We found a little paradise in Andalucia! Perched on a small hill in San Martin del Tesorillo, near Sotogrande, is Cortijo El Papudo. We stayed a few days in this charming old Andalucian farmhouse B & B run by Michael and Vivien Harvey.
The gardens here are stunning! Tended by Michael, who is a landscape gardener, they are planted with an amazing array of sub tropical plants bursting with colour.
There are archways clothed in sweet smelling honeysuckle..
and wreathed with vivid bougainvillea.
Breathtaking views at every turn,
And did I mention colour and perfume? A kaleidoscope of colour and pot pourri of fragrance on the breeze attracts a myriad of bees and butterflies.
We breakfasted in the courtyard every morning on delicious fresh produce from the gardens and local area. We were treated to freshly squeezed oranges and sweet, blushing grapefruits - served by Vivien, our charming hostess who was ably assisted by the resident kitty! We were there at just the right time of year to enjoy a bowl of these juicy cherries - available only for a few short weeks of the year. How delicious! Don't you agree that food always tastes so much better when eaten al fresco?With Cortijo El Papudo as our base we headed out each day to explore the region. Coming up next: the route to Ronda - a truly magnificent drive to one of the oldest towns in Spain.
Caroline! so you have been in Spain?
ReplyDeleteoh! how wonderful reportage! truely and beautiful!
What beautiful views! Oh how I miss the food... :-)
ReplyDeleteWOW! a true wonder and delight, you take such inspired photos and you have a beautiful vision :) I enjoyed this so much!
ReplyDeleteI should have said I am illustrating a book set in Spain not about Spain. It is the story of the most famous bullfighter that dies and becomes the bull himself, then his own son must face him in the ring. It teaches them how the bull must feel. It is beautifully written and I will let you know when it is out. I have not been to Spain and was wanting to see as much as I can of every day life. It actually looks a bit like northern cali! Wish I was there :)
Beautiful...from the captivating arches and doorways, exotic blossoms...and wonderfully ripe cherries...simply another wonderful travel visit just for all of us! Thank you sooooo much!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a feast for the eyes Caroline and the palatte (but only you know what that was like..ha ha.) I am blown away by the beauty of the surroundings and those wonderful flowers. I am reading this on a wet English summers day and wishing I was in Spain too.
ReplyDeletelordy lordy what absolutel sublime beauty.whew.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, what a beautiful trip you have done, I just love spain! Love these pictures. So colourful!
ReplyDeleteOh this is wonderful! i love each of your pics here, wishing i would travel more towards Ronda.
ReplyDeleteI lived near Gaucin sone years ago!
I'm taking note of the wonderful casa rural you found and look forward to your post on Frigiliana (i've got a friend who runs an amazing hotel there, i wonder if by any chance you stayed there, Casa Angela)
Caroline, also thank you for your lovely comment on my new blog Un mariage au soleil (i've changed the address, it's now http://mariageausoleil.blogspot.com)
:-)
Lala