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Live Like A Local In ‘Medieval’ Spain

Eleven homes located in the medieval quarter of a beauitiful Spanish town are being made available to tourists as part of a ‘live like a local’ initiative.

The Califa Group, the award-winning collection of hotels, restaurants and bars in Vejer de la Frontera, has launched a new website to promote Califa Casas, its high quality holiday homes in the idyllic hill-top town in Andalucia.

All of the new lifestyle houses are located in the heart of Vejer’s medieval quarter, and within five minutes’ walk of the iconic Hotel La Casa del Califa and its Michelin-recommended restaurant.

Whether guests are looking for peace and quiet, wish to work remotely, escape with a partner or reconnect with friends, these homely and freshly decorated properties offer the chance to live like a local – a welcome change after a year of lockdown. Stay for a short break, a week or much more.

Situated on the edge of the ‘Sherry Triangle’, living like a local here means making the most of Vejer’s strong gastronomic scene, bang on the doorstep. There is a flourishing choice of excellent restaurants and buzzy tapas bars where the local crowd gather in the evenings – many bars being part of the Califa Group.

Just a few kilometres away is the Atlantic coast and the glorious surfing beaches of El Palmar, Trafalgar Bay and Los Caños de Meca. Vejer overlooks both the Atlantic coastline and the Las Breñas Natural Park, a 5,000 hectare pine forest that runs down to the coast, and the Marismas Natural Park, a smaller nature reserve which is home to an important collection of birdlife.

James Stuart, Califa Group founder, said: “Though I’m a hotelier through and through, I have to admit that staying in one of these authentic homes allows visitors to actively engage in village life – a place that I have called home for 32 years.

So, by buying the freshest of fruit and veg at the local market, popping into the butchers for homemade chorizo Iberico, buying wine at Vejer’s own Bodegas, and speaking Spanish, however broken, you will get to meet my wonderful neighbours.”

THE NEW CALIFA CASAS
Whether you want access to a swimming pool, a vast terrace with views that reach as far as Morocco on a clear day, a private central courtyard, or a retractable roof for comfortable alfresco dining, the 11 houses all have oodles of authentic old world Spanish charm.

Casa Cuatro Gatos Best for… Special Celebrations
This is a traditional former Vejer merchant’s house that blends Andalucian heritage with a distinctly glamorous vibe – think sleek bathrooms and contemporary four-poster beds. With its own chapel that has hosted informal weddings, including James Stuart’s own last year, this large, light-filled property is a fabulous place to tie the knot or celebrate a special birthday or anniversary – much in demand after the disruptions of 2020. There are five large double rooms, all en suite, and a dressing room to ensure everyone looks their best on the big day. The dining room comfortably sits 10 while the huge sitting room runs the full length of the house, with a flight of stairs to the grand roof terrace. Price: one week costs from €1,750. Minimum stay 5 nights.

Casa Badillo Best for… Larger Groups
Sleeping up to 11 people, Badillo is perfect for large groups of friends or a big family get-together. A real wow-factor is the large central courtyard with an open-plan L-shaped kitchen-dining room. Above the courtyard is a huge retractable skylight (electrically operated) that occupies the entire roof allowing natural light to invade the heart of the property. Upstairs, the sunny terrace with a cushioned chill out area is perfect for relaxing, while a large elongated table invites alfresco dining. Price: one week costs from €1,820. Minimum stay 5 nights.

Casa Nür Best for… Families
With four large double rooms, four bathrooms, two living rooms and a spacious kitchen with a walk-in larder, there is plenty of room for families to spread out in this stylish, art-filled house. The centre has a bright courtyard with a huge skylight providing all-day natural light but the place to be is on the rooftop with its small kitchen, dining table and chairs, plus a chill out area with views over the town. Price: one week costs from €1,400. Minimum stay 5 nights.

Casa Luján Best for… Couples
Owned by a local carpenter, and full of his creations, this cosy casa for two is perfect for a romantic break. Enjoy leisurely breakfasts on the patio or candlelit dinners on the terrace with views over the countryside to the Costa de la Luz and Moroccan coastline beyond. Price: One week costs from €490.Minimum stay 5 nights.

More details: https://www.califacasas.com/ or call or call +34 956 447 730