Casa Catalina, Polopos, Costa Tropical - Sleeps 2-3 2nd property 2
Casa Catalina is a stunningly light, lovingly furnished family home on the lower edge of the village, with two terraces overlooking the mountains and the sea.
Suitable for nature lovers, artists/sketchers, bird-watchers, walkers, people wanting to practise their Spanish* with the locals, and above all for those seeking stillness --well, other than for the morning chorus, the odd cockerel, dog, cat, mule, or the tinkle bells of sheep or goat herds!-- or even for a total retreat…
Casa Catalina- Self catering holiday accommodation
Ground floor
Open-plan dining and sitting area with wood-burning stove. Kitchen (hob, microwave, fridge, blender, toaster, electric kettle, percolator, etc.). Washroom/WC, and, behind the kitchen,
A "water room," a very quaint and unusual feature, with main shower,
A 'special hideaway' overlooking a wild garden and ravine, with table, chairs, a 2m bay window and, …yes, another shower for cooling down in the Summer months.
Top floor
Bath/shower, washroom/WC, washing machine.
Double-bed (with its own decorative mosquito net) and a single bed; two wardrobes, table, chairs, recliners etc. for terrace, door to terrace. The terrace has a table and four chairs, plants, garden hose and, yes,
Yet another shower!
Next door's 'Casa Verde' - Only available for letting in conjunction with main house.
It consists of
Kitchen, sofa and dining area with its own wood-burning stove.
Two single beds (often made up as a double) on an elevation above.
Great fun for kids; others may need to watch their heads!
Double-doors leading to the 'special hideaway.
Rates
Casa Catalina - £140 per week
Casa Catalina PLUS Casa Verde £220 per week
House amenities
Washing machine, table lamps, yoga mat, exercise balls, a full bookshelf, radio/cassette/CD player, a standard water filter. Three electric fans for Summer use, and for Winter a wood-burning stove, calor-gas and halogen heaters.
Sheets and towels (not beach towels) are provided, as are some milk, wine and bread to greet you on arrival
The village
Polopos (pop.ca.120) is a working rural village, standing at 2,545 ft (778m), 10km from the coast. The main crops are almonds and grapes and harvesting takes place from September to November. As well as the Bar, the Plaza, where you can park your car, is the other main meeting place; you tend to get chatting to people mid morning while waiting for Gonzalo to drive up the hill with his variety of delicious fresh bread!
Village amenities
Café-Bar, with delicious tapas, both indoors and on the terrace
Wine Museum, open for visitors on request
Women's Association, organizes outings and events
Free Spanish classes, courtesy of local authority
Bread van, mid-mornings
Fruit & Veg van, and stalls, Saturday mornings; *fish van sporadically
Catholic church with Sunday services
From Málaga airport, by-pass Málaga on the 'Ronda de Málaga', following signs to Motril and Almería. After 100km the road by-passes Motril, then Castell de Ferro. It then goes inland, rises and goes through two long tunnels. After a few km downhill, turn-off to Polopos on the right. Go right round roundabout and under the road you've just left. The Polopos road is clearly marked, ahead and past La Guapa. From here you have 10km drive up a very windey, tarmac road. Ignore the initial turnings on the right. When you get to Polopos you can park in the plaza.
From Almería, Polopos is reached by leaving the main coast road at Castillo de Baños, winding the way up a good tarmac road. The journey uphill takes approximately 20 minutes.
From Granada, you can drive via Motril or via Orgiva. The latter recommended for daytime driving.
The views over the Contraviesa mountains are spectacular.
