Cortijo El Guarda

Cortijo El Guarda. 

Car. de Olvera s/n, Alcala del Valle.

Cortijo El Guarda is a gorgeous 500 year old farmhouse situated in a picturesque valley with stunning far-reaching views, conveniently positioned close to the little 'pueblo blanco' of Alcala del Valle, and within easy reach of historic Ronda. The heart of the cortijo is the big cobbled courtyard, surrounded on four sides by the traditional whitewashed walls of the very traditional cortijo buildings. Breakfast is normally served here under the shade of the lovely rustic wooden pergola, which is also the perfect place to enjoy alfresco dining at any time of the day.

Just outside the courtyard walls, the large inviting pool is set amidst informal terraces with mature olive trees, pretty flowering oleander bushes, and numerous attractive plants and shrubs which blend seamlessly into the surrounding farmland.

The recent refurbishment of El Guarda has carefully preserved the rustic charm and character of the cortijo, while ensuring modern comfort and convenience. The five double en-suite guestrooms were all part of the original cortijo and therefore every one is unique. The majority boast their own private terrace, and many have a traditional working log-burner ensuring that even a mid-winter stay is warm and cosy. A relaxing slumber is assured in Emperor or King-sized beds with top-quality mattresses selected for comfort, dressed in the finest Egyptian cotton. The bathrooms are characterised by pure rustic luxury with either large walk-in showers or antique-style roll-top baths, all constructed with a totally natural feel contributed by the local craftsmen who carried out the renovations. High pressure showers provide a real kick, whilst thick fluffy towels, comfy bathrobes and high quality bathroom products finish the experience to perfection.

Passing through antique chestnut double doors, guests enter an impressive farmhouse kitchen / dining room with exposed beams and a high vaulted wooden ceiling. Truly a room for all seasons with a welcoming fireside sofa and chairs for guests to snuggle up to in winter, whilst most of the year the doors are thrown open to the adjoining tranquil terrace. The kitchen has an honesty bar where guests can help themselves to a drink at any time of the day or night.

A separate elegant sitting room, with a well-stocked library wall, is a nice corner to get away from it all.

Out and About

Walking
Horse-riding
Massage (a local masseuse and physiotherapist visits to give relaxing massages and treatments in the Mirador)
Karting (Circuito Internacional Campillos is just 25km away)
Paragliding (at Algodonales)
Ascari Race Resort (a real racing circuit dedicated to driving all sorts of exotic road cars and racing cars)

Places to visit:
Ronda (see the famous bridge and gorge, and the oldest bullring in Spain)
Setenil (cave houses)
Olvera (a "pueblo blanco" white village with impressive church and castle)
Sierra de las Nieves (spectacular mountains an all sorts of activities)
Sierra de Grazalema (a great place for walking)
El Torcal Nature Reserve (amazing rock formations)
Cueva de la Pileta (pre-historic cave paintings)

We Say

Charming hosts, charming rustic accommodation, charming scenery. We are charmed by Cortijo El Guarda.