Rustic Spanish mountain retreat set in a Parque Natural (Nature Reserve), Huelva, Spain

The village of Fuenteheridos is much visited by the Spanish, especially from Seville, at weekends throughout the year and is particularly popular in the autumn scenery, chestnuts and mushroom season. (Late October to December). It can be reached on foot by a very pleasant walk via the campsite (and partly along the road) in 20-25 minutes but this is a considerable distance in the summer heat or after dark when a torch may be essential (except on moonlit nights but still recommended for the road section.) By car it takes about 5 minutes (1.5 km or just under a mile).

In the village there are two small supermarkets/village stores; other small shops, a bank and cash machine, telephones and an estate agents. There is also a very nice open-air swimming pool open only in the school summer holidays (late July and August). There are more than half a dozen bars and restaurants to suit all budgets.

The house is generally cool but the weather can be very hot from late June to late August and there is no air-conditioning. Conversely, it can be very cold in winter (with heavy frosts followed by a warm sunny day, or wet and milder but cold by day, or very occasionally snow). If especially cold between November and early April then with the log fire, stove and gas fire all burning, you may still need to wear warm clothing indoors. But sometimes you can picnic in shirtsleeves in January.

The area
The beautiful towns of Aracena (with its castle and spectacular caves), Cortegana (with hilltop castle visible for miles) and Almonaster la Real (with its Mesquita (mosque) and said by some to be the most beautiful village in Andalucia) are all within 10-12 km (6-8 miles).

The Huelva coast (Costa de la Luz) and Cota Doñana National Park are about 90 minutes drive; the Eastern Algarve (via Huelva-Ayamonte) about 2 hours; Seville under 90 minutes and Portugal (Alantejo via Cortegana) about 40 minutes.

There are numerous (signposted and mapped) walks in the surrounding woods and countryside and the interesting towns and villages of Galaroza, Alajar, Castaño del Robledo, Los Marines and Linares de la Sierra can be reached on foot, horseback, or by cycle or car. (We're not suggesting you walk to Linares on a summer afternoon - you can drive and then walk around in the morning or late evening. The walks from Alajar to Linares and Aracena are a considerable trek and even the climb up and down to Alajar is not for the casual walker especially when hot.

However, there are lots of local walks for the summer before breakfast and at other times of year with the siesta (laying up in the shade or indoors) to be respected on that summer afternoon when the shade temperature may exceed 37C or 100F!)

Getting There
Nearest railway stations: El Repilado, 10 km, Seville 90 km
Buses: (from Seville and Lisbon - Fuenteheridos 1.5 km; from Huelva - Aracena 12km).
Nearest airports: Seville, 110 km, (90 minutes), Jerez 180 km (2hr 30min)
Other options: Faro, 220 km (2hr 50 min), Lisbon 300 km (3hr 30 min)

(all times approximate and for information only - don't be late for your flight!

The house has 7 main floor levels internally!