As a storyteller, a feminist, and a woman in search of must-visit places, I must admit that Genalguacil offers me the perfect opportunity to discover and share with my community valuable and inspiring narratives.
Today's article is about one of the best accommodations in Genalguacil, Andalucía, and the article also features the story of a remarkable woman who is shaping the rural future through her actions, values, and qualities.
Elena Crespo is from Madrid, but five years ago she chose to move to Genalguacil. Today, she's shaping the rural future of this village by running one of the most beautiful places to stay overnight when visiting Genalguacil and by inspiring other women from the rural areas with her wit, strength, and force to do it all by herself. She is also in charge of all the hard work a finca requires, with the garden, the olive trees, and all the other campo labour.
In addition, she is a cofounder of the Genial Genal Association, which organises the monthly mercadillo in the village plaza, creates a community around it, and promotes and supports small local businesses.
To me, Elena is a remarkable woman, and the rural area needs more women like her to remain alive and thriving.
Glimpses of Elena's personal house
I am always interested in the story behind, because I know, from my personal experience, that businesses and projects start with a dream. Tell me, please, the story behind Finca El Molino?
One of the great charms of Finca El Molino is knowing that you are spending your days in a place with a long and meaningful history. It was one of the two olive oil mills in Genalguacil and was functional until the second half of the last century.
Simply mentioning Finca El Molino to any of the older neighbours is enough for them to immediately recall with emotion their memories of living here during the olive harvest and milling season. They'll tell you where the loaded mules came from, where the olives were stored, how the fire was kept burning, or how they helped with pressing.
Visiting the mill, with its conical stones and iron press, offers a clear sense of the hard agricultural work of times past.
I hope this year will be your best one until now.
2. The house has been renovated with excellent care; which design and decorative elements do you feel best represent its essence?
In terms of design and decoration, I was fortunate enough to have my daughter, who is an architect, and my brother, who is a graphic designer, by my side. We manage, therefore, to pass every aesthetic decision through several filters before transforming it into reality.
We aimed to attain a balance between a rustic style, one that is in harmony with the surrounding nature and the property’s past, and a very current and modern vision, without renouncing, as could not be otherwise, comfort and convenience.
Casa del Molino
3. How was the process of transforming the old irrigation pond into a saltwater swimming pool? I think it’s a wonderful idea! It was an irrigation pond a long time ago, but it was also a place for swimming. The children from the village spent many joyful moments there!
Summers are becoming hotter every year, as we can all see, and having a bathing area has become essential even in the middle of the mountains. The transformation process wasn't that difficult: we installed a filtration system and added a wooden platform. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bermeja and Crestellina mountain ranges. The result: an idyllic space!
The old irrigation pond, the pool, the finca
4. El Molino is also the home of centuries-old olive trees and fruit trees: what does it mean to you to live and work in such a natural environment?
I was very young when I left Madrid to live in the countryside. I love village life and agricultural work.
Taking care of my vegetable garden and my trees fills me with deep satisfaction. Preparing the soil, sowing and planting, participating in and witnessing their growth, harvesting, and taking the produce straight to my kitchen is simply wonderful. Manual work, outdoors, is deeply rooted in our genetics after more than 10,000 years of human evolution.
El Molino
5. Is there a special corner of the estate that has a special emotional or aesthetic significance for you?
Even today, after five years of living here, whenever I am on the estate completing a task and I lift my eyes to look around, I feel moved and deeply fortunate as I see the mountain ranges, the olive trees, and the large carob trees.
But there is one truly magical place on the estate. At the end of what we call the acanthus walk, there is a small stream that only carries water during the rainy season, flanked by large stone cliffs and a tangle of trees with vines. There, the birdsong enhances this small and unique high-humidity microclimate that resembles a true tropical jungle.
It is astonishing how this space has formed, so unique and different from the rest of the landscape. It is my favourite spot.
6. Genalguacil is known for its contemporary art; how does this theme integrate into the lodging experience of Finca El Molino?
I love this question; thank you for it. Art is a defining feature of Genalguacil, and as you can imagine, it also plays a very significant role at Finca El Molino.
The artist David Crespo, who now lives on the coast of Casares, has decorated the El Molino house walls with his artwork. The approach is very organic, incorporating natural materials that possess expressive strength and are in perfect harmony with a house built in the middle of nature, between the mountains.
7. Would you recommend any route, artwork, or place in the village that guests should not miss?
When it comes to hiking routes, for a short stay, I recommend two itineraries. Your community will not be disappointed.
The first is the route from Genalguacil to Jubrique, which can be done as a circular walk from Calle Los Castañales and return via the Matagallar and Los Saucillos trail. The chestnut and cork oak forests and the spectacular views are truly a sight for sore eyes.
The Genal River walkways are also an accessible route for the nature enthusiasts. It goes along the river and allows you to enjoy the beauty of the water and the specific landscape.
If you arrive in Genalguacil in the summertime, then a visit to Charco Azul and its four natural pools is a must.
The village itself and its artwork are spectacular for every visitor, without a doubt. They start their artsy trip with a visit to the museum and take the opportunity to pick up a leaflet or a playful guide for the walk.
Next, the tourist will wander in the intricate labyrinth of narrow streets from the Moorish past, with the whitewashed houses, and they will discover why Genalguacil is a true open-air museum. It hosts well over one hundred artworks.
Arco de Viento, Obra Telereal, and Farola are some of its emblematic pieces of street art. Each tourist will enjoy the wonder that comes with unexpectedly encountering these creations, and each one, not without difficulty, will choose their favourites.
Which kind of traveler falls in love with Casa del Molino?
Any traveller seeking a place to connect with nature and enjoy relaxation will find Casa del Molino to be the perfect accommodation. The estate covers just over one hectare, mostly dedicated to olive trees, but it also includes fruit trees such as orange, persimmon, and avocado, as well as carob and almond trees. Throughout the property, small walking paths are distributed, along with strategically designed spaces from which to enjoy unbeatable views.
In addition, there is an added value that I haven't yet mentioned: the estate is located within the village itself, so in just a couple of minutes on foot, you can reach the centre without needing a car.
Over the four years it has been operating, several hundred guests have stayed here, and I can say it: every single one of them has left delighted.
9. Describe, please, in three words, the experience one can have living here at Casa del Molino.
I’ll highlight three aspects that guests experience at Casa del Molino, maybe the most important ones:
- Emotional well-being, with a noticeable reduction in stress and anxiety.
- Improved physical health and sensory stimulation.
- Increased creativity, concentration, and attention.
All of these benefits come from connecting with nature, and they are enhanced by the fact that this accommodation has been designed with careful attention to even the smallest details to ensure comfort and enjoyment.
