Full Description
Spectacular, ancient cortijo dating from the eleventh century in the stunning Vega de Alitaje, just outside Pinos Puente, Granada province – 20 minutes’ drive from Granada city.
To the South of the country town of Pinos Puente lies the well known area of Alitaje, where, in the lush river valley, stands an ancient ‘alquería’ nazarí, (a Moorish cortijo complex whose purpose was to provide fruit, vegetables, cerials, wine and other products to the local villages and palaces) – in the case of Alitaje, the complex provided supplies to the Alhambra Palace in Granada and in general to the ‘Kingdom of Granada’. To this day, the valley or ‘vega’ is much as it has always been, with few modern buildings to interrupt the fields of natural, indigenous trees, vegetation and of crops that have been grown here for hundreds of years, together with the original buildings and ancient ‘acequias’ or water channels supplying fresh spring and mountain water around the entire area. The area is so steeped in history, it is known that there was originally a Roman settlement with Roman thermal baths here. A true walk back in time!
This property, known as the Cortijo Iglesia de Alitaje is an important part of the original Alitaje alquería complex, dating back to the twelth century. The original title deeds are in Arabic! This ancient property sits next to the main Cortijo de Alitaje, and consists of the chapel, a large house, a cluster of semi ruined outbuildings, and several huge barns, set in 6131m2 of flat land, including a large rear field.
The buildings total 1910m2, consisting of:
– Church/chapel (10 x 5m) with its original bell tower, beautiful original decorated tiled floors, font and many other beautiful details, in need of some repair
– Main house (approximate total size 300m2), in an L shape, on two floors, contains a maze of rooms on both levels, some parts more need of renovation than others, with original doors, windows, shutters and beams. There are beautiful, original balconies still with their 15th century ironwork, and fascinating details such as a room where the priest spent many weeks locked away in prayer with a small compartment in the floor where food and drink were passed to him, undisturbed.
– Courtyard with access to two huge barns and several ruined buidings for conversion (barns around 100-150m2 each, ruins similar sizes)
– Rear field, through rear entrance doors, with a huge barn, (over 500m2 according to documentation) used for centuries to dry tobacco plants and protected by law as of historical significance.
The size is such that it would make a unique boutique hotel, b&b or similar business. It would also work very well as an events location. The cortijo has been used until relatively recently to breed and sell Arabic horses (up to 100 horses at any time) and would therefore also work well as a riding centre and stables. There is plenty of space for horses and the landscape is perfect for trecking.
This site is well known for it ample supply of natural water and has its own ancient well, 70m below, that supplies the ‘acequias’ and buildings, and to a large water storage deposit. It is also connected to the mains water supply and electricity.
The property needs complete renovation, although the main house, chapel and most barns are in good structural condition.
This unique and fascinating property is all about stepping back in time and preserving Granada’s rich history. It is a true Andalusian treasure, now in need of a caring and enterprising new owner to return it to its former glory.
For sale at an excellent price.
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