Step's House

Casa de Step is a 3 level house built into the hillside at the top of the village of Lújar. It has amazing sea and mountain views, private terraces and cool narrow interior rooms. An adventurous spirit is helpful, as the path to the house is steep and best suited to light luggage rather than heavy suitcases. There is lots to explore in the village (a mass of white houses), walking and cycling in the hills, and plenty to sit and watch: birds, mountain goats as well as the life of local villagers. The space If required the adjoining house (Casa de Gabriekiko) can also be rented. This has a bedroom (queen bed) living room, bathroom and kitchen. There is no access by car to the house, or most of the village. Only one road runs through Lújar, and houses peel off small streets above and below this road. Parking is a small area off this main road, just below the house. This house is best for people with good mobility and moderate fitness levels. The kitchen and living room are on the ground floor, and open onto the lower terrace. On the middle level is the bathroom and two bedrooms, one with queen beds and one with two single beds. It also has a double futon/settee. On the top floor is a bedroom with a queen bed, that opens onto the top terrace. As well as being capable of walking up the steep path from the village road, you need to be able to climb the stairs to the mid level and up again to the top bedroom. A locked interior door separates this house from Casa de Gabrieliko. On occasions I may be staying in the Casa de Gabrieliko - and can then have as much or as little contact with you as you like. There are completely separate entrances and no shared spaces. I am more than happy to take you on walks or bike rides, and introduce you to Mari Pepa at The Bar, who provides delicious Tapas with her beer/wine, and can also (preferably with some notice) cook a meal for you. The house has been renovated in traditional style, with the help of villagers and a mule, over about 20 years, and is simple but functional. There are some idiosyncrasies (like the original front door, with 2 locks that turn in opposite directions) and this is a house that needs some care and attention to detail. Solar power and hot water has been installed. This seems to be working well, but some thought is needed before using high energy consumption items like the microwave/toaster - they may use all remaining battery power if you use them after dark/before daylight. There is free wifi, but no TV or DVD. Guest access Lújar is great if you want the peace and tranquility of the mountains, but still be able to access the coast and beaches. There is a village bar, bread vans that 'toot' their arrival, a fruit van/stalls on Saturdays and periodically vans with fish, frozen goods etc. It is a 20 minute drive to the seaside town of Castell de ferro, with bars, restaurants and small supermarkets. It is a 45 minute drive to Motril, which has Alcampo and other big supermarkets, as well as the port (with fish tapas and sailings to Morocco), banks, the post office, a market and other shops. Other things to note Solar power provides all electricity and heats the hot water.