Converted Schoolhouse With Private Swimming Pool.Sierra De Gredos, Castilla Leon

This accommodation absolutely blew us away with its beauty, romance and location! It sits in a peaceful rural area next to a beautiful fig grove, and every morning the goat herd brings his flock past the house. It is on a no-through track so there is no passing traffic. The house is a converted school house so part of it is small and intimate (teacher's home), and then there is a stunning school hall adjacent. It is filled with nostalgic antiques from the past, which you will either find romantic and inspiring, or cluttered if you don't like that kind of thing. We had a gorgeous time, eating in the grapevine covered courtyard, swimming in the pool, admiring the beautiful views and hanging out at the local river where you can also swim and get food. We did have a few problems with the pool chemicals in the hot weather but the host was very helpful and communicative trying to sort it out for us, which he did. The local area is quiet and very beautiful, but to be honest it was too hot, and we were enjoying the property too much, to really visit much of it! We would have no hesitation in staying here again - it was pretty much perfect!

We spent a fabulous 2 week family holiday at Las Escuelas. The house is spacious and has been lovingly furnished in traditional Spanish style which makes it very authentic. The lounge is spectacular with its high ceiling and majestic windows. It is set in a very peaceful and rural setting surrounded by orchards and yet it is close too many areas of interests. The slight downside was the heat as the house would not cool down during the heatwave (maybe should we have made more use of the shutters?). My husband spent hours cycling in the stunning Sierra de Gredos, we visited numerous villages - our favourite being Poyales del Hoyo just 5 mns drive from the house. The natural pools were a hit with the children (11 & 12) and so were the go apes parks. The village fiestas are great fun - we recommend the one in Santa Cruz del Valle with its encierro (run of the bulls). We just about found the time to visit Avila which is 1hr 1/2 drive from the house and takes you through spectacular mountain scenery. Jose, the lovely owner, speaks excellent English and ensured that all was in place for us to enjoy our stay. Definitely a place to recommend - one of the best holidays we've had as a family!