El Empedrado (the stone-flagged house)
Self-Catering Accommodation
near Potes in the
Picos de Europa National Park
On the Fuente De side of Potes, 5 kilometres further into the mountains, the Stuart family have a large 16th century house, "El Empedrado", which is available for self-catering holidays. Standing in the centre of the village of Argüebanes, in a well-watered, orchard-filled valley and backed by spectacular mountains, the house sleeps 6/8 and is well-equipped with modern appliances. Dating back to the 16th century, this spacious house is centrally heated and has a wood-burning stove.
On the ground floor there is a fully equipped kitchen with fridge freezer and dishwasher. Off this is a utility room with loo. Another door gives on to a patio with table and chairs. Adjoining the kitchen is a flagged hall with a large table, a wood-burning stove and a sofa.
Ancient stairs lead to the second floor. Here is a large comfortably furnished sitting room where one sofa converts to a double bed, off this is a big, en-suite, double bedded room which has a cot. There are also two twin- bedded rooms that share a bathroom. One bedroom has a French window with views of the village and our roses. Bedding and towels are provided. At the end of a flagged passage a door opens onto a narrow south facing balcony from one end of which the stream and a stunning view can be seen. Our house has a digital telephone line and winter central heating.
A delightful garden, bordered by a meadow, affords extensive views of mountains, village and valley.
Argüebanes is a tiny village 4km from Potes, a vibrant old town with a lively Monday market. It has an indoor pool and gym as well as cash points, supermarkets, banks, bars and many good restaurants. There are riding stables, mountain bike hire and an open-air swimming pool nearby.
Several times a week Arguebanes is visited by vans selling bread, fish, frozen produce or a red van selling general groceries. You never need to visit the town - unless you want to!
The village stream in early spring
This is the Liébana region forming the eastern flank of the Picos de Europa National Park, which with its dramatic spires of almost translucent limestone, is home to eagle, vulture, goat and chamois. The house is a superb base for explorations on foot. The valley sides are clothed in oak (some cork), beech and hazel. Home to a rich fauna that includes deer and boar. Many tracks and paths traverse these woods emerging onto flora rich alpine pastures with plenty of orchids and butterflies.The valley supports a rich bird population including many species rarely seen in Britain. The region enjoys a micro climate that permits viniculture and the growth of many Mediterranean species. The cable car at Fuente De provides access to the high ground and is an easy drive . The coast with its coves and caves is only 50 minutes from Potes.The area has a rich cultural life, with fiestas, pipe music, and folk dancing. Local cheeses and orujo are STRONG!
Here are a few more photos of "rincones" of our house....
.....and from the garden
For prices, availability, booking and more details visit;
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk
or email Rosemary and Ian direct on;
empedrado@aol.com
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Picos de Europa homepage
Casa Gustavo - Aliezo 39584 - Cillorigo de Liebana - Cantabria - Spain
Tel. (0034) 942732010
