Almond Hill House |
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Almond Hill House, Guest house near Orgiva, Las Alpujarras
Characterful 200 year old Andalucian farmhouse in the Alpujarras with six bedrooms, set in tranquil grounds with pool, enjoying a rural mountain location yet close to local amenities.
A chat with Becky Elliot, proprietor of Almond Hill House
by Fiona Flores Watson
Why should I stay at Almond Hill House?
Almond Hill House offers a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This traditional farmhouse is in a very tranquil mountain location, yet close to Órgiva, one of the Alpujarra’s main towns. Surrounded by almond, olive and citrus trees, its two-acre site features a swimming pool, and shady terraces with mesmerising views of this unspoiled mountain range between Granada’s mighty Sierra Nevada and the Costa Tropical. The living areas are homely and stylishly furnished, with squishy sofas, and plenty of books and games to keep you entertained. Bedrooms are full of character, with original rustic wood-beamed ceilings. A relaxed atmosphere makes this charming cortijo a delightful home away from home.
What kind of person stays here?
Those who enjoy a peaceful spot with fabulous views. Almond Hill House is a flexible space with six bedrooms and can accommodate groups of friends, families, workshops or retreat combinations. Lovers of the outdoors will be spoiled for choice, with hiking, rock-climbing, cycling, horse-riding and golf among the activities available nearby, in addition to skiing during the winter months, and of course the beaches of the Costa Tropical.
Where is Almond Hill House located?
Almond Hill House is situated just outside the Alpujarran town of Órgiva, between the Sierra Nevada and the coast. Perched above a valley, among wondrous mountain ranges, the farmhouse enjoys stunning views in every direction. It's about 25 minutes’ drive to white villages, 45 minutes to the beaches of the Costa Tropical, and about an hour to Granada, with its magnificent Alhambra palace, historic city, and small airport. The larger Malaga airport is about 90 minutes by car along stunning coastal roads. Historic Lanjarón, famous for its spring water, local jamón, cheese and honey, is also nearby.
What is your accommodation like?
You will find plenty of period ambience in this 200-year-old converted farmhouse, draped in wisteria, with wood-beamed ceilings and wooden doors. These charming original features are combined harmoniously with a tasteful eclectic mix of furniture, and colourful printed fabrics – cushions from Morocco and India, a table from Sumatra.
Pretty Granada ceramics, decorated with pomegranates (granada means pomegranate in Spanish) in the typical blue and green colour palette, adorn the extremely well-equipped kitchen. Two kettles, a teapot, two cafetières and a filter coffee machine, and ample utensils including good-quality knives, mean that preparing breakfast, or cooking up a lunch or dinner spread, for your party of friends or family will be a pleasure, especially when you can eat together outside under the wisteria-adorned terrace on a balmy evening. A perfect spot for cooking evening meals is the pergola terrace, with its Weber gas barbeque for mess-free grilled feasts.
The owners have strong eco-credentials, with a pesticide-free garden and orchard, using only chemical-free washing and cleaning products, and sustainable bamboo towels. While they are not yet certified organic, all the orchard produce is effectively organic. The house is also energy-efficient, with new windows to ensure that cool air remains within the house, essential in the summer heat (each room has air-conditioning), while in winter the indoor temperature remains warm, with no heat from the radiators escaping thanks to excellent insulation.
The sitting room is a cosy space, with a wood-burning stove for cooler nights, as well as a Smart TV, games and books. There is a set of vintage wooden skittles for playing outside. The house has WIFI throughout, with a booster for the terrace.
Families will find plenty of useful equipment for children, such as toys and books, plastic cutlery and plates, baby baths, travel cots, and highchairs.
In the extensive outside space, you will find the farmhouse’s olive terraces – there are about 70 trees – and orchard with multiple citrus and other trees: almond, apricot, avocado, fig, kumquat, lemon, lime, mandarin, olive and pomegranate: clients are welcome to pick fruit when it’s ripe. There’s also a gated swimming pool with sun loungers, some under a shade, which is part of a gated garden and terrace area, to give families peace of mind when staying with young children. The two south-facing terraces, both gated, offer plenty of space for people to chill out together or to find their own quiet corner – the wisteria terrace has inviting cushion-filled sofas and a large dining table for long, lazy lunches.
What are the rooms like?
There are four spacious en-suite bedrooms with two smaller (children's) bedrooms adjoining. All main bedrooms have snuggly duvets, ample storage space, views to the garden, as well as air-con and radiators (some also have ceiling fans). One bedroom, Wisteria, has its own private terrace with spectacular panoramic views. Bathrooms have tiled showers (one has a bathtub) and heated towel rails.
In terms of accessibility, Olive is our bedroom for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges. It is all on one level, with wide doors and no thresholds. Additionally, there are ramps in the garden and into the main living areas of the property.
What should I eat in the nearby area?
Órgiva has a number of restaurants and cafés, as well as numerous health food shops and well-stocked supermarkets. Moroccan restaurant Baraka in the town is great for lunch or dinner – the lamb tagine is excellent, and they also do tasty lunchtime wraps, and delicious fresh juices. Berlin 61 is a tiny, quirky cafe serving home-cooked cakes and pastries, and has plenty of vegetarian dishes. On Thursdays the market in Órgiva’s central plaza has fresh goods and organic produce. In the nearby villages and towns, you’ll find a good variety of places to eat too. Enjoy the Granada tradition of free tapas with all drinks.
What should I see and do in the area?
Hire a guide for anything from gentle hikes to climbing Spain’s highest peak (Mulhacen is 3,479m high). Ride horses in the mountains, following ancient mule paths. Two-wheel enthusiasts will relish the world-class cycling around the area. Explore pretty white mountain villages such as Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira – among the most beautiful in Spain. Hike between the villages along ancient paths, next to gushing acequías (Moorish irrigation channels). Further up, one of the highest naturally cultivated vineyards in Europe (Bodega Barranco Oscuro, 1,386m, in Cadiar) has sweeping views across vines and almond fields to the Mediterranean. Join the local Granadino crowd on the Costa Tropical with its lovely beaches and chiringuitos (beachfront restaurants), within 45 minutes’ easy drive, for long, lazy seafood lunches in coastal resorts like Salobreña or Almuñecar. In season, enjoy the snow on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada ski station. Magical Granada city is less than an hour away with its narrow streets and shady plazas for churros or tapas; the historic Albaicín and the must-see Alhambra palace.
 Almond Hill House is full of traditional character and charm |
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Insider knowledge
“We are a creative mother-and-daughter team, who have changed our lives and are having a new adventure! Kay, the mother, is a retired artist from near Stratford-upon-Avon, who relishes making a welcoming and cosy home. Becky, the daughter, has lived in Amsterdam for almost 20 years, working as a graphic designer, and cannot wait to put all of her interests and passions to good use in a totally different way.
Almond Hill House is full of traditional character and charm. When we first visited the property in January 2023, we immediately fell in love with its 200-year-old history and the beautiful surrounding scenery. It was magical wandering around the orchard with its fruit trees; such a huge difference from our previous lives. In late September 2023 , we made the permanent move to Southern Spain, together with our cat. Luckily the house didn’t need any structural work, but we did a complete redecoration, as well as refurbishing the roof and adding water storage barrels. We have embraced the rural aspect of owning 70 olive trees and have enthusiastically involved ourselves in our olive harvesting.
Most days we wake up to sunshine and blue skies, and even on dull days, we fully appreciate the beauty of nature all around us.”
Contact and Reservations
Location
Almond Hill House, Orgiva, Granada
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