We had a lovely stay at the farmhouse, which was well-equipped, clean, spacious and homely. The terrace had fantastic views over the lake, and the kids really enjoyed the pool. The rural location was peaceful, and the coast and cities such as Granada and Seville were all accessible by car. We were particularly grateful for the warm welcome given by Karen and Paul who look after the property and were very friendly and helpful.
A great, relaxing holiday in a lovely, beautifully situated and well equipped villa.
The photos didn't do this place justice. The house is light, bright, airy and very tastefully decorated. The layout of the property makes it feel even larger than it is and, although there are other properties nearby, we always felt private. The surrounding area is covered in olive trees and this certainly helped. The view from the terrace is spectacular with olive covered hills and the lake below. Both sunrise and sunset were a pleasure to witness from here. We immediately felt at home and this was helped by the place being very well equipped. The kitchen was much used. The pool was a very welcome respite from the daytime heat though the fact that the pool area is one side of the house and the terrace is the other meant that it was always possible to find a place 'near' the sun but not actually in it. The opposite is obviously true as well in that you could always be in the sun should you wish.
We were welcomed by Karen and Paul who were very friendly and offered good advice about the locality and amenities - you've really got to check out the Chinese shop in Rute which appears to have pretty much anything you want or need and a lot which you didn't realise you needed!
Iznajar itself is a short drive away and has a great feel with bars and restaurants as well as being a great place to wander around. We never got to see inside the castle as we never quite timed it right but we'll have to save that for next time.
One piece of advice - the road to access the property is pretty steep and has got loads of bumps and humps. That in itself is not a huge problem but I would recommend that, if you are hiring a car, maybe to get something with higher clearance and a bigger engine than a FIAT 500! Speaking of driving, Cordoba was easily accessible (under an hour and a half) and was well worth the visit.
We had a great time, loved the place and would definitely go back. Mary has been great to deal with all the way through and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend a stay.
A lovely well equipped house in a secluded location near Iznajar
We had a lovely holiday in this farmhouse, which was well equipped, in a secluded location but with a few houses nearby, with views over Iznajar Lake. The pool was secluded and had a good array of sun loungers and sun umbrellas. The house is very furnished in a charming way, with modern bathrooms and kitchen. We were made very welcome by the couple looking after the house. It is off the beaten track, but within easy driving distance from Granada, Cordoba, Ronda and Malaga. We also visited Gibraltar one day. We would highly recommend it as a lovely place to stay.
There were three of us on this trip - my wife, 12 year old daughter and I.
We have stayed in the Iznajar area a few times before, and have come back as we love it. The local area and Iznajar itself is lovely, the local lakes and their beaches are a real bonus.
The location of the house is great, nice and near to Iznajar and the main road for all directions. It is really peaceful with amazing views off the hills and the lakes, and the house was as described with plenty of living space, and very very clean. The kitchen specifically was excellent and well equipped. Two bathrooms and showers was also a bonus.
My daughters priority is a nice pool - and this one was great with the slide being an added bonus as well as being really close to the house. The outdoor seating area was especially lovely early in the morning and watching the sun rise, with grape vines overhead.
Its a great base also with a view to trips to the coast, Cordoba, Granada and even Seville (which is only 2 hours or so away).
Mary was very helpful before and during the stay, and I am sure when we come back to the area we will be sure to look up this house and would recommend it without question.
Property was immaculate and just what we required for our holiday.
The property location was ideal. It permitted us to travel to all neighbouring large cities and indeed the lesser local villages. It was a pleasure to return to the property after a days' excursion to sit on it's terrace and relax whilst the children enjoyed the pool. I will return to that terrace and to the comforts of Cortijo Olivas to further enjoy more of that wonderful region! I highly recommend to those planning to explore by car this part of Spain. Thank you very much Mary! We have made great family memories in your beautiful Cortijo!
First time in this house and area and would certainly go back to both!
The farmhouse combines rustic charm with all the modern essentials. It has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces which was perfect for a family with 3 teenagers. The pool was a great size and the slide was an added bonus. We also enjoyed sitting on the front terrace with stunning views over Lake Iznajar. The beach at the lake is great and the pedalos are great fun and good value.
We enjoyed eating out at some of the recommended restaurants. The family particularly liked Antonio's in Fuente Dell Conde.
We enjoyed an Spring holiday at Cortijo Olivas. It was ideal for two couples as one had the ground floor bedroom and bathroom to themselves and the other couple the sole use of the upstairs bedroom, bathroom and delightful little sitting room opening on to the pool area.
Cotijo Olivas is located at the end of a steep track through olive groves and has wonderful views of Lake Iznajar and the surrounding countryside. The house is very well equipped with modern furnishings and fittings and some thoughtful little extras to make it a real home from home.
We enjoyed exploring Iznajar and the surrounding areas as well as easy drives into Cordoba, Granada and Antequera. We enjoyed eating out in the recommended restaurants. There are many to choose from without having to drive too far.
Would most definitely recommend a stay at Cortijo Olivas.
This was our third stay in this villa but first with our 6 year old! Another fab holiday had by all. The work they have had done to the villa has made this a beautiful place to stay. We spent most of our week around the pool as it was so hot but there is plenty to do around this area for young and old. This for sure will not be our last stay and cant wait to go back!! Thank you Mary x
Just returned from our stay at Cortijo Olivas at Lake Iznajar, very comfortable cottage with everything needed for a perfect holiday, stunning views of the Lake from the courtyard and great pool if you want to take a dip, also great location for visiting other places of interest e.g CĂłrdoba ,Granada, and the National Parks, Would certainly return!
Carolyn Gibson
We have stayed at Cortijo Olivas previously and had a great time. The house is even better now following a lot of work that the owner has undertaken. This includes Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The house is kept in excellent condition and the pool was crystal clear.
The weather was excellent and we were able to use the pool. We could have spent all the holiday relaxing around the pool and going down the slide!
Iznajar is well placed to undertake excursions around this beautiful part of Spain. Local restaurants are excellent, good value and well worth trying out. The local people are also very friendly.
We hope to go out again next year and explore more of the Spanish countryside.