Malutka Fairy's Grotto

Named by the Sunday Times as one of Europe's finest holiday properties, and the only Cave House in their Top 50 'Sensational Villas' list!

The Guardian (travel section 23/08/2014) says:-

"We arrive at dusk, while it’s still light enough to tell that Malutka’s Andalucían Grotto has a spectacular view. The street is on a ledge of rock, high above the town of Baza. From the terrace, we look across the scorched flatlands of the Altiplano de Granada towards the hazy hills of the Sierra de Castril. The air is scented with jasmine. There are tortoises in the garden. Fairy lights dangle from a vine."........"We open the front door and step inside the hill. First is a tiny rock-cut salon, bright with tiles and glass and mirrored textiles. Beyond is a little dining room, an old-fashioned parlour with a fireplace and a small kitchen. We think at first that there’s only one bedroom, but when I open a vividly painted door which I thought was a cupboard, I find two more.All the rooms have been scooped out of the rock. They are whitewashed and womb-like, with low ceilings, Arabic arches, carved niches, bumpy walls and pick-marked surfaces. As a welcome, Malutka has lit dozens of lamps and candles. The whole place glitters with colour and flickering light."....................

This cave house is unlike any other dwelling. It promises to be a unique and fascinating experience, both beautiful and enchanting. It is situated high up on the outskirts of Baza and offers a panoramic view of the town below and the mountains beyond.

Like all troglodyte dwellings that have been sympathetically restored and only modernised where necessary, the cave house retains its inherent charm and quirkiness. The hewn-out rooms, with their arched ceilings, differ in shape and size, each one being on a slightly different level to its neighbour. The uneven walls feature niches and alcoves framed by ornate Moorish plasterwork. Malutka Fairy's Grotto has been decorated and furnished to combine traditional Andalucian and Moroccan styles - conjuring an exotic atmosphere and a bygone age whilst not compromising the need for modern amenities.

Inside the house there are 3 bedrooms - 1 with double bed plus a single (and/or travel cot), another double and a single room. It could accommodate 6 people in total. There is a fully equipped kitchen with cooker, fridge, microwave etc. There is also an entrance hall, breakfast room, a dining room and sitting room with satellite TV offering basic UK channels, DVD player and CD player. The bathroom has sink, toilet and bath with overhead shower attachment. A store room has fridge and freezer and storage cupboards.

Outside the house there is a gorgeous courtyard with potted plants and a canopy of wisteria and grape vine. This is very shady, equipped with table and chairs and a gas barbeque. A laundry room is for guests unlimited use. Two roof terraces offer stunning views. The lower terrace has a small outside kitchen and is accessed by a ladder from the lobby. The upper roof terrace is without shade and therefore great for sunbathing. There are 2 sunloungers and outdoor bath with a cold water supply only. This is accessed via a wooden staircase from the lower roof terrace.

Because of the lay out of the house it may not suitable for those with mobility difficulties. The owners live in the apartment extension to the cave house and are available for advice when needed, though always totally respectful of their guests' privacy.

Parking is possible outside the property. It is in a quiet cul-de-sac with little traffic and a rural aspect from behind. There are some allotments, fields, an old railway track which has been converted into a 'camino rural' for walkers and push bikers and views of the hills including Jabalcon.

The owner's have dogs and cats and tortoises (which they will keep away from you if you wish) and are happy to discuss you bringing your own pets.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are pony trekking centres and bicycle hire in Baza plus walks in the Sierra de Baza national Park - a bird watcher's paradise.

Baza is the ideal location from which to visit places of interest in the area such as the gorge walk at Castril, Lake Negratin (with thermal baths and lakeside restaurants), the cave village at Guadix, the museum at Orce, Cabo de Gato (with its unspoiled beaches) and the Alhambra Palace in the historic city of Granada.

1 night stay is £50, 1 week is £300. Rentals include free Wi Fi, bottled gas, electricity, bed linen, towels (both bathroom and beach), tea towels, cool boxes, PLUS washing powder, bin liners, toilet rolls, tea bags, sugar, oil, vinegar, condements, selection of herbs and spices, selection of sauces/relishes.

Long lets of 6 months or more : £350 per month plus bills. The cost of rentals between 1 month and 6 months will be by negotiation and will depend on the exact duration of the intended stay. Airport pick ups and drop offs can be arranged.

Please click the Check Availability link above to get in touch.