The Glass House - An elegant, minimalist villa and pool with beautiful views...
The Glass House began life long ago as a simple one-room 'nave de aperos' - an agricultural building used by local shepherds to sleep in while their flocks of goats grazed the meadows on the mountainside. We took it on in 2006, and gradually extended and transformed it into what you see today - a modern villa in a minimalist style with 3 ensuite bedrooms and a huge 12m swimming pool. We put in as much glass as possible - 15m of sliding doors on the south and west facades, leading onto expansive open sun terraces so that the amazing views to the Sierra Lugar and Mediterranean can be enjoyed from inside as well as outside the house. In fact, every design decision was informed by the views and maintaining a sense of uncluttered space: the terrace handrail is frameless tempered glass; almost everything is white or muted woods and greys - polished cement on the floors and walls, the terraces, the furnishings... even the pool is raised a few feet above ground level at one end to make sure there are as few visual interruptions as possible. Cooler evenings are dealt with by under-floor heating - no distracting radiators! "Curves don't exist" - our mantra to the builders as the project progressed: clean, straight white lines everywhere, punctuated with the vertical simplicity of cypress trees, framing the strong diagonals of the Sierra Nevada as it rises dramatically on all sides of the house. The Glass House is just 10 minutes' drive from both Orgiva and the famous villages of the Poqueira Valley - Pampaneira, Bubion and (our favourite) Capileira. The GR7 walking route is just 100m behind the house, so an easy 15 minute stroll will take you to Soportujar for a cold beer and tapas. Come and enjoy!
Property manager
Robin Smith
Languages
English, French, German, Spanish
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number VTAR/GR/01395
We should mention
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Carataunas
Located in Carataunas, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Castle Lanjaron and Alpujarras Gate are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Sierra Nevada Ski Resort and Sierra Nevada Chairlift. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby swimming, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding, cycling and ecotours.
Carataunas
What's nearby
Castle Lanjaron - 19 min drive - 17.4 km
Alpujarras Gate - 20 min drive - 18.6 km
O Sel Ling - 20 min drive - 6.8 km
Poqueira Gorge - 24 min drive - 14.0 km
Sierra Nevada Ski Resort - 77 min drive - 88.8 km
Getting around
Granada (GRX-Federico Garcia Lorca) - 77 min drive
Restaurants
Ruta del Mulhacen - 8 min drive
El Limonero - 13 min drive
Venta el Buñuelo - 17 min drive
Café-pub Willendorf - 11 min drive
Restaurante Teide - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Glass House - An elegant, minimalist villa and pool with beautiful views... pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at The Glass House - An elegant, minimalist villa and pool with beautiful views...?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Glass House - An elegant, minimalist villa and pool with beautiful views...?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is The Glass House - An elegant, minimalist villa and pool with beautiful views... located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 12 miles (20 km) of Poqueira Gorge, Castle Lanjaron and Alpujarras Gate. Sugar Museum and Salobreña Castle are also within 32 miles (52 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
You will enjoy the Glass House. Eminent property in the Alpujarra. Very nice pool and perfect in- and outdoor areas.
Be aware that it’s not just ‘around the corner’ from shops and leisure. It’s on the countryside. Origiva is 15 min by car but.
Recommend Capileira for restaurants and atmosphere. But best thing is to sit back and relax in the Glass House with perfect sunsets and views.
A blissful week of idling in a house made perfect for it.
Normally active walkers, birdwatchers, restaurant & bar frequenters this fantastic house reduced us to a pair of pool potatoes . We managed one mountain walk all week such was the pull of this property. Cold beer , sunsets , Golden Oriole & nightingales in the garden a little slice of sub alpine heaven. Robin is a top host and on hand if needed. All in all a pretty faultless holiday. Next time we will do some walking (honest).
PS The property has all the required amenities and more - and full on stylish to boot!
Hemos estado muy a gusto en la casa.
La cocina está muy bien equipada, las camas on muy cómodas, el jardin es perfecto para relajarte y la piscina es de ensueño. Agradecer a Robin la atención que nos prestó antes y durante nuestra estancia.
La situación de la casa es perfecta para visitar la Alpujarra, hasta hay un caminito para llegar a pie a Soportújar, lo recomiendo a todo el mundo.
Hemos podido cargar nuestro coche eléctrico en la casa.
We have just returned from two weeks at this beautiful property and are missing the views. We arrived late, in the dark and rain and Robin was an absolute star helping us get to the house and giving us the tour. The house was stunning that first night but it was really the next morning with the sunrise that we experienced the real beauty of the area. The views are breath taking and made our stay the peaceful escape we were looking for. The house is well equipped with everything you will need for kitchen utensils and even some basics in the pantry. The furnishings really compliment the modern home and are very comfortable. We were 4 adults and found the space perfect for all of us but would also see that the house would be perfect with children as well. Each bedroom has it's own ensuite and the beds are very comfortable. Unfortunately even for us Canadians the pool was a bit too cool for us to brave in November/December. The deck and yard provided nice spaces for enjoying the sun and views with lots of seating. You are close to nearby towns which you should explore as they each offer something unique. Thank you Robin, we really enjoyed the Glass House and your recommendations on restaurants were perfect. We hope to be back soon!
