Mill House on Cork & Cattle Farm with Summer Camp

A fabulous old grain mill that dates back to before the 16th century that has been lovingly restored in to a wonderful family home with character and charm. Located on a private organic cattle and cork estate (1000 acres) in the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales and just a short drive (25km) from the famous beaches of the Costa de la Luz and Tarifa. The buildings unique character has been emphasised in its re-design, combining traditional with contemporary; a glass window in the floor downstairs sheds light on how the mill functioned and clever lighting highlights the columns and the archways stonework. Other original features from its milling past have also been preserved, its metre-thick walls and flag stone tiles, which help to ensure that El Molino is wonderfully cool even at the height of summer. There are Dyson fans available for guests use. The downstairs is of a large open-plan design with vaulted ceilings that encompass the state-of-the-art modern kitchen with its enormous silestone work surface and breakfast bar. The kitchen is extremely well equipped with enough to satisfy even the most accomplished cook; its six-hob range cooker and American style fridge/freezer/ice-machine make this an ideal setting to capitalise on some of the fantastic local produce (Algeciras market is a one-off, with the best in Mediterranean and Atlantic fish in the area, not to mention the plethora of Moroccan delicacies) or even for trying the home grown organic beef! Beyond the kitchen is the dining area and where better to feast than off the 12 person oak dining table. The sitting room’s focus is the huge log fireplace, with its Scandinavian style sofa and armchairs. Downstairs there is one double bedroom ensuite with its own Moroccan- style wet room. The other bedrooms are all upstairs – the master bedroom is the largest of the bedrooms, with a super kingsize bed; in August one needs only reach out the window to pick some of the delicious figs from the tree! The other bedrooms include two smaller double bedrooms, a king size double bed that can also be made into two single’s, twin children’s bedroom and one child’s single bedroom, all with splendid wooden beamed high-ceilings complete and roof fan. There are two bathrooms upstairs; the ‘white’ bathroom has been decorated with Tarifa beach shells and has a large bath, twin sinks and a walk in shower. The second bathroom has a shower and was redone in 2019. The garden is out the back of the house on the mezzanine, it looks as though it goes on for as far as the eye can see, as the lush lawn tumbles away into the farms pastures where the long- horned Retinto red cattle graze and the storks nest and clack. The rear terrace was enlarged for 2016, with natural shade from the fig and judas tree the large banquet style wooden table and benches are the ideal spot for entertaining. There is also now an outdoor kitchen with cupboards with cutlery, plates and glasses, sink for washing up, dishwasher and fridge. Cooking can be done on the industrial size stainless steel Weber barbecue and gas hob! The garden is very child friendly with a hammock seat in the fig tree, another one under the shade of the eucalyptus trees, a 14ft in ground trampoline by the pool, table tennis table, basketball hoop and treehouse. There is also a climbing frame with two swings and a trapeze. (Toys can be left for guests use on request). We are usually in the area during rentals and if not Elvira is available to look after clients, she is also available for creating delicious Spanish picnics and can deliver home cooked meals. Spanish country living can be experienced first hand, tucked away here deep in the countryside, yet at just 20km from the nearest airport and 3,5km to the nearest town. There is plenty to do both on the farm and nearby. The farm boasts stunning walks that include a visit to its own Moorish thirteenth century look out tower, fishing in the reservoir, feeding the chickens and the horses. There are excellent opportunites for bird watching as the farm sits below the bird migration route to and from Africa. Tarifa and the beaches of the Costa de la Luz are a 20km drive with endless opportunities for water sports. Sotogrande also 20km away has plenty of activities on offer, including polo, sailing, tennis and not to mention golf – there are 25 quality golf courses close by too. We highly recommend renting a car to get the best from the area. My husband runs an educational farm for children down the road, there are summer camps throughout the summer that can be joined for the week or by the day. Price is from 70€ a week per child or 20€ a day. See Granja Escuela Bilingüe Los Barrios.