Be ‘Lord of the Manor’ for the weekend at this rambling Cortijo surrounded by ancient olive trees and rolling countryside
About 25 minutes north east of Granada capital is a historic Andalusian manor house.
The beautiful Cortijo del Marques has been restored by an Austrian-Dutch couple, Silvia and Eiko and is now a small hotel, offering uncomplicated, comfortable accommodation, as well as a small restaurant with a day time tapas and salad menu, and a freshly prepared set menu each evening.
Location
Cortijo del Marques is described as ´Granada’s Best Kept Secret’ and maybe that can be attributed to its secluded location. The manor house is set is rolling countryside, off the A44 motorway. If you weren’t told about this place, you would never know it was there.
Its isolation is its greatest asset but maybe for some a small weakness. A stay here is an opportunity to disconnect and relax. It is not a location suited to those that want to go out and eat in different restaurants. It is also not suited to those addicted to being online – as Wi-Fi is not available in the rooms or the salon / restaurant – but instead in the downstairs area.
Ambiance
The style of the property is pared back and simple. The Andalusian patio with orange trees and fountain is authentic and beautiful in its simplicity. The public spaces are spacious and uncluttered – don´t expect lots of decoration, fabrics or curtains; the style is sinple, rustic with touches of chic.
Rooms
The 10 spacious rooms continue the style with simple, wooden shuttered windows, white linens and original features. We were upgraded to the wonderful ‘El Mirador’, the top room in the tower that offers 360 views from its privileged location.
There is no TV, radio or iPod dock – this is a place that is styled as a peaceful retreat.
Our room had A/C for those baking-hot summer days in Granada; and vintage radiators that keep everything toasty in the chillier winter/spring days. We stayed in Mid-March, and the room was very comfortably warm. Check when booking if your chosen room as A/C.
When we visited two additional suites were being added to the property – converted from rooms in the main house, that open out onto a terrace.
Breakfast / Dinner
Off-season meals are served in the dining room, in a building opposite the main house. Large French windows floor the space with light and the ceiling is double height. It was warmed by two wood burning fireplaces.
Breakfast is a simple ´continental’ style with cold cuts, bread, cakes, jams, fruit, yoghurt and cereals.
For an additional fee, dinner was a set menu, freshly prepared by the chef in-house – each course was well presented and was very tasty, so I thought it represented good value. For the vegetarian in our group, a change to the set menu was made.
During the summer, dinner is served in the romantic, candle lit courtyard.
Wow Factor
The outside space is lovely; the Andalusian patio; the walled garden with small swimming pool and sunbeds; the Alhambra style fountain – these are all touches that make this Cortijo truly memorable. Yet the Wow Factor has to be the private chapel that was added to the Cortijo in the 19th Century. It´s a peaceful and special space, that also makes for a perfect venue for a Wedding blessing.
The Cortijo del Marques has a really informative web site, so take a look and find out more.
The Highs
- Stunning period manor house, with unique historical features, including its own chapel
- Individually-styled rooms, all with authentic features
- Surrounded by countryside, with views to the Sierra Nevada mountains
The Lows
- This is a place to switch off and relax – so don’t expect unlimited super-fast Wi-Fi. There is coverage, but limited to one public area of the property
- I would like to have had more magazines, books and other ‘homey’ touches to soften the style of the property.
- The Cortijo is on a working farm, so expect some real life activity, and the odd barking dog
Cortijo del Marqués
Albolote
(Granada)
reservas@cortijodelmarques.com
Mobile +34 678 334 884
Landline +34 958 34 00 77
http://www.cortijodelmarques.com/en/
Share this:
Leave a Reply