We have stayed in dozens of rented holiday homes all over the world, but never anything like Casa Aloe! The house itself is in two parts - some of the rooms are separate from the main house and can only be accessed via an external entrance. There are steps everywhere, so it isn't recommended for young children or those who are unsteady in their feet. It is wonderfully and beautifully eccentric - every room is unique with its own distinctive rustic charm. The patio is wonderful - we spent most of our week at Casa Aloe sitting under the vine and soaking in the wonderful mountain views from sunrise to exquisite sunset. The pool is relatively small and is indoors, but we really enjoyed it and we couldn't have spent as much time in the pool if it was out in the sun. The village of Atalbeitar is very, very small and un-touristy but with a genuine charm. When we did venture out from the house then we loved the local area. There are several small villages within a couple of miles, and they have a surprising number of bars and restaurants - all of which are very friendly and accessible to non-Spanish speakers. The nearby town of Pitres has a surprisingly well stocked supermarket, and also a bakery, butcher, bank, etc. in addition to some nice restaurants. There are a lot of good walking opportunities, but the paths are relatively arduous and poorly marked so best suited to serious walkers. The roads are very twisty and slow going, so although Granada seems quite close it is 1.5 hours away. All in all, we really enjoyed our week away from it all in Casa Aloe and we were very sorry to leave.
We had a lovely time here over Christmas.
The house is eccentric with different levels and low doorways but you soon become accustomed to this. It is a house of great character and charm.
We enjoyed the wood burning stoves. The kitchen is well equipped. There was ample hot water (we were six adults with two small grand daughters). The heated swimming pool is really warm and we swam with the toddlers, who loved it.
We went for lovely walks with spectacular views and the sunsets were quite beautiful.
Pitres is nearby with a good market on Thursdays, a butcher and a small but well stocked supermarket. The village of Atalbeitar is very quiet with tiny lanes and you do feel part of a different age.
The most eccentric, eclectic holiday home you are ever likely to visit. And it is a home rather than a holiday house. Tucked away in the tiny village of Atalbeitar, the surroundings are idyllic. My only advice would be to go for two weeks rather than one!
Casa Aloe is the perfect base for a visit to the Alpujarras: at the edge of a small village with uninterrupted views from the terrace; complete quiet (no traffic and few tourists); walks direct from the front door; a pool for those who want to stay put; and the house itself both practically equipped and thoughtfully decorated.
This place was astonishing. Located in the twisting medieval passages of the village, looking out over the Sierra Nevada, and filled with beautiful things; I've never been anywhere quite like it. On our first day Tom came round bringing a gift of olives taken from a tree in the grounds. We ate them that evening on the terrace, watching the sun set over the mountains. If you want peace, quiet and the quirky charms of a unique place, book now - you won't regret it. The house probably wouldn't suit those with small children, those comforted by a one-size-fits-all corporate hotel, or those (in fairness) who love a bustling nightlife. My heights-phobic husband didn't love the switchbacking mountain roads either.
But if you fancy a lazy meal on a terrace under a canopy of vines, or staying in a home that's been standing for 700 years, or climbing down a Moorish staircase to your bedroom, this one's for you.
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Another lovely visit for our family in Casa Aloe: leisurely walking, vigorous hiking, mulberry and wild plum poaching, ingesting scenery, loving the house, cooking, eating, conversation with a view, playing in the pool, quiet, meditation, social club, visiting, learning, forgetting.
Casa Aloe reminds us that all can be well in the world when you seek it out.
Thank you Tom and Carmen!
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After traveling for a few months and staying in various places I have to say that our stay in Atalbeitar gets the cup. It is one thing to rent a room or a house somewhere and be content, it is something else to want to move there.
You can read all about the house in previous reviews. The house is most charming to say the least. But aside from the house is a village, neighboring villages, community. When one travels this is what makes you want to come back. The neighbors from away who have stumbled upon this place and never left have enriched the area. Artists, architects, musicians, farmers. Within the few villages in walking distance you will be able to do yoga several times a week, listen to live music, at the farmers market you will find all the fresh fruits and vegetable you may need. The best ham in the country is cured in these mountains As a family we were welcome, invited to take part of fiestas, invited to parties.
And then the scenery; ever changing, stunning, filled with ancient ruins and old pathways. Every walk brings a new discovery; almond trees for a quick snack, village fountains to quench your thirst.
A little bit of paradise if you ask me.