Casa La Cuesta is a beautiful 3 room Spanish cottage in the hills close to the small village of Santa Cruz Del Comercio. As I write this at 9am, I am sitting on the terrace of the cottage looking out on a stunning view of rolling hills backed by the Sierra Nevada mountains (see photo). The view is spectacular and at the same time hugely peaceful.
People rent this property for a range of reasons. For the walkers, I understand there are easy and challenging walks. For those who ski during the winter, or cycle mountain terrain during the summer, this location is perhaps an hours drive from the slopes of the Sierra Nevada (up the winding road shown, and described as fantastic, on Top Gears' Spanish road trip). For us, who are here for a peaceful summer vacation, it is the perfect balance of tranquility, weather, facilities and environment.
The property is owned by Andy and Anna, who live in the house next door. Between the two buildings is the pool. You can choose how far you wish to immerse yourself in the life here, Andy and Anna are superbly sensitive to those renting their property. They will remain invisible except to be be available if you need anything, all the way through taking you under their wing and helping you truly experience the amazing local community. And the community is amazing, the simple life, the sense of family, the community spirit all come together here. On our first day we watched the teenagers of the town have a competition, who could create the most interesting go-cart, and present it to a panel of village elders. I understand the subsequent party went on until 5am, although we were tucked up in bed long before that (being far enough out of the village to not be disturbed by it at all). In typical Spanish fashion, the village children were all there taking part, and they outlasted us!
I am not a big fan of beaches, but the occasional visit can be nice, in which case it's a 40 minute drive. This part of the coast of Spain is one of endless white sandy beaches for miles and miles, the nearest main beach town is Torre Del Mar, just along from Malaga.
10 minutes drive away is the small town of Alhama De Granada. We were here last Christmas, nice and toasty in the cottage with the log burner going and 6 degrees in the shade outside, but for Christmas lunch we were in the town square of Alhama having tapas for lunch and enjoying the 25 degrees in the sun.
Further afield is the main town of Granada, with it history and culture (as well as the famous Alhambra Palace). We are looking forward to spending an evening there sitting in one of the squares watching the Flamenco street dancers.
We discovered Casa La Cuesta two years ago, this is our third trip, and in every way it is superb. I would recommend it without reservation. I understand Anna is making us an authentic Spanish Paella, and we are invited. I can't wait!
All bookings are direct with the owner 