Ermita del Carmen
Spain / Carcabuey, Andalucia
Ermita del Carmen is a stunning 15th century chapel conversion, set within the soul-soothing natural heart of Andalucia.
Turn back time amongst superlative surroundings, with a stay in a divine chapel conversion located within the Andalucian natural park of la Subbética, an unspoilt paradise of Mediterranean woodland, mountain ranges and sweet-scented olive gardens.
Ermita del Carmen is a dream holiday home made beautifully real. Once a 15th century Roman sanctuary and later a chapel, this light, whitewashed building has been sympathetically remodelled by a team of architects. These days, you'll discover an incredible four-bedroom cottage complete with salt water swimming pool, for a Spanish break far removed from the traditional tourist beach villa.
Relaxation is mandatory here, and you'll find much to help you along! Breathtaking views are a given, with soothing forest scenery and lush olive groves visible in all directions. Meanwhile, superb attention to detail marks the serene history of your holiday home, such as the stone arch over the entrance.
Décor throughout is elegant, minimal and focused on comfort, along with contemporary artistic touches to feast your eyes upon. The living area is wonderfully spacious, complete with a grand, high ceiling and a glass wall that cleverly brings the outside inside - as well as flooding the room with natural light.
The ground floor also boasts a well-equipped kitchen and an en-suite bedroom. Later on, take the open staircase to the mezzanine, complete with three cosy bedrooms and two indulgent bathrooms.
There are endless spaces for relaxation here. The living area opens out onto a charming terrace, while the 15 metre salt water pool is located in a beautiful fruit and vegetable tree-filled garden it would be a shame not to take the odd siesta in! You'll find a scenic seating area for cocktails, and even a relaxing hammock to settle yourself in with a good book, as you listen to the tranquil running water of the acequia (traditional water fountain).
Enjoy plenty of evenings taking refreshing dips, drinking in the unpolluted starry skies overhead along with your post-dinner tipple...because the wondrous Andalucian climate means that summer is a twenty-four hour activity here.
Harvest seasonal fruit and vegetables from the garden for home-made meals, or head out to the local villages for some traditionally mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine. Carcabuey is within walking distance and is a great start to your immersion in the real Andalucia, with friendly locals to chat with and a plaza brimming with tapas bars and authentic shops. Time to brush up on those Spanish-speaking skills!
Explore the immense beauty of your surroundings with scenic walks in all directions, including the famed Sierra de Cabra routes, with astounding places to visit including the sparkling Chorreras waterfalls. If you prefer the occasional bout of city life, a picturesque hour's drive will take you into Malaga, Granada or Cordoba.
So prepare yourselves for worship, because with so much quiet history and uniquely enthralling culture on offer here, you're sure to be captivated by Ermita del Carmen from the moment you arrive.
Things to note
Pets are not permitted to stay, no smoking inside the accommodation.
The basics
Region: Carcabuey, Andalucia
Cost (from): £550 per night
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Minimum stay: 1 week
Property ref: 789
Availability

Facilities
Sleeps up to 8, double ensuite bedroom, 3 twin bedrooms, bedding & towels provided, private bathroom, bidet, toilet, kitchen area, microwave, tea/coffee making facilities, fridge, dishwasher, oven, toaster, kitchenware, air conditioning, washing machine, tumble dryer, lounge area, flat screen TV, radio, outdoor dining area, sun loungers, swimming pool, parking.Local activities
Canyoning, hiking, beaches, climbing, cycling, waterfalls, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, paragliding.
At a glance
- Historic Andalucian chapel, sympathetically restored by a team of architects into a beautiful four bedroom holiday home with salt water swimming pool and flourishing fruit and vegetable trees, set within the unspoilt natural park of la Subbética.
- Fly to Malaga, and hire a car for the drive to the property, just over an hour away.
- The home is air conditioned, and includes a mezzanine area with an open staircase. Children must be supervised.
- There are many scenic walks to take from the property, with authentic local villages to explore. Malaga, Cordoba and Granada are within easy reach by car.
Tags
You may also be interested in:

Nomad Xperience
Spain / Granada, Andalucia
Unleash your inner wanderer at Nomad Xperience, where four incredible, nomad-inspired glamping abodes wait on the edge of Spain's breath-taking Sierra Nevada National Park. Nomad Xperience is in...
Cuevas La Granja
Spain / Benalua, Andalucia
An exquisite collection of restored cave houses to suit every taste, set on an historic farm site in the rural heart of Granada.Surrounded by the majestic peaks of Sierra Nevada, mesmerising red cl...
DDG Retreat
Spain / Casares, Andalucia
The ultimate in unique Andalusian luxury; a peacefully private glamping haven featuring the world's most opulent tents. Featured in The Times as one of the UK and Europe's top 20 glamping retrea...Company Info
A hand-picked directory featuring the most unusual and exciting holiday accommodation in the UK and worldwide.
Host Unusual Limited
Registered office:
Space 282
282 Leigh Road
Leigh-on-Sea
Essex
SS9 1BW
Useful Info
Press
Host Unusual works with associate sites and may earn commission when you book via certain property links.
Awards


