What's Not To Like?

What's Not To Like?: Andalusia

Typical of the Albaicín and Realejo neighbourhoods of Granada, a carmen is a specific type of rustic-style home with a leafy garden. If you want to see this local architectural tradition in person, this address is a fantastic example.

Spread across a single storey, the intricate tiling in the kitchen, hallways and dining area immediately draws the eye, while the eclectic collection of antique furnishings adds character, too. It's not all historic though – contemporary flourishes come in the shape of chic lighting and minimalist bedrooms.

The home's biggest perk, however, has to be the outdoor space and the private swimming pool, in particular – how often do you see one of those in the middle of a city? Once you're done paddling, you can retire to the adjoining table complete with a view of Granadan rooftops or to the verdant garden instead.

It's possible to see the Monaita Gate from the outdoor space and this monument is only two minutes' walk around the corner. A little further afield, the Palacio Dar al-Horra is eight minutes away on foot, as is Mirador de San Cristóbal, which offers an excellent vista of the city.

Home truths:
*The home is spread over a single floor
*The swimming pool is only available for use between 15th March and 1st October
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for free upon request
*There's no private parking space, but the city's railway station is only a quarter of an hour away on foot