Whether you will want to visit the wonderful sites of Moorish Spain or relax by the pool in the garden with a glass of wine, you will appreciate to stay in this superb 18th century house. The swimming pool (11m/5m, illuminated,secured by alarm) sits in a large (800sqm) walled garden with a lawn, surrounded by jasmin and lavender bushes. There are 4 spacious double bedrooms (2 with single beds, 2 with double beds), all with shared but direct access to large bathrooms with shower and toilet. One of them has its own parlour.There is also an extra large room with 3 single beds and a cot, suitable for children. The kitchen is very big and well appointed, allowing more than one cook to feed large families. It opens onto the garden as well as onto the vast dining/living room. Indoors you can enjoy the well appointed library with a CD and DVD collection as well our 1000 or so books in English and French. There is an internet connection, as well as a telephone for free local and national calls. The spacious living room has a large open fire place for burning olive wood on the few weeks in the year when the evening temperature drops under 15° C. Outside,in typical Andalusian fashion, there is a lovely patio surrounded by old stone pillars,with a marble fountain in the middle, perfect for al fresco dining. Away from the busy coastal developments, discover the true heart of this fascinating province and its truly unique heritage. Here was the place where, for once, the three major faiths were living together in harmony during a few short centuries.The memory of Al-Andalus can be seen in its architecture, heard in its vibrant flamenco music, tasted in its local cuisine and wines... The best times to visit are spring, when orange trees are in bloom and autumn when the heat of the summer has abated. Festivals are a year round affair, from Carnival to Semana Santa to Seville Feria to pilgrimages and horse fairs. Any kind of celebration is a good excuse to throw a party : the most solemn procession leader will be seen enjoying drinks and tapas with his friends and family in a bar shortly after the event!
You will be able to visit the most important sights of Andalusia (Cordoba,Seville and Granada) or wander about Ecija and discover its many palaces, convents and churches.
Cordoba. The great mosque of Cordoba, a marvel of medieval Islamic architecture, is only one of the attractions of this historic city. The small streets of the "Juderia", the archeological site of Medinat-al Zahara, the medieval fortress of Almodovar del Rio are all fascinating sites to be discovered from Ecija.(50km on the A4 motorway)
Sevilla. The capital of Andalucia, Sevilla has charmed its visitors since Carmen seduced Don José in front of the Tobacco Factory (now the University). Don Juan himself was a local celebrity and the hosteleria where he had dinner is still open for service. The cathedral and its tower "La Giralda", the royal palaces of the Alcazar and their splendid gardens, the barrio Santa Cruz with its tapas bars are all less than an hour from Ecija. (80kms on A4 motorway)
Granada. Classified by Unesco as a World Heritage site, Granada is the historic site you must not miss. With the Alhambra, its sublime moorish palace, its gardens and its position at the foot of the soaring Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada makes an unforgettable excursion.(less than 2hours away on A92 motorway). Do not forget to book your ticket well ahead.
If you like walking, natural parks abound in the area, with marked trails over lovely hills dotted with large reservoirs( good for fishing). Toros bravos (semi wild bulls for corridas) roam the meadows of extensive haciendas and eagles can be seen circling in the cloudless blue sky. In early spring, pink flamingoes can be spotted in the "lagunas" a few miles south of Ecija.
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