White House Tarifa

superb location, a short walk along the Med coastal path from Tarifa

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The setting - lone house on the hill overlooking straits - is incredible.

Amazing views, lovely spaces around the property to sit and relax, large rooms

Nothing

Firstly the Floating House is magnificently situated on a hill top just outside Tarifa overlooking the straits. The views are amazing. Access to the property is via an unmade dirt track OK for cars but not for foot based clients with luggage (i.e. me). On arrival I was met by Muriel who unlocked the front gates and showed me around the property which in its day must have been spectacular. The rooftop terrace gave unobstructed views over the straits to Africa with, for me, the added bonus of views of the bird migration. The grounds were very neglected but could have provided good outdoor relaxing space. The property was home to at least 3 permanent residents, presumably friends of the owner, and their dogs all of whom shared the same spaces as the guests. Although there was some ensuite accommodation, this was essentially a communal living arrangement with shared eating, cooking and bathrooms. One of the communal toilets had no door lock. The well stocked kitchen struggled to accommodate the storage needs of guests and residents. Meals were prepared on a first come first cook basis. I guess couples accommodation was comfortable and spacious. However, as a single traveller I was allocated a "broom cupboard" equipped with a fold out table, a chair and a beanbag. A loft ladder gave access to a mezzanine bed with a lamp and wall socket. Small windows only looked into the interior and the blinds offered little privacy if any of the lights were on. I stayed 14 nights. There was no change of bed linen or towels despite assurances made during the meet and greet. Why did I not ask? It was never clear which of the residents was responsible for day to day matters. I never saw Muriel again after the first day and the main man, even possibly the owner, had a poor grasp of English preferring German. The property will and did suit many guests but single travellers beware. This is not a hotel. I am minded of a Youth Hostel for the well off.

Firstly the Floating House is magnificently situated on a hill top just outside Tarifa overlooking the straits. The views are amazing. Access to the property is via an unmade dirt track OK for cars but not for foot based clients with luggage (i.e. me). On arrival I was met by Muriel who unlocked the front gates and showed me around the property which in its day must have been spectacular. The rooftop terrace gave unobstructed views over the straits to Africa with, for me, the added bonus of views of the bird migration. The grounds were very neglected but could have provided good outdoor relaxing space. The property was home to at least 3 permanent residents, presumably friends of the owner, and their dogs all of whom shared the same spaces as the guests. Although there was some ensuite accommodation, this was essentially a communal living arrangement with shared eating, cooking and bathrooms. One of the communal toilets had no door lock. The well stocked kitchen struggled to accommodate the storage needs of guests and residents. Meals were prepared on a first come first cook basis. I guess couples accommodation was comfortable and spacious. However, as a single traveller I was allocated a "broom cupboard" equipped with a fold out table, a chair and a beanbag. A loft ladder gave access to a mezzanine bed with a lamp and wall socket. Small windows only looked into the interior and the blinds offered little privacy if any of the lights were on. I stayed 14 nights. There was no change of bed linen or towels despite assurances made during the meet and greet. Why did I not ask? It was never clear which of the residents was responsible for day to day matters. I never saw Muriel again after the first day and the main man, even possibly the owner, had a poor grasp of English preferring German. The property will and did suit many guests but single travellers beware. This is not a hotel. I am minded of a Youth Hostel for the well off.