The Grounds

El Caracol is beautifully secluded from the rest of the world, so if it's solitude and reflection that you seek, you are guaranteed total privacy within the vast grounds.

Immediately surrounding the house are stone tables dotted under pine trees populated by red squirrels... it is perfect for rejuvenating the soul and meditative reflection. The estate has over six acres of private grounds with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

A field of pine trees backs on to the river Lozoya, with access to refreshing swimming in pure river water straight from the upper reaches of the mountain range within 3 minutes of leaving the El Caracol estate.

The most stunning feature is the view from the lounge: the largest mountain of the area, El Penalara. Don Jose Maria bought around 6 acres of land, and carefully chose the spot for his house on a small hill (or ‘cerro’ – the old name for the house is ‘el cerrillo’ or little hill, but the villagers have always called it ‘the snail’).

He also built a smaller house for the caretakers Santiago and Inocencia who would live on the grounds in the Spring and Summer months.