Hotel Rural Finca Las Longueras

Situated in the fertile Agaete Valley, around 3 km from the little town of Agaete, this beautifully restored country house offers accommodation of immense charm and character in a wonderfully peaceful and scenic setting. Also known locally as "La Casa Roja" - the Red House - for obvious reasons, this delightful example of colonial architecture was built in 1895, and retains all the grace and grandeur of that bygone era. Converted to a small hotel a few years ago, the house has naturally undergone extensive renovation, but it remains true to its heritage, with antique furnishings, interesting objects and family heirlooms displayed throughout.

As a result, Las Longeras still feels more like a private home than a hotel, and with just nine guestrooms, plus one suite, the atmosphere is certainly very personal. Individually furnished and decorated, each room is different, but all have en-suite bath or shower rooms, TV (local channels only), safety-deposit boxes and mini-bars. In addition, there are two Junior Suites, which were more recently converted from an outbuilding in an elevated position, a short stroll from the main house. These are more modern in style, with a raised sleeping area with a double bed, a sitting area, a bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, and their own terrace with lovely country views.

The public rooms are just as inviting and provide a space in which to play games, write cards, meet your fellow guests or simply relax. An extended continental breakfast is served in the opulent dining room or on the lovely courtyard terrace, depending on the weather. Evening meals are also available on request at a reasonable fixed price (currently €16, payable locally), these take the form of a set menu served around a large, communal table.

Las Longueras stands amidst extensive grounds full of palm trees, banana plants, and orchards yielding oranges, mangos, papayas and avocados. Strolling through the grounds you stumble upon an enticing outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a sun terrace with lovely views along the valley - just the place for daydreaming and soaking up the afternoon sun.

Keen walkers can enjoy the natural beauty of the Agaete Valley on footpaths starting right on your doorstep, whilst for exploring further afield, a hire car is included in the cost of your holiday here. The car also enables you to try out a number of different restaurants within a short drive from here; just beyond Agaete itself, the harbour village of Puerto de las Nieves boasts several simple but charming places for sampling freshly caught fish.