Beautifully restored Cortijo, near Vejer & beaches

The accommodation

Translated as the 'House of Dreams', the Cortijo del Sueño is the spacious original old stone country house with Moorish origins sitting at the heart of 8 acre 'El Sueño Finca' - beautifully and sustainably renovated to retain a real sense of local history and character, with its own infinity swimming pool. The Cortijo harmonises home comforts and modern technology with traditional local design and architecture, to provide a unique and spacious country house full of mellow charm in peaceful, natural surroundings - with stunning views across the water meadows and private lake teeming with birds and wildlife, up to the 'white village' of Vejer de la Frontera on the hill.

Perfect for families and friends, the Cortijo can sleep up to eight guests including all children in four double en-suite bedrooms, furnished with custom hand-made certified hardwood furniture. Two rooms offer romantic king size four-poster beds, while a further two rooms each offer twin singles (which can also be made up as super- king double beds) - arranged in pairs of one double and one twin each, so ideal for two families. Each four-piece en-suite bathroom has a double-ended bath with an antique-style Victorian shower over & a large sink inset into cream marble as well as toilet and bidet. Each bedroom has its own set of patio doors that lead out to a tiled balcony which right runs along the front of the house with stunning views across the valley to Vejer - perfect for a morning cup of coffee.

Downstairs there is a well-stocked and fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine (& dryer for Winter months), electric oven and gas hob, microwave and large fridge-freezer - well-stocked for when the Cortijo is booked with other Casitas on the finca, so larger groups can comfortably eat and socialise together - the separate dining room with a large oak table can seat up to 12 guests inside, with seating for 16 on the patio. There are two sitting rooms with open fireplaces and comfortable sofas & armchairs - the cosy Snug also has a smart TV and the larger front sitting room with plenty of space for everyone to relax together. Free wifi, board games, books and a box of children's toys makes this the ideal property for guests to enjoy together - while still large enough for everyone to have their own favourite corner. In the cooler winter months, there is under-floor heating in all bedrooms & living rooms - with open log fires in the snug open from mid December to end of March, including a weekly load of quality, seasoned wood. An arrival shopping service & childminding are available too!

Two pairs of patio doors from both the large front sitting room and the dining room open onto the large cool stone patio shaded and perfumed by jacaranda trees and jasmine. Here guests can simply relax with hardwood sunbeds and a Moroccan ironwork sofa with two large armchairs - while for al fresco dining, there is a large Moroccan tiled mosaic dining table & chairs with a traditional charcoal barbeque. Just a few steps away is the the private ecological infinity swimming pool (open April to October), with its large natural stone patio, vine shaded tree trunk pergola & a poolhouse with bar area & private bathroom/changing room - enjoy!

El Sueño finca is a relaxed & mellow retreat in a peaceful rural location, the antithesis to a managed holiday resort - where adults can sit back and relax in their own private space, while children run free to explore and meet new friends in several acres of gardens. Tucked within organic laid-back grounds including a large Bees & Butterfly Herb Garden, Citrus Walk and a lake in the water meadows, there are just five country houses full of character sleeping one to eight persons - offering guests a choice of individual accommodation for couples, families and friends, as well as larger groups.

The spacious and peaceful Cortijo del Sueño (original farmhouse with Moorish origins) with its four en-suite bedrooms and private swimming pool, is perfect for families and friends to share - or a base for larger groups when booked with a Casita. At the top of the finca, sharing a second swimming pool, the four 1, 2 & 3 bedroom Casitas (cottages) on the finca are named after the closest of the trees that surround them, each have their own private shaded patio & garden. One bed Casita Almendra is ideal for just 1 or 2 persons, two bedroom Mimosa Casita is also adapted for those with mobility/wheelchair requirements, while both three bedroom Casitas Alcornoque and Pimienta are also popular for families & friends.

Setting

Welcoming guests for 20 years (many who return more than once), El Sueño Finca is found in one of the most unspoilt areas of the Costa de la Luz, nestled into a secluded valley by the sea between the hilltop 'white village' of Vejer & the seaside towns of Zahara and Barbate.

There are four regional airports of Jerez, Seville, Gibraltar and Malaga, offering a wealth of choices for guests from all over the world. The closest train station is Jerez airport and a good system of buses serve the region, with the closest main bus station at the foot of Vejer hill (Barca de Vejer). Taxis are available locally. However, we recommend car hire to explore the area fully.

Activities and attractions

Just minutes away are miles of glorious beaches, delicious restaurants & tapas bars to suit all tastes either in town, beside the sea or tucked in away in rural settings, along with a wealth of shops & markets, stunning nature reserves & a range of activities from wildlife tours, cycling, surfing, horseriding to whale watching for all ages.

Dehesa Montenmedio just 500m away with its renowned annual equestrian Sunshine & Autumn Tours, NMAC art centre, acres of natural deer park, 18 hole golf course and international annual equestrian Sunshine Tour, while within easy reach are many of the historical and cultural gems of Bolonia, Cadiz, Seville & even Morocco to explore.

Our online Information Book provides a wealth of suggestions for restaurants, beaches, activities and days out.