El Cachete “the Retreat” is situated in the hills of the Sierra de Loja in 100 acres of olive groves and Spanish oak trees.

It is a natural sanctuary for wildlife. Hares, partridges, azure winged magpies, eagles, jennets and wild cats are to be found in the surrounding country. In the evenings, multi-coloured bee-eaters feed above the house and swallows swoop to drink from the pool.

With few fences and no concept of trespass in Spain, you are free to walk, ride or bike along sandy tracks for miles and without ever seeing a car. The few smallholders and farmers in the valley have continued the traditional, simple way of life and their friendliness enhances the experience of visitors to the Cortijo.

Loja, the nearest town, 9 kilometres distant, has few tourists and provides a glimpse of ordinary Andalusian life. The local shops close at 2pm for lunch followed by the siesta. Later in the evening the streets become thronged with young and old taking their paseo.

The city of Granada, 45 minutes by car, has a more cosmopolitan atmosphere. The streets of the old quarter are full of Moorish shops and cafes and the Alhambra, the most visited monument in Spain, is breathtakingly beautiful, despite the crowds. A day in Granada is a contrast to the tranquillity of the Cortijo, as is a trip to Ronda, an hour and a half across beautiful country.

For guests with a car or wishing to take the bus from Loja, the Mesquito at Cordoba is about an hour and a half away and Sevilla with the Alcazar around two hours.

The house itself is beautifully set within walled courtyard gardens, offering various places to read or reflect without disturbance. The salon is equipped with an open fire, a bar and various musical instruments including a piano.

The double, twin and single bedrooms are all simple but comfortable with en suite facilities.

Meals are eaten on the main terrace overlooking the mountains to the West. Keith and June specialise in regional dishes using fresh local produce including our own eggs and cheese and vegetables from our garden and of course our own olives. The swimming pool is large and more than deep enough to please the serious swimmer. It is set in an adjoining courtyard, with plenty of space for table tennis, a treatment area for complementary therapies and chess.

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