El Nispero

In the heart of nature in the valley of the Rio Torrente, the cortijo borders the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. Within 5 mins walk of the picturesque ´slow´ village of Niguelas. Aguas Calmas lies between two traditional acequias (water-courses). Superb walking tracks lead into the mountains. Lots to do! Perfect base for Granada, beaches, Alpujarra, skiing and local restaurants. Great weather all year round. Paradise for hiking, cycling, gastronomy or lazing around pool with extraordinary views. The apartment (approximately 25 square metres) is on the second floor of a cortijo (small farm) just outside the stunningly picturesque village of Niguelas. It is called el Nispero as this is the Spanish name of a spectacular fruit tree (loquat in English, scientific name Eriobotrya japonica) which can be seen from the apartment. The apartment is accessed from its own external metal stairs. The land is mostly planted with olives. A drip irrigation system takes water from a dam at the bottom of the land which is filled from an acequia above. The garden outside the apartment is planted with olives, loquats, almond, walnut, cherry, citrus, mimosa, grape vines, lavender, thyme, rosemary, agaves, aloe vera, jasmine, roses, geraniums and many other flowers. There is a well shaded table and sitting area overlooking the pool and garden for use by guests. Another chill out zone (shared with us) has a table and hammock overlooking the pool, shaded by grave vines and large almond tree. Perfect for siestas! The apartment has a double bed, a fold-down table with stools, a TV (with HDMI port), air-conditioning, heating, microwave, toaster, kettle and coffee percolator. Good wifi. Sheets, towels, pots, pans, plates, cutlery and a small quantity of our own organic extra virgin olive oil are provided for guests. If you like our oil you can buy more. When available, we greet guests with our own organic eggs (we have 10 chickens) or fruit in season such as grapes, kakis and nisperos. We try to be eco-friendly. There is solar water heating and 12 photovoltaic panels, backed up by the grid at rare times when the sun is not shining. The apartment is recently refurbished. Please note that we have 100 fabulous reviews from our other listing (Aguas Calmas) and are Airbnb Superhosts. The garden, the swimming pool, shaded outdoor table and chairs, exercise bike, hammock If you want to be alone and enjoy the breathtaking views and silence we respect your privacy. However, if you want to learn about life in our idyllic rural (including history, culture, geology, gastronomy, hiking or cultivation of olives) we are available at all times. The cortijo is permanently inhabited by an Australian/Spanish couple. Tim is retired from working with humanitarian agencies. Helga, native of Granada, is an artist. We like meeting people. We are always available to help. We speak English, Spanish, French and Arabic. We can offer advice on walks (from strenuous to doddles) and you may accompany us (and dogs) on our daily paseos. We can direct you to several nearby restaurants with very affordable menus del dia. We can also provide information on fiestas - a regular occurrence in Niguelas and nearby villages - as well as day trips to the coast, ski-slopes, Granada, pueblos blancos of the Alpujarras, Cabo de Gata and elsewhere. Niguelas is regarded as the most attractive of the villages of the Lecrin Valley. It is famous for its tranquility and being laid-back - inhabitants of the village proudly call themselves Los Lentos (the slow ones). There are a range of bars and a restaurant in the village. There are two bakeries and mini supermarkets. A large well-stocked supermarket (Mercadona) is five minutes by car, near the motorway exit. Niguelas has a reputation for promoting culture and there are regular concerts and art exhibitions. There is a spectacular fiesta in early September. The cortijo is five minutes´ drive from the Granada-Costa Tropical motorway but due to topography traffic can never be heard and the autovia is not visible. The cortijo is an excellent base for exploring a wide area of Andalucia. Niguelas is connected to Granada, the coast and the Alpujarras by regular bus services. Granada is less than half an hour away. Ski slopes, the pueblos blancos of the Alpujarra and beaches between Salobrena and Almunecar can all be reached by car within an hour. Airports in Malaga and Almeria are 90 minutes away. The cortijo is at the base of two unsealed roads which lead to the high sierras. They are motorable by normal cars, but not after snowfalls! If you drive for 45 minutes up the mountain, the summit of Caballo, the third highest peak of the Sierra Nevadas (altitutde 3,100 metres) can be reached on foot in a few hours. The cortijo is on the route of the well known GR7 footpath. The high level Sulayr hiking trail around the Sierra Nevada alta is accessible after a short hike. Mountain bikes can be hired locally. We have three dogs. We will keep them out of your way if you wish, but most guests cant get enough of their charming company! Sorry but we cannot accept guests with pets. We produce our own organic olive oil. We make a small quantity available for guests. if you want to buy some let us know. Sorry, we can only accept guests who already have a positive airbnb reference. There is parking directly outside the cortijo. Apartment El Nispero is for only two people. Children under two are welcome without additional charge. We are not a hotel. We do not provide cleaning services after you check in. We make a broom, mop and vacuum cleaner available for you to use. For guests staying longer than a week, we will prove clean sheets and towels every seven days but it will be your responsibility to make the bed.