A fabulous old grain mill that dates back to before the 16th century that has been lovingly restored into a wonderful family home with character and charm. The buildings unique character has been emphasised in its redesign, combining traditional with contemporary; a glass window in the floor downstairs sheds light on how the mill functioned and clever lighting highlights the columns and the archway’s stonework. Other original features from its milling past have also been preserved; it’s metre-thick walls and flagstone tiles, which help to ensure that El Molino is wonderfully cool even at the height of summer.

This stunning property is in a truly inspirational setting on a private organic cattle and cork estate (1000 acres) within the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, yet at just a short drive from the famous beaches of the Costa de la Luz (& Tarifa) and their magnificent wild oceanic scenery with Morocco as the backdrop!

The downstairs is of a large open-plan design with vaulted ceilings that encompass the state-of-the-art modern kitchen with its enormous silestone work surface and breakfast bar. The kitchen is extremely well equipped with enough to satisfy even the most accomplished cook; its six-hob range cooker and American style fridge/freezer/ice-machine make this an ideal setting to capitalise on some of the fantastic local produce – Algeciras market is a one-off, with the best in Mediterranean and Atlantic fish in the area, not to mention the plethora of Moroccan delicacies! Beyond the kitchen is the dining area and where better to feast than off the 12 person oak dining table. The sitting room’s focus is the huge log fireplace, with its scandinavian style sofa and armchairs. 

Downstairs there is one double bedroom ensuite (with a/c) with its own Moroccan- style wet room. The other bedrooms are all upstairs – the master bedroom is the largest of the bedrooms, with a super king size bed (with a/c); in August one needs only reach out the window to pick some of the delicious figs from the tree! The other bedrooms include two double bedrooms, a super king size double (with a/c); all with splendid wooden beamed high-ceilings complete with roof fans. There are two bathrooms upstairs; the ‘white’ bathroom has been decorated with Tarifa beach shells and has a large bath, twin sinks and a walk in shower with hydraulic tiles. The second upstairs bathroom was redone in 2019 and now has a shower..

The garden is out the back of the house on the entreplanta, it looks as though it goes on for as far as the eye can see, as the lush lawn tumbles away into the farms pastures where the long- horned Retinto red cattle graze and the storks nest and clack. The rear terrace was enlarged for 2016, with natural shade from the fig and judas tree, the large banquet style wooden table and benches are the ideal spot for entertaining. There is also now an outdoor kitchen with cupboards with cutlery, plates and glasses, sink for washing up, dishwasher and fridge. Cooking can be done on the industrial size stainless steel Weber barbecue and gas hob!

The garden is very child friendly with a seat hammock in the fig tree by the pool, another hammock in another section of the garden, a swing hanging from the eucalyptus tree, an in-ground 14 ft trampoline, table tennis table and basketball hoop. (Toys can be left for guests to use on request).

Spanish country living can be experienced first hand, tucked away here deep in the countryside, yet at just 20km from the nearest airport and 3,5km to the nearest town. There is plenty to do both on the farm and nearby. The farm boasts stunning walks that include a visit to its own Moorish thirteenth century lookout tower, fishing and wild swimming in the reservoir, feeding the chickens and the horses. There are excellent opportunities for bird watching as the farm sits below the bird migration route to and from Africa. Tarifa and the beaches of the Costa de la Luz are a 20km drive with endless opportunities for water sports. Sotogrande also 20km away has plenty of activities on offer, including polo, sailing, tennis and not to mention golf – there are 25 quality golf courses close by too.

One km from the house is the farm school “Granja Escuela Bilingue” which offers bilingual daily weekday camps in English during the summer from 9am to 2pm that include; tractor and trailer rides; learning about ecology and recycling; theatre, history and fancy dress; treasure hunts; arts and crafts; handling and caring for animals; sports; water games; gymkhanas; hiking; pony rides and on Fridays a themed party (festival of colours with coloured powders, foam party, water slides, bouncy castles). 

The farm and the granja escuela were used for the Gucci pre-Autumn 2020 campaign “So Deer to Me”