Holiday villa with private pool near Pitres, Las Alpujarras, Andalucia
Cortijo de la Rata - country house with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in a quiet location
This wonderful country house is situated between the two Alpujarran villages of Pitres and Mecina, 1,100 metres above sea level on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The access road to the property is challenging as the house is well and truly off the beaten track! It is a very short drive from Pitres and a turning off the main road takes you down a track, manageable in most cars, to a very quiet, secluded location. The property has its own spring water and electricity is produced from solar panels. Surrounding the property is an imaginative array of flowering shrubs and Mediterranean plants. In summer there are cicadas chirping in the trees and the sounds of village life drifting up from below.
The house itself is very creatively built and has been added to over the years. It has 2 floors, several terraces, a garden behind the house and below the property nestles a relatively deep L-shaped pool (unsuitable for non swimmers). Next to the pool there is an annexe where the third bedroom is, with an en-suite shower, and next to that, an outdoor toilet and terrace.
The house has been redesigned and built in keeping with the traditional Moorish architecture of the Alpujarras with terracotta floors and worn chestnut ceiling beams. The entrance is via a covered terrace into the living room which has a sofa corner by the wood stove and an open-plan kitchen and dining area. Next to the kitchen there is a door leading to a small staircase which leads up to two bedrooms. There is a bathroom on both levels; the downstairs one has a big, tiled, walk-in shower and the upstairs one has a bath. There is also another bathroom next to the covered terrace.
The main bedroom has a large comfortable bed and doors leading to a large outside patio with seating and marvellous panoramic views. The small bedroom has 2 single beds and a bunk bed for a child. The bedroom in the annexe has a double bed so there is room for 6 adults and a child.
There are fantastic views from the upper and the lower terraces and both have comfortable seating, especially the upper terrace, which is a wonderful place to enjoy the starry, Andalusian summer nights.
Parking is available for several cars in a cleared meadow just below the house. The villa is accessed via a 1 km track. This is asphalted only about half of the way and there are tight curves in some parts. Some driving experience is recommended! The closest village is Pitres which has restaurants, cafes, medical care, a bank and a supermarket. A short walk downhill leads to Mecina which has a friendly pizzeria and vegetarian restaurant.
This house is not recommended for small children under 6 years old because of the steep stairs up to the house and the pool which has a high wall on one side and is really only suitable for swimmers.
Hot water and electricity are solar powered and there is a converter to convert to 220 V. As backup, there is also a generator. The refrigerator works on electricity AAA+. The house has its own resources and is not connected to the public water network.
To the coast and to Granada are both about a 60 minute drive.
The house itself is very creatively built and has been added to over the years. It has 2 floors, several terraces, a garden behind the house and below the property nestles a relatively deep L-shaped pool (unsuitable for non swimmers). Next to the pool there is an annexe where the third bedroom is, with an en-suite shower, and next to that, an outdoor toilet and terrace.
The house has been redesigned and built in keeping with the traditional Moorish architecture of the Alpujarras with terracotta floors and worn chestnut ceiling beams. The entrance is via a covered terrace into the living room which has a sofa corner by the wood stove and an open-plan kitchen and dining area. Next to the kitchen there is a door leading to a small staircase which leads up to two bedrooms. There is a bathroom on both levels; the downstairs one has a big, tiled, walk-in shower and the upstairs one has a bath. There is also another bathroom next to the covered terrace.
The main bedroom has a large comfortable bed and doors leading to a large outside patio with seating and marvellous panoramic views. The small bedroom has 2 single beds and a bunk bed for a child. The bedroom in the annexe has a double bed so there is room for 6 adults and a child.
There are fantastic views from the upper and the lower terraces and both have comfortable seating, especially the upper terrace, which is a wonderful place to enjoy the starry, Andalusian summer nights.
Parking is available for several cars in a cleared meadow just below the house. The villa is accessed via a 1 km track. This is asphalted only about half of the way and there are tight curves in some parts. Some driving experience is recommended! The closest village is Pitres which has restaurants, cafes, medical care, a bank and a supermarket. A short walk downhill leads to Mecina which has a friendly pizzeria and vegetarian restaurant.
This house is not recommended for small children under 6 years old because of the steep stairs up to the house and the pool which has a high wall on one side and is really only suitable for swimmers.
Hot water and electricity are solar powered and there is a converter to convert to 220 V. As backup, there is also a generator. The refrigerator works on electricity AAA+. The house has its own resources and is not connected to the public water network.
To the coast and to Granada are both about a 60 minute drive.
Accommodation
Covered south-facing terrace at the front of the house (20 m²)
Pool terrace
Pool - 35m², 1.50 to 2.60 m deep.
Lower floor:
Fully equipped open-plan kitchen
Living room with dining area, sitting area and fireplace
Shower room with sink and WC
Living room with dining area, sitting area and fireplace
Shower room with sink and WC
Upper floor:
1 bedroom with double bed (2.00 x 1.50 m)
1 bedroom with 2 single beds (1.90 x 0.90 / 0.80 m) and bunk beds (1.90 x 0.80 m)
1 bedroom with 2 single beds (1.90 x 0.90 / 0.80 m) and bunk beds (1.90 x 0.80 m)
Bathroom with sink, bath tub & toilet
Garden House (annexe):
1 room with double bed (1.90 x 1.40 m) Bathroom with shower and sink. Outdoor toilet
Equipment
Wood stove
4 ring gas cooker
Garden furniture, sun beds, parasol
CD player
SAT TV with international channels
WiFi
Internet Radio
Washing machine (seperate room)
Barbecue
4 ring gas cooker
Garden furniture, sun beds, parasol
CD player
SAT TV with international channels
WiFi
Internet Radio
Washing machine (seperate room)
Barbecue
The pool is available from 1 June until 15 October
Changeover day is flexible.
Changeover day is flexible.
For a booking you have to pay 50% in advance.
Arrival from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first booked day and departure before 10 a.m. on the last booked day.
Arrival from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first booked day and departure before 10 a.m. on the last booked day.
Children under 6 years are for free, but the terrain, pool and house are not safe for young children and the owners do not take any responsability.
From November to Easter ONLY LONG TERM RENTAL is available.
In winter firewood is charged at 10 Euros a wheelbarrow
In winter firewood is charged at 10 Euros a wheelbarrow
