Self catering apartment in Alpujarras, Spain

The accommodation lies at 900 metres in a fold of the mountains below the ridge of the Sierra Contraviesa. A curving mountain road leads there and goes no further. It is included in the Alpujarras region (made famous by Gerald Brenan in his book, "South from Granada"), but is untouched by tourism. It has a population of about 100, who cultivate almonds, figs and wine grapes. Our plots of land, scattered round the valley are registered organic and we sell our figs and almonds. Our wine production is not on a commercial scale, in other words, it's for drinking!

We have renovated an old house where Zacarias stored his almonds and ploughing gear. It is the last one-storey house in the village and dates back to Arab times. Two beautiful apartments have evolved. They have beamed ceilings and are full of character.

On the ridge (approx 5kms) are two bars/restaurants, where local food and wine can be sampled. The nearest beaches are 23 kilometres (40 minutes). We can't offer the luxury of a swimming pool, but there are albercas (tanks of spring water for irrigation); you jump in, the frogs jump out! There are 2 shops (open all hours,7 days a week), a bakery and a bar which opens in the evenings, run by Antonio. His wife Mari Carmen will prepare a 3 course lunch with a drink for 6 Euros, if warned in advance. Some Spanish phrases would be useful as English is not widely spoken. A phrasebook will be provided. Above the village is the cork oak forest of Haza del Lino. There are chestnut trees and poplars in the valleys, and it is a place for lovers of peace and nature. There is a great variety of birdlife-from barn owls to bee eaters-and in the dramatic gorge below the village one can quite easily see mountain goats, graceful creatures quite unlike their domestic cousins. Mountainous area good for walking and mountain biking. There are summer evening mule treks, approximately 2 hours long, with wine and tapas included.

In August there is a town fiesta around the feast of San Roque (15th) - three days and nights of music and noise. Not for peace-lovers, but an ideal opportunity for sociable children and teenagers to have a good time with their Spanish counterparts.

Walking: Walking is unrestricted and unsignposted. The views are divine. Climbing up to the Contraviesa, with the village spread out below, the blue Mediterranean in front and the winter snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada behind, it feels like the roof of the world.

Both apartments have 2 bedrooms, one double and one twin, a kitchen/living room with fireplace and a shower room, all fully equipped. The entrances are completely independent. There is a large roof terrace, with tremendous views across the valley. There is plenty of space to sit out and both have barbecues. Use of washing machine. Outside areas.

Family & baby friendly: Kids love it here; the freedom to run around with no danger from traffic and the animals in the village have something to do with it. Also, everyone loves kids, especially in an ageing population. Beware with toddlers – there are steep drops. We have an old fashioned Spanish cot for babies. Almeria is the nearest airport (1½ to 2 hours), but there are more flights to Malaga (2½ hours). From Malaga follow signs to Motril and Almeria and from Almeria those for Motril and Malaga.

Arriving in the village, don't turn off the road, pass a house on your right with fancy ironwork and stop in the flat area beyond where there are normally cars parked. Go down the narrow path to the left, by the gate that says "Barrio Alto No 36" and you will come to a green and white tap. Our door (Casa de Zacarias y Delia) is nearest to it. We will take you to your house. Later, you can park nearer if you want to.