This inviting property captures Spanish and Andalusian style architecture.
Positioned in the lovely Genal Valley, Cortijo Monte Alto is situated between the two white mountain villages of Casares and Gaucin. Set against the limestone backdrop of the Sierra Crestellina Mountain, the property offers spectacular views of the charming scenery. The property is surrounded by Natural Reserves which shield several protected species of birds of prey including Bonelli’s Eagles and Griffon Vultures.
The nearby village of Casares in the province of Malaga is one of the finest renowned Andalusian White Villages accented with steeply inclined cobblestone streets and typical Andalusian architecture. The village’s location offers views across the way of sandy beaches while the Rock of Gibraltar and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa are visible in the distance.
The Home
The privately owned home was redeveloped by its current owners about fifteen years ago with the help of a local architect. For five years the owners searched for the perfect property in Andalusia. It needed to have the potential to create a ranch style family home and have equestrian amenities for the family’s show jumping and dressage horses. Located on 12 hectares (about 29 acres) of land, the property is private and secluded, yet it’s just a short drive to the beach, Marbella and Puerto Banus.
The main house is constructed in the typical Cortjio Style. The primary entrance gate to the courtyard of the house is flanked by two dog statues.
Within the courtyard is a beautiful tiled mural made by traditional artist from the Andalusian city of Granada. These traditionally blue tiles are known as “Azulejos”. This mural depicts the countryside above the property with the backdrop of the Sierra Crestellina, complete with the vultures flying over and depicts the seven horses and ponies the owners arrived with when they first moved into the property.
There are four more Azulejos further down the entrance to the property depicting the various movements performed by a Doma Vaquera horse, a traditional Spanish equestrian art based on the principles of working cattle in the country including fighting bulls.
The grand kitchen and family room is constructed of oak beams previously from the former stables on the property. The fully equipped kitchen has modern appliances including an Aga with hand made tiles depicting the red and yellow colours of the Spanish flag.
The other end of the room provides an open fireplace and sitting area.
Additional special features on the property include the glass stained doors made by a local Casares artist.
Each door to every main room is unique to the property, carved in the local Ronda style.
Horses naturally feature heavily in the décor of this Spanish home and horse heads are found all around the property.
The main courtyard house has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 x WC, a salon and dining room, a 2 car garage plus a separate 1 bedroom guest apartment. The main feature of this property is its magnificent beach style swimming pool.
The Horse Stables
The stables were relocated to their current position on the property approximately 750 meters below the main courtyard house, past the all-weather arena. The 25m x 62m (82′ x 203′) arena features a Carpet Gallop surface which requires little maintenance.
The stables were designed by the current owners, also with a courtyard configuration.
The traditional Spanish tiles used here are not handmade but compliment the Andalusian feel.
The barn has a tack room, feed room, bathroom and seven matted stalls.
Outside the barn is a 4-horse walker by the manufacturer, Monarch with rubber matting. There is also covered storage area for hay and wood shavings.
Before the barn is another property that’s perfect for staff or guests. Here two separate dwellings and an additional swimming pool are located.
Want to see another horse barn in Spain? Be sure to read, Tour a Modern & Welcoming Stable in Spain.
New Reader? Sign up for the weekly Stable Style newsletter and never miss a blog post!
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
