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 three houses:- The CORTIJO, the BARN and CASA ALFARERA.

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 .  

THE BARN

THE BARN is situated in its own 2 acre grounds with a sunny aspect and views across the olive groves. Spacious sitting room with double 
height and stairs to the spacious 1st floor bedroom which has a skylight with view of the mountain. Big terrace for outside dining, barbecue and 
shady area on copse of holm oaks in the pasture, perfect for siestas. Private entrance and parking.

  NEW!!!  
CASA ALFARERA

We can now offer a new 2 bedroom barn for accommodating a maximum of 4 people.

The barn is very similar to the old barn with the same generous space, double height sitting room and covered porch with marvellous views of the mountain and surrounding countryside. In addition the new barn has an extra bedroom downstairs and a separate lavatory and basin off the main bedroom upstairs as well as the downstairs bathroom with both bath and shower and separate lavatory. Both bedrooms have interior and exterior access.  The barn is well furnished and equipped.   The kitchen area has a gas hob and oven, washing machine and double sink. The sitting room has a wood burning stove which efficiently heats the whole barn during the colder months.

Casa Alfarera is situated in a peaceful olive grove 300 metres along the lane from Finca al-manzil with beautiful views in all directions.  There is scheduled to be a natural swimming pond ready by the end of April. The pond is filtered by a natural process using water plants and a circulation pump which keep the water clean without the use of any chemicals; it will be situated in a secluded part of the finca. Please check on pond progress when enquiring about Casa Alfarera. 

The information about walks and excursions from Finca al-manzil apply equally to Casa Alfarera.

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.

COOKING HOLIDAY AT THE CORTIJO   

€600   PER 4 NIGHTS WITH 3 DAYS COOKING
€1050 PER WEEK....SEE "COOKING HOLIDAY" FOR DETAILS

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.
CASA ALFARERA is situated 300 metres from Finca al-manzil. It accommodates 4 people and can also be included with the cortijo and barn for larger groups

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