Nourishment for the Soul

Nourishment for the Soul: Community of Madrid

Located in the small town of Olmeda de las Fuentes just outside of Madrid, this spacious home is geared towards those organising workshops, courses and retreats. Not only is there a huge guest capacity, but there's also a large function space complete with polished wooden floors and high ceilings. The kitchen, too, has been equipped with demonstrations in mind.

That being said, the home is still great if you're coming purely for the purpose of leisure. Outside, you'll find a swimming pool, garden and plenty of alfresco seating so you can enjoy the Madrilenian summer, while there are electric heaters and two fireplaces for when the weather's a little cooler. We're big fans of the design inside, which isn't afraid to embrace bold colours and patterns. Decorated by a Parisian designer, we love the attention to detail shown in the styling of the home – from the chequered flooring paired with red walls, to the elegant solid wood entrance doors and eclectic light fixtures.

Alongside the striking views over the Alcarria de Madrid, what stands out to us with this home is its unique placement in the picturesque village of Olmeda de Las Fuentes, a locale full of artists and intellectuals alike. The local countryside is certainly quiet and the nearby town centre — less than five minutes' walk away — has only a handful of restaurants if you're not in the mood to cook. If you're ever craving a little civilisation, Madrid takes about fifty minutes to reach in the car.

Home truths:
*It's possible to rent more rooms in neighbouring houses for larger groups or those who prefer more privacy
*The water capacity for larger groups can facilitate showers only
*The home is spread over four floors, so it might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility
*Children are welcome here, but please note that the pool is unfenced and parents will need to keep an eye out
*There's free parking available on the premises
*Barbecues are forbidden during summer due to fire risks in the village – barbecues are only permitted outside of summer
*Although the home is suitable for retreats and workshops, no parties are allowed