restaurants here. We think one stands out as truly unique. It is Mesón "El Corcho." You must not cheat yourself out of this treat. Go to the bar (you will become a local right away)and have a drink or two. Be curious about the local liqueurs and they will gladly let you taste each and every one. Be careful of the locally made potato chips though. They are addictive! Corcho means cork and please notice the ceilings and walls. They are all hand carved cork sculptures by local artists. The floor in the restaurant was hand laid. It took a year. Have loads of the delicious ham. The pigs are acorn fed, which gives the ham a special flavor. You will notice the hams hanging everywhere. You will not find anything quite like this anywhere.
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