Las Totobias

When we sold Cortijo de los Ortices last year we decided to move to the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata on the coast in Almeria but, because of the unstable property market and the losses we incurred over Los Ortices we decided to rent for a while.
We were fortunate to find a lovely cortijo, Las Totobias (The Larks) to rent.

View from the house

We love this area so much that we have decided to look for a property to buy here. Also the owners of Las Totobias, Jose Maria and Jone who live in the north of Spain, have decided they want to sell this property.

Entrance to the terrace

We are not interested in buying it ourselves as we are pensioners and have to think ahead. We ought to be looking for somewhere nearer a community and with less land. The price is also above our budget. They are looking for offers in excess of €300,000.

The front door

Nevertheless, as you can see from the photos, it is a lovely property and we have told the owners we will look for a buyer for it.

The lounge

The house has been rebuilt in the typical rustic style of the Cabo de Gata with wooden beams and ceilings and terracotta floor tiles.

Dining area

It is about 160 square metres built with a large and light open plan living area with a lounge and separate dining area.

Kitchen

There is a kitchen off the dining area.

Bedroom

There are also two large bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Terrace in front of lounge

To the front of the house is a large walled and gated terrace and off this there is also a 80 square metre storeroom/workshop.

Terrace outside the storeroom/workshop

Electricity is provided by solar panels. Six large panels charge the batteries for the house which produce enough electricity for the fridge, washing machine, TV and other appliances but not for cooking which is gas. Two other solar panels provide hot water with a gas boiler as back up.

View towards the water deposit, pool and orchard

The land extends over 3 hectares which includes an orchard with olive, almond, fig and pomegranate trees. There is a bore hole on the land from which water is pumped up into a large deposit which in turn feeds the house. Next to the deposit is a swimming pool but this needs to be finished – tiling and a pump installed.
The property is located on the estepa of the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata at an altitude of about 225 metres between the villages of Las Hortichuelas and Fernán Pérez. Las Negras, Rodalquilar, the sea and beautiful beaches are less than 10 minutes drive away. The market town of Campohermoso is 10 minutes drive away. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Almeria Airport and Almeria City 40 minutes.
All enquiries digmerry@gmail.com

To find out more about the area check out our blog http://countryhouseinspain.wordpress.com

Red lily Green Door in the patio

We have an offer of the asking price on this property. Contracts have been signed and the full deposit paid. Completion is expected to be during September.

The house from above

A couple more photos of the property taken recently.  One is an unusual shot of the house from the top of the land showing the river and crossing. The other is of the Andalucian patio looking colourful in spring with freesias, geraniums, marguerites and lilies. For more photos and info on the area look at www.countryhouseinspain.wordpress.com

Our Andalucian Patio

All enquiries digmerry@gmail.com

The house from our meadow below - Photo taken 5th May

Due to to exceptional circumstances that have recently arisen we need to negotiate a sale for our country house before the end of May. In view of this we have reduced the price considerably but there will be no further price reductions.
The asking price is now 169,000 Euros. This is an outstanding opportunity for someone to acquire a reformed country house of 250 sq. metres construction with 26,000 sq. metres of land, electricity, water and scope for further development at a bargain price. We have potential buyers but they are not in a position to proceed  because they have their own properties to sell first.

All enquiries – digmerry@gmail.com

Alex and Tracy harvesting the olives

The olive harvest is in full swing in this area at the moment so I thought it would be useful for potential buyers of our house to know how it is going. Because of my recent accident and Margaret being so busy preparing for her exhibition in Granada next month (see www.paintingsofgranada.wordpress.com) our neighbours, Alex and Tracy have been harvesting the trees for us. We reckon on the crop being over 5000 kilos and the price this year is about 35 centimos a kilo. For 2 people this is about 15 days work. With better management of the trees the yield could be doubled.
Apart from the olives our two big walnut trees have given us about 6 crates of nuts and the almond trees about 4 crates. We keep these for home consumption. The fruit trees we have planted should start to produce fruit next year but this again will be for home eating.
Probably the biggest potential earner is our large flat field bordering the river. This is untended at the moment but if ploughed and planted would be very productive. Asparagus is a possibility as it fetches as good price and this area is famous for it. Irrigation for this field can be provided by the river.

Full details of the house blow. Only 245,000 Euros and private mortgage available.

For any further information please contact digmerry@gmail.com

Cortijo de los Ortices

Rio Milanos below the house

This spacious restored farmhouse stands above the River Milanos in the olive covered hills just behind the vega (central plain) of Granada less than ten minutes from the bustling agricultural town of Huétor Tájar and less than 15 minutes from the little historic city of Loja. The nearest village, La Fabrica, just a couple of minutes drive away, has 2 bar/restaurants and the towns have all facilities incuding health centres, sports centres with swimming pools and a great selection of shops from modern supermarkets to traditional specialist suppliers. The beautiful city of Granada is about 30 minutes away. This is an perfect location offering the peace and nature of the countryside yet minutes away from all the trappings of civilisation

The lane beside the house

Almonds and olives

The land that comes with the property extends to about 26,000 square metres. Most of this, above and to each side of the house, is hilly and planted with olive trees, although there are also several fig and almond trees. Below the house and next to the river is a large, flat field with a couple of imposing walnut trees. About 20 new fruit trees of all varieties have been planted by the current owners who also grow some vegetables here. With ploughing and more irrigation the field could be used commercially. Below and to the right of the house there is an avenue of poplars belonging to the property with a footpath alongside. This is a lovely spot to observe the bird life which includes nightingales and golden orioles. A lane passes through the land to give access to the olive groves beyond. Occasionally during the day a farmer will pass through but nobody lives beyond here and the lanes above offer wonderful walks with stunning views. The peaks of the Sierra Nevada can be seen from the top ridge.

The buildings

The buildings consist of the main family house which is joined to another building by a central, walled courtyard.

Living area

Dining area

The accommodation in the main house comprises, on the ground floor which is semi open plan, a modern fitted kitchen, dining area and 2 living areas each with a wood burning stove.

Second living area

Kitchen

Bedroom

Upstairs there are 3 double bedrooms and a good size bathroom. The master bedroom is very spacious.

Front terrace

At the front of the main house is a large terrace, paved with slate, and a small garden area with some fruit trees.

Inner courtyard

Courtyard doors

The courtyard, which can be accessed directly from the house or through large, imposing wooden doors, is also floored with slate. Here there is a new lavatory and a jacuzzi. Across the courtyard there are 3 more rooms. One is used as an office by the current owners but could be a guest bedroom, another, formally the goats’ accommodation, is a useful utility room and the other a large workroom/store/wood shed.

First floor sun terrace

Studio

Stairs from the courtyard lead to a private sun terrace with excellent views of the countryside. On this level is another room, used as a studio, which also has access to the land at the back. This land at the back has been levelled and is ideal for another terrace and a swimming pool. Attached to the side of the building is a small stable for animals with a fenced and gated area in front. This is currently occupied by chickens but could also used to keep a couple of pigs or a donkey.

Kitchen window

The property has mains electricity and water is supplied by its own well. The current owners have internet connection via the TooWay satellite system as well as satelliteTV.

The price is €169000.

All enquiries: digmerry@gmail.com

Large mill house for sale in the area: Molino Lorca