Retreat from modern life and embrace the serenity of El Cipreret, a stunningly restored farmhouse in the protected landscapes of the Sierra de Mariola natural park, around an hour from the Costa Blanca.

The English owners fell in love with El Cipreret on a mountain biking excursion through this peaceful region – at this point it was an abandoned 19th century farmhouse with no water or electricity supply. Their determination to restore and renovate this shell of a home was truly remarkable and worth the years of endurance and hard work.

The estate is still off-grid yet solar panels have been installed, a water source has been brought to the house and many old materials re-claimed. There have also been plenty of modern additions such as the stylish new windows and gorgeous en suite bathrooms with Italian showers and luxurious natural toiletries. Best of all perhaps, a beautiful heated swimming pool has been sensitively added for guests to enjoy.

Up to 10 guests are warmly welcomed at this magnificent abode. After ringing the bell, you will be invited in to the garden terrace room with its long wooden dining table and lounge area overlooking the gardens, pool, sauna and natural surroundings. Step into the reception space and lounge where there’s always complimentary tea, coffee and water alongside an honesty bar, then discover the charming living room and its wood burner for cooler months.

Five bedrooms are in a guest annexe reached via the courtyard garden. They all feature high quality king or super king-size beds (three of which can be split as twins), underfloor heating, ceiling fans, pretty fabrics and an authentic sense of rustic character with contemporary touches. One of these doubles is suited for guests with restricted mobility including wheelchair users.

Breakfast is lovingly prepared for you each morning and the owners can also cook lunch and dinner for you (at an extra charge) when you are not dining out locally. All meals are made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible – this is a wonderful way to relax and recharge on your holiday and be truly looked after as you dine in the garden room or al-fresco on the terrace. The owners have their own living and sleeping quarters within the main part of the house and adjoining barn.

Features:

The Villa

The Main House
Ground Floor
- Living room with wood burner
- Garden terrace room with lounge area, dining table for up to 14 guests and doors opening to garden/grounds
- Reception area with lounge, honesty bar, tea/coffee making facilities and arched staircase leading to the first and second floor of the main house
- Private access to owners’ living quarters in the former barn wing (not accessible to guests)

First and Second Floor (not accessible to guests)
- Owners’ sleeping quarters and top-floor bedrooms

Guest Annexe Interiors
Ground Floor (each bedroom is accessed independently from the courtyard garden)
- Bedroom (19.3m2) with super king-size double bed (can be split as twin), space for cot (on request) and en suite bathroom with two sinks, WC and fully open wet-room style shower (the bedroom is designed for guests with limited mobility and wheelchair users – a commode/shower chair and walker can be provided on request)
- Bedroom (16.74m2) with super king-size double bed (can be split as twin), space for cot and en suite bathroom with two sinks, WC and walk-in rain shower

First Floor (each bedroom is accessed independently via an internal staircase)
- Bedroom (19.2m2) with super king-size double bed (can be split as twin) and en suite bathroom with two sinks, WC and walk-in rain shower
- Bedroom (13.95m2) with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with two sinks, WC and walk-in rain shower
- Bedroom (21.2m2) with super king-size double bed, large window with views and en suite bathroom with two sinks, WC and walk-in rain shower

Exterior Grounds
- Salt-water swimming pool (15x3.5m, depth: 1.3m) with wide steps. Heated (via eco-electricity) and open approximately April to October (weather/sun dependent)
- Poolside terrace with deckchairs and shaded outdoor lounge
- Sauna
- Shaded outdoor dining area with table, chairs and views of gardens, pool and parkland
- Walled courtyard garden with plants and seating area
- Gardens/open grounds (different levels/steep in parts)
- Resident hens (and cat)
- Parking

Additonal Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Underfloor heating (via eco-friendly pellet boiler)
- Ceiling fans (in bedrooms)
- USB charging points (in bedrooms)
- Coffee machine
- Fireplace

Tourist License Number: ARV-598

Location:

In the heart of the Sierra de Mariola natural park yet only a 15-minute drive from a historic village, El Cipreret enjoys a peaceful setting surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and stunning views of forest and mountains.

The approach to the house is via a 1km-long track (bumpy at times) that winds through woodland up to the estate around 900m above sea level. This is a very private location – there are no other neighbours within 1km (other than your wonderful on-site hosts).

Declared a natural park in the early 21st century, Sierra de Mariola is a hidden gem of the Valencian region. The landscapes are perfect for walking, hiking and mountain biking as you admire mountains, forests, rivers, natural springs, caves and an impressively diverse range of flora and fauna. The highest peak is Montcabrer (1400m).

There are walks straight from the house as well as cross-country mountain biking with a range of trails from easy to more challenging - the owner is an experienced guide and can arrange guided mountain biking excursions for you. Hot-air balloon rides are another fantastic way to appreciate the spectacular scenery (they can even fly straight from the house when the weather allows). Get in touch with us today for more information!

Bocairent, just a 15-minute drive away, is a joy to discover with its medieval quarter of steep cobbled lanes, pretty squares, chapels and fountains alongside local bars and bustling restaurants – the old town has been declared an artistic-historical heritage site. The incredible bullring at Plaça de Bous is carved out of the rock and is one of the oldest in the Valencian region whilst the Sant Blai cave is another highlight on the edge of the village. Festivities and events take place across the year including a dance fiesta in late August. The town is also the source of the Clariano River, home to some beautifully preserved mills from the past, an idyllic place for long walks.

Other mountain villages across the Sierra de Mariola include Alfafara, Agres and Banyeres de Mariola, all superb places to soak up the rich heritage of the region and appreciate its wonderful gastronomy. Wine lovers should visit the vineyards and wineries of the Fontenars wine region for tours and tastings.

Exploring further afield, both cities of Alicante (72km) and Valencia (104km) are fantastic days out or spend time by the coast in Gandia (66km), just over an hour away, with its characterful old town, shopping opportunities, harbour and glorious stretch of coastline.

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
€2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time?
3 pm. Possibility of an early check in, please enquire.

Departure time?
12 pm. Possibility of a late check out, please enquire.

Energy costs included?
Yes, included in the rental price.

Heating costs included?
Yes, included in the rental price.

Linen & towels included?
Yes, included in the rental price.

Pool towels included?
Yes, included in the rental price.

End of stay cleaning included?
Yes, standard changeover clean included. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. A mid stay clean is available at an additional cost of €100. Please enquire.

Internet access?
Wi-Fi internet connection included in the rental price.

Minimum stay?
7 nights during peak season. 4 nights all other times.

Changeover day?
Saturday during peak season. Flexible all other times.

Pets welcome?
Not allowed.

Smoking Allowed?
Yes but only outside the house. Guests should be aware Mariola Secreta is in the middle of a forest and fires as a result of stray cigarettes are a significant risk.

Pool heating charge?
Yes (though this is weather dependent as the power comes from the solar panels.The pool is normally heated from April to October). This extra is only available on request, and with prior arrangement before arrival. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.



Tax?
Tourist tax not applicable.

Stag & Hen Do Allowed ?
Weddings & Celebrations are allowed but not stag or hen parties. Please enquire for more information.

Other Ts and Cs?
There is no air conditioning available at this property, as it is not necessary due to the location. There are ceiling fans in all bedrooms.

Other 2?
Guests will not have access to the kitchen or the barbecue. Meals are fully catered and cooked by the owners at an additional cost (please enquire for more information). Guests are of course able to go out for meals as well.