I booked this property for the four months as a winter retreat to paint and write. The Gaudy inspired decor is very much to my aesthetic taste. As advertised it is small and basic but works well in the context of the village. The kitchen is quite limited without an oven or microwave but there are several decent restaurants in the area. The "central heating" is fueled with propane tanks and there are two space heaters. It was not easy to feel warm on the colder nights, but this can be managed with the space heaters. As an artist it felt like a live in studio and was inspiring. Internet, laundry and cleaning services are available from the neighbour for a small fee;.
The host Thomas Ritter was helpful, with suggestions on the area and responsive to questions when they arose. I had to cut the stay short due to an urgent personal matter and Thomas was very supportive and accommodating. I do plan to return next winter.
Regarding the area, it is a beautiful region, great for long walks. The weather was excellent and always warmed up nicely in the afternoons. There were not too many tourists and the three adjacent villages offer a variety of shops and sights. A poem describing it:
Walking in Andalusia
From Archez to Columbela,
Andalusia sleeps,
The randomness of centuries
Lays loosely at our feet.
Around the bends and up her hills
Walls of stone defend,
Chiseled slopes of granite only
Wet can circumvent,
To coalesce in mountain streams
Which echo in the ear,
Oaks and olives congregate and
Almonds nestle near.
This panoramic vista sweeps
Scattered ancient towns,
Where whitewashed graveyard walls are capped
With terra-cotta crowns.
While Catholic winds and Moorish breeze
Capriciously embrace,
The rays of constant Spanish sun
Her hues illuminate,
An honor is this daily chance
To walk some miles slow,
Along the way to linger long
Her face to better know.