Casa Caballito de Mar

Casa Caballito de Mar is one of the most photographed houses in the traditional ‘white village’ of Bédar in Almería. Built in 1930, and retaining many of its original features to this day, this is a relaxing, whimsically unique space, draped in exquisite bougainvillea. Owners Carole and Steve have lovingly enhanced the traditional elements of the house, incorporating many locally-made pieces with a nod to Andalucía’s classical Moorish influences while also putting their own eclectic stamp on the property.

The attractive boutique accommodation overlooks the village church, offering breath-taking vistas of the sun-drenched Sierra Cabrera mountain range beyond. There are just two suites to choose from, each with their own private terrace. From the traditional caña ceilings to  the terracotta tiled floors they are a master-class in style. Space is abundant with large double beds, sitting areas, the terrace and en-suite bathrooms. Amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, remote-controlled air conditioning (which doubles as heating in winter), a hairdryer, and locally-sourced handmade natural soaps and candles.The thought that has gone into Casa Caballito de Mar can be seen in the forget-me-not basket, containing a selection of essentials that may have been left at home in the rush to go on holiday.

Breakfast is served in the quirky kitchen-breakfast room, with a Spanish breakfast that includes fresh fruit and bread and pastries baked in the village bakery just down the road. A cooked breakfast is available for a small extra charge.

For relaxing, there’s the delightfully bohemian lounge with a television and a log fire in winter. Alternatively the Fuente courtyard is an oasis in the heat of summer where you can gently cool down by sitting and dipping your toes in the Moroccan fountain while listening to the burble of the water.

Bédar is a haven for walkers, cyclists, artists and chill-seekers alike, promising clean mountain air, jaw-droppingly magnificent scenery, peace and tranquillity, and a taste of the traditional laid-back Spanish way of life. Just a 20-minute drive takes you to the blue-flag beaches of Mojácar Playa. The wild, rugged and almost other-worldly landscape and beaches of Cabo de Gata are a mere 35-minutes away, and Europe’s only desert is on the doorstep too.

Out and About

Food. Book the Foodie Experience and you'll be taken on a gastronomic exploration of this corner of Almería. You'll visit a local market, learn to cook classic tapas dishes and eat at some of the best restaurants in the area. in January 2020 The Times picked Casa Caballito de Mar as one of the 50 Best Holidays in Spain.
Beaches. Numerous beaches varying from those with a promenade, bars and restaurants to the totally virgin.
Walking. Marked walking trails where you can discover this area of wild beauty.
Cycling.
Quad-biking.
Industrial archaeology. Explore the old iron and lead mines around Bédar.
Golf. Many golf courses in the area.
Diving. Explore the underwater natural park at Cabo de Gata.

Places to visit:
Mojácar Playa
Mojácar Pueblo (another white village near the coast)
Cabo de Gata Natural Park
Sierra Cabrera (watch out for wild boar, tortoises, foxes, rabbits, vultures, eagles, bee-eaters.....)
Tabernas (the only desert in Europe)
Almería (the nearest major city)

A luxurious, relaxing suite, with ample wardrobe space, bamboo bedroom furniture, as well as a seating and dressing area with a rocking chair. It has a super king-size bed, a selection of pillows and high-quality Egyptian cotton bedlinen, as well as a full-length mirror. The suite can be converted to a twin or triple layout, by prior arrangement.

There is a beautifully decorated private terrace with plants and a table and chairs.

The en-suite bathroom has a power-shower over the bath and features Andalusian tiles, fluffy cotton towels, luxury toiletries and a hairdryer.

This suite has a separate lounge with a bamboo daybed and armchair. It can be curtained off from the bedroom, allowing Bougainvillea to be used as a family suite, whilst maintaining a degree of privacy. The lounge space can accommodate up to two additional guests by converting the daybed and adding a further single bed. The main bedroom has a large double bed, a selection of pillows and high-quality Egyptian cotton bedlinen, as well as a walk-in wardrobe with a full-length mirror. 

The large, luxurious en-suite bathroom is a wet room with a power-shower and fabulous tiling, fluffy cotton towels, luxury toiletries and a hairdryer. As it is dual aspect, it boasts some amazing views of the village. It also has a dressing table incorporating a Moroccan brass basin, which looks out over the neighbouring rooftops.

The lounge leads onto a large south-facing private terrace bedecked in lovely bougainvillea – of course!