Cortijo Opazo
Formerly a working farmhouse, Cortijo Opazo can be found in the countryside near the villages of Pitres, Portugos and the area of La Taha, about 25kms from the town of Orgiva. It is surrounded by ancient terraces used today by shepherds and market gardeners. The cortijo has been renovated recently to provide holiday accommodation in two delightful lodgings, La Corona and El Lujar, named after the two mountain summits that the house faces. These apartments can be rented out on a self catering basis, or as part of a fully catered, all inclusive walking holiday.
Self catering apartment 'El Lujar' - 2/4 people.
This well equipped apartment has two sets of french windows leading from a private courtyard patio into the light and airy open plan living area of El Lujar. Here you will find a sofa, an armchair, dining table and chairs, coffee table and log burning stove. The kitchen is fitted with cupboards, full sized oven, glass ceramic hob with four rings, overhead extractor fan and full sized fridge. Plates, cutlery etc are provided for at least four people and there is an extensive range of cooking equipment. The kitchen is tiled with ceramics in traditional local designs, and is clean and modern. It has a window that faces east and allows the morning light to flood in.
Next to the kitchen there is a door leading to the bathroom. This has a sink, W.C. and walk in shower. It is fully tiled with shelves, hooks, mirrors, towel rails and a cupboard provided. The bathroom also has an east facing window with frosted glass.
From the sitting room a door leads into a good sized bedroom with a double bed (200cms x 150cms), two side tables with lamps, a chest of drawers, a built in wardrobe, a well stocked bookshelf and an armchair. A window looks out onto the surrounding hills.
El Lujar has its own private courtyard filled with flowering potted plants. This leads directly onto a patio, part covered by a pergola, which is for the exclusive use of guests staying in El Lujar. The patio has open views across the Rio Bermejo to the village of Pitres and further to the high summit of El Lujar - on a clear day the Mediterranean sea can be glimpsed way down in the valley. The patio has full sun all day whilst the west facing courtyard offers a perfect location to enjoy the setting sun. The private outdoors spaces lead on to the large communal garden. Tables, chairs and sun loungers are provided to allow guests to take full advantage of the outdoor spaces.
Throughout the accommodation the floors have been finished in warm terracota ceramic tiles. There is an underfloor heating system in all areas, the use of which is included in the rental. During most of the year the days are warm enough for t-shirts and light clothing but since the area is mountainous the evenings and early mornings in the cooler months can be chilly and we have found the heating system invaluable. The log burning stove is provided as a cosy luxury and a quantity of logs will be supplied.
El Lujar is ideal for two people. Adjacent to the courtyard is a guest room with en-suite bathroom and two single beds which can be rented out in addition to accommodate a further two people.
The Location
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains of southern Spain, Cortijo Opazo offers a perfect holiday destination if you are looking for beautiful scenery, relaxing surroundings and an area that is rich in cultural history. The region is known as 'Las Alpujarras' and is an enchanting part of Spain. Treasured by the Moors as a paradise location this mountainous area is situated between the summits of the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean coast of the Costa del Sol. As a holiday destination it is ideal for walking, cycling, riding, photography, painting and the appreciation of flowers and wildlife; but most of all for just unwinding and taking time out. It is within easy striking distance of the historical city of Granada with its fabulous Alhambra Palace, yet is close enough to the coast to enjoy a well deserved day lounging on the beach. During the winter and spring you can even go skiing on the high slopes of the Sierra Nevada - less than two hours by car.
Mulhacen is the highest peak in the area (and in mainland Spain) at a little under 3,500 metres. Cortijo Opazo is situated at 1,250 metres in the high Alpujarras and enjoys an excellent climate. The conditions of Andalucia in southern Spain ensure that there is plenty of sun during the winter months when the weather is usually warm enough for t-shirts and light clothing during the day. The summer months are hot but the altitude means that when evening comes there is always a delightful stream of cool air flowing down the valley from the high Sierras, a type of natural air conditioning.
Around Cortijo Opazo we have established delightful garden areas that we are extending all the time. Throughout the year you will be able to enjoy a variety of plants and flowers, many indigenous to this area, many grown by way of experimentation. You will feel free to wander from terrace to terrace and find your pefect place to contmeplate the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.