WELCOME TO FINCA AL-MANZIL!

Finca Al-manzil is 22 hectare finca on the S.W. slope of the Sierra de Montanchez, one of the most beautiful sierras in Extremadura with some unique features.

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 marvellous 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! 
We are in the excellent position of being able to offer an interesting and rewarding holiday for our guests. Enjoy the unique benefits to be gained from this area of the Extremadura; rich nature, exceptional bird watching, fascinating walks and hikes, ancient Roman and Moorish vestiges, healthy natural food products and the comfortable, friendly and versatile environment to enjoy all these pleasures at Finca al-manzil.

Please check the blog for Finca al-manzil  - a constant update on latest goings on and lots of information on interesting things to do and see near the finca.
www.finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com

Approved responsible travel link for Finca al-manzil

ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION AND ACTIVITIES
There is a flexible choice of accommodation at the finca on a self catering basis at the CORTIJO or BARN for B. & B. basis at the cortijo when it is available.

We now have a new site for accommodation at neighbouring houses in case we are booked up for your preferred dates, same lovely scenery,same attention to detail www.extremadura-rural-retreats.com

COOKING HOLIDAY for one week every month except July and August. Also a shorter 4 night holiday.

Whilst renting the cortijo, barn or casa alfarera you may book just a morning or two.

DINNER can also be ordered whilst staying in any of the houses, it will be delivered all ready to go for you to enjoy in your own space.

ACCOMMODATION

THE CORTIJO for self-catering by the week or B. & B. when not rented for 6 people in 3 bedrooms

The cortijo has been renovated with loving care using traditional materials, the windows, thick shutters and doors were made by our local carpenter with seasoned chestnut wood.
The spacious double height sitting room stays cool in summer and is cosy in the colder months with a wood burning fire.

There are lots of books, DVDs and comfy chairs. Doors lead on to the porch and terrace with lovely views of the surrounding countryside. The kitchen is well equipped and features a marvellous old stone work table, very inspirational for imaginative cooks. The dining room leads off the kitchen; there is a huge 3.30 metre dining table and access to the back terrace with barbecue, dining table for lovely outside dining experiences and sweeping views up to the peaks. The little path to the swimming pool starts here.

There is accommodation for 6 people in three comfortable bedrooms, all have en-suite bathrooms. We have a cot and 2 camp beds for children if needed. The upstairs bedroom has access to a secluded 20m2 roof terrace with the best views of the mountain. The other two twin bedrooms lead off the porch, a lovely space for enjoying the views and star gazing at night. Private entrance gate and driveway to entrance hall of the cortijo.

NEW! WiFi connection now available.

  THE  BARN for 2 people with one large double bedroom                         

THE BARN is situated in its own delightful 1 hectare grounds with a sunny aspect and views across the olive groves and up to the peaks of the mountain. The notable thing about the barn is SPACE, really big just for 2 people

The double height sitting room and dining area are furnished with unique objects, comfy sofa and chairs, lots of books and dvds with stairs to a big 1st floor bedroom. 

The whole space is heated by a Danish wood burning stove in the cooler months. The bathroom has a roomy shower and views of the meadow. The kitchen is well equipped with gas hob and oven, fridge, washing machine, lots of utensils and attractive table wear.

There are French windows from the sitting room leading to a long covered terrace for outside dining with barbecue, lovely views of the
mountain peaks and to a shady area under a copse of holm oaks in the pasture, perfect for siestas, dining and bird watching.
Eagle owls can be seen and heard at dusk.

Private entrance and parking. Access to swimming pool through small gate and along path.

 

THE SWIMMING POOL

           
The pool has Roman steps into the water; it is in a special natural setting among the boulders and mature holm and cork oak trees of the sierra. There are great views across the olive groves and up to the peaks.

Our filter system uses a salt water chlorinator which keeps the water clean and soft. Cortijo and Barn have access to the pool.

Exclusive use of pool by Cortijo clients can be discussed for additional cost 

 ACTIVITIES AT THE FINCA AND BEYOND
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 ponds, perfect pic-nic spots. The hike to the top is rewarded by wonderful views.

Bike riding - Bicycle hire is available for easy riding on the lanes around the finca, maybe a visit to the Visigoth Basilica set in beautiful cork oak forests.

Horse riding- We have 4 horses that are available for experienced riders and 1 donkey for gentler rides. Thers is also a riding stables nearby for treking with a guide.

Cooking - We run a cooking holiday week once a month except in July and August.

A 4 night holiday including cooking and one cultural visit is also available.

See cooking entry and also the cooking blog for scheduled dates in 2016
www.cooking-extremadura.blogspot.com

Why not do a morning or two of creative cooking with Pippa whilst renting the cortijo?

Bird watching is exceptional on any part of the finca, either on walks or from the porches of the houses. We have had many professional wild life photographers staying with us and they are impressed with the variety and richness of the bird life. Our star attraction are the Eagle Owl nests on the crags. The famed Monfrague National Nature Reserve is about 1 hour from the finca, the colony of Griffon Vultures is particularly interesting.
See birdwatching entry.

Walking - 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. There are also several beautiful walks on ancient paved paths on the higher parts of the sierra, walking through the typical landscape of olive grove, chestnut woods and cherry orchards.
See Walking entry

responsible travel link for walking holiday

Driving - Only 10 minutes to Montanchez with its famous jamon served in all the bars and the lively Saturday market. Our nearest large towns, Caceres, Trujillo or Merida takes 30-40 minutes. See separate entries for walking, bird watching and Extremadura . Also the blog has many posts about interesting things to do and see our area of Extremadura.
www.finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com 

OUR SOLAR POWERED FINCA

 We have a powerful solar system which has been carefully designed to run the house and the barn BUT as with all solar powered houses we have to be careful and sensible about using powerful machines at the same time. Besides powering all the lights,sockets, fridges and washing machines it is also runs automatically a borehole pump, a swimming pool pump and the tracker system which moves the solar panels into optimum position everyday. There is a lot of power being used but the system is designed for maximum usage of 3500 watts with optimum sun.

We ask our guests to help by not using unnecessary lights,  always switching off lights and appliances when not needed and not to use washing machines or vacuum cleaners at night when the storage batteries are at their lowest.  Our system works perfectly for all normal daily needs and we hope that everyone staying at Finca al-manzil will enjoy staying in a totally solar powered environment, we are doing our little bit to help the poor battered planet and we ask for helpful participation.

NEW!! OUR NEW PROJECT IN 2016 - MOLINOS AZAGALA

A GROUP OF ANCIENT WATER MILLS IN A TRANQUIL AND SCENIC PART OF THE SIERRA unique situation, a group of three historical water mills in wonderful scenery. For self catering, maximum of 2 people per mill.

Delightfully renovated and decorated original mill buildings, each with double room and studio kitchen. The mills feature the original mill stones on the floor.

The decoration is minimal but designed with care using natural materials and lovely subtle colours. We have integrated some vintage hand woven textiles which were made on a hand loom in Montanchez with natural undyed linen. 

Separate bathroom facilities in nice new stone building, each mill has a designated shower and toilet. 

Barbecue and shady outside dining area.

Garden with mountain spring water feeding the mill pond and various springs for refreshing dips in the warmer months.

Only 4 kms from Montanchez on one of the most scenic routes of the sierra. 

Spectacular walking in the sierra straight from the mills. Bird watching is particularly rewarding.

Dinner available by order.  PRICE : €55 PER MILL PER NIGHT, MINIMUM 2 NIGHTS

SEE MORE INFORMATION AT 

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