Finca Al-manzil is 22 hectare finca on the S.W. slope of the Sierra de Montanchez. One approaches the finca along a winding lane, part of the ancient system of communication that link even the most remote parts of the sierra. We are in olive and fig country and it is a delight to see the carefully tended land along the way. As we climb and turn the last bend we see a marvelous vista of five craggy peaks erupting out of the sumptuous green of the sierra. We have arrived. The peaks are like the guardians of the finca, wherever you may roam, look up and there they will be, simply magical!  

There is a flexible choice of accommodation at the finca on daily or weekly basis. 

Finca al-manzi is special because it is secluded from other houses and people, although not remote, it is in a world of its own and entirely run on solar power , a powerful system with a tracker device that follows the sun to optimise the solar energy. The finca  also has its own water supply from a bore hole . The barn and the cortijo run efficiently and have all the normal kitchen equipment, hot water, heating etc. There are no restrictions but we ask every one who stays with us to be aware of energy saving by being careful and sensible with consumption of water and power.

We have two houses, the CORTIJO and the BARN.

THE CORTIJO

THE CORTIJO, the original farmhouse is situated on the slope of the sierra with great views across the olive groves and towards the peaks . There is a spacious sitting/dining room with a traditional fireplace and doors that open on to a terrace and also a covered patio. Well equipped kitchen with cloakroom, 3 comfortable bedrooms, one on the first floor and 2 off the patio, all with en-suite bathrooms. Private entrance gate and driveway to entrance hall of cortijo. The pool is set among the rocks and trees with a view to the peaks.

THE BARN

THE BARN is situated in its own 2 acre grounds with a sunny aspect and views across the olive groves. Spacious sitting/dining room, kitchen , bathroom, bedroom on the first floor with a skylight with view of the peaks. Big terrace for outside dining, barbecue and shady area on copse of holm oaks in the pasture, perfect for siestas. Private entrance and parking.

THE SWIMMING POOL  

The swimming pool is delightfully secluded, set into the natural rocks of the sierra with views across the olive groves and up to the peaks. A small stream has been encorporated into the filtration system and runs down through rocks and back into the pool. Our filter system uses a salt water chlorinator which keeps the water clean and soft, much better for skin and eyes than a normal chemically chlorinated pool. Both Cortijo and Barn have free access to all parts of the finca including the pool. Exclusive use of pool by Cortijo clients can be discussed.

 

 

Both the cortijo and the barn have open access to all parts of the finca. We have made paths for easy walking, particularly to the highest part of the finca where there is an olive grove and many traditional stone shelters, chozos, also plenty of springs and pools, perfect pic-nic spots. There is a delightful walk directly to the village of Montanchez on the old moorish path which takes about 40 minutes. The walk to Arroyomolinos and the water mills takes about 1 hour. Driving to either village takes about 10 minutes; to our nearest large towns, Caceres, Trujillo or Merida takes 30-40 minutes.

TURISMO RURAL / BED AND BREAKFAST in the Cortijo

Accommodation on daily basis with breakfast included, minimum 2 night stay. Dinner is optional extra.

RENTING ON WEEKLY BASIS

The CORTIJO AND BARN are completely independent but not too far apart, so, although retaining complete privacy, can be rented together for larger parties of 8 people or separately for smaller groups of 6 in the Cortijo and 2 in the Barn.

RENTAL RATES

TURISMO RURAL (B & B)          PER DOUBLE ROOM PER NIGHT   65€

DINNER/CENA PER PERSON 20€

RATES PER WEEK	CORTIJO	BARN
ALL WEEKS	1600€	700€
	minimum 1 Week	minimum 4 days @ 110€ per Day

Heating for winter months included, logs and gas.
Cleaning twice a week.  Linen change once in a 2 week stay.
Laundry can be arranged with cleaner or 
washing machine can be used but full loads only to save energy and water @ 6 € per load.

Dinner can be ordered in advance for B&B clients. 
We try to encorporate as many local products as possible ; the excellent wine, jamon,  cheese, olives, figs, Iberic meat and fish in season, vegetables and fruit in season including the asparagus and mushrooms that grow wild on the finca. Usually the dishes are of Mediterranean and Iberic origin including some Moroccan and Middle Eastern recipes, vegetarian dishes can be ordered.

Contacts:

e-mail:  finca_al_manzil@yahoo.com

0034 670743296

0034 678447876

BLOG FOR FINCA AL-MANZIL ......    http://www.finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com/

13/12/07       

We are keeping the grounds as natural as possible but with stone paths for better and safer access to all parts of the finca, especially the higher part which contains many old stone shelters, chozos, springs and wonderful vistas from the spectacular rock formations.

We want our guests to be able to enjoy a safe  and rewarding wander around the finca and beyond, using the original ancient paths, two of which lead to the castle of Montanchez. We plan to revive as much pathway as possible as it is a truly great experience to walk on Roman and Moorish history.

The historic cities of Merida, Caceres, Trujillo and Guadalupe are nearby for the cultural and historical inspiration.

Cistern in Caceres

Merida Roman Theatre