We just loved our stay in Arantxa's house, and it was one of the warmest welcomes we've ever had. Her uncle Manolo greeted us and later brought peaches and vegetables from his garden. With the help of a translation app on our phone, during a lovely walk, we learned a great deal about the farm from him, about olives from all over the world. He is a mensch of the region, dedicated to sustaining sites of significance, one of which is his extraordinary house, which we were deeply honored to be shown. Within 90 minutes you can be in Cordoba or Granada. Showing the children the Alhambra (and the mesquita) for the first time was extraordinary and important for us. The nearest town is Baeza (15 mins) and the nearest small city is Ubeda (25 minutes beautiful drive). The house is rustic, welcoming and solid, cool in the height of the summer as you can keep it fully shuttered during the height of the heat. Beds all very comfortable. The pool is very generous and the children were in it a lot every day. The ten of us sat on the porch in the mornings and evenings. Sometimes we cooked outside. Other times we had dinner in the nearby towns. The bedrooms are all airconditioned. Our experience of Manolo, Arantxa (whom we look forward to meeting!) and the Spanish people and their warmth and open heartedness is what we'll never forget. Before you go, be sure to read "Ornament of the World" by Maria Rosa Menocal. It heightens one's experience of the region tenfold. Thank you Manolo and Arantxa for a wonderful stay. xxoo
