The village’s old olive press still stands – in the dining room. Derelict when Christopher and Marisa arrived, the house is both a stylish and inviting home and a cultural centre. Spanish Marisa is an expert seamstress and interior designer, and cooks like a dream; Christopher is a prize-winning poet. Courses, run mostly during the spring and autumn, include writing, painting, photography, tapestry and mountain walking. The bright, airy living room is stuffed with books (3,000 at the last count), the dining room is homely. Also in the main house are four cosy, cottagey bedrooms with original artwork and photographs on the walls; two look over the terrace garden with pool and giant chess, and the valley with Moorish hilltop castle beyond. Opposite is a smaller house for self-catering – and an independent studio flat upstairs, an inspiring retreat for artists and writers. Not every room has its own but there are plenty of bathrooms in both houses. A wonderfully creative place for adults with an interest in culture, history and the Arts to think and relax.
We had a lovely 2 night stay at Almasserra Vella. What made it so special was the warmth of the welcome from Christopher and Marisa who opened their home, fed us delicious food, and treated us like friends(so did the dogs!). A lovely house full of beautiful art work and books, and of course the olive press where we ate downstairs. Highly recommended!