We spent our 15 day summer holiday in the glass house and enjoyed every single day. We were looking for a place where we could just be by ourselves and enjoy quality time together in a peaceful environment but be close enough to the beach, the mountains/beautiful landscape and some cultural highlights. If this is what you are looking for too, the glass house is a perfect match! There is so much to see (and hike) in the surrounding rural villages, there are lots of beaches to explore that weren't crowded at all in late August/beginning of September, not to mention Cabo de Gata, a great Reserve at 180km distance. And of course don't miss our on a visit to the Alhambra and Granada itself.
The owner paid a lot of attention to detail when equipping the house with stylish furniture, plain and modern but with everything you need. The kitchen is very well equipped and huge, the bedrooms all have their own bathroom attached to it and dining is fun outside as well as inside.
The big pool even gets lazy simmers like me jump into the water and the surroundings invite for small and long rests in the sun as well as the shade around the house.
Robin has been a great host and we are thankful for him having us.
A few years ago we stayed in the hills above Nerja and loved the location and the views. We didn't really expect to be able to match our experience then. This, however, was something else! The villa was spotless and the outside space great. The pool area was fantastic. The views were incredible and access to pretty nearby villages very easy. Robin, the host, provided excellent recommendations for places to eat and visit, and nothing was too much trouble. We hope to be back in the future!
Neil S.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2019
8/10 Good
Carol M.
15 May 2019
Large secluded property
A spacious, bright house set in the hills near the GR7 trail. Windows on all sides provide beautiful views and there are many sunny and shady places to sit outside. The hiking in this area is excellent!
Carol M.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019
10/10 Excellent
Jane R.
17 July 2018
Amazing location and stunning villa
Beautiful villa in an amazing location. Perfect for getting away from it all. It has everything you need, the pool is a great size and the place itself is stylishly designed. Would thoroughly recommend!
Jane R.
10/10 Excellent
David D., Chesham, Bucks
2 April 2018
Stylish and secluded!
We spent a week here - earlier in the sprin than we usually come to Spain - and this location was perfect. At night you need heating in March and the underfloor system worked well. It was spacious and well-appointed, and in the evenings when it's not warm enough to eat out, all the glass here makes it feel like you're outside anyway. Robin was really helpful about anything that we needed to ask. The views are superb and we really liked the feeling of privacy and seclusion. It's only 100m or so from the road to the white villages, but well screened visually and from any traffic noise. There is a short unmade track to negotiate, but wide enough for two cars to pass and easily done in a standard saloon, but make sure don't try to put lipstick on during the one minute that it takes!
David D.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Anna und Dominik P.
22 October 2017
Design, Landschaft und Einsamkeit im Glashaus - Erholung garantiert!
Sie kommen zur Haustür herein und sind überwältigt von lichtdurchfluteten Räumen und dem schlichten hellen Design. Dank des Glashauses lebten wir in der traumfaften Landschaft an den Ausläufern der Sierra Nevada. Das Haus ist sehr gut ausgestattet und Robin, der Vermieter, sehr nett, stets erreichbar und hilfsbereit.
Anna und Dominik P.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
CHRIS C., Wokingham, Berkshire
21 May 2017
Stunning .....
Frankly the pictures tell you all you need to know. A beautiful house in a stunning location. Every morning you are treated to the rising sun shining on the mountains opposite. At the end of the day you'll see the most amazing sunsets and skies. A well equipped, tastefully furnished and immaculate contemporary house.
The Alpujarra region is absolutely amazing. So different to the Costa del Sol. Wonderful friendly people, excellent authentic Spanish food and not an all day English breakfast or Irish Pub anywhere.
Your host Robin couldn't be more charming and helpful.
We'll be back ....
CHRIS C.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Andrea S.
18 July 2016
Perfect 50th treat
Spent a wonderful week as a belated 50th birthday treat. The Glass House was the perfect place for this - very high standard both inside and out. The pool is extra special, the bed very comfortable, the kitchen has good quality equipment.
Every time you step out on the terrace, the view takes your breath away. It is just beautiful to sit out with a cup of coffee before sun rise and take in the sight and smell of the countryside. Equally so in the evening with the candles lit on the terrace and a good quality bottle of red for a fraction of what we pay in the UK. Staying at the Glass House ensures peace and quiet and guarantees a relaxing holiday.
Enjoyed our week so much we have booked 2 weeks next year to celebrate another 50th .... we enjoyed it that much x
Andrea S.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Maire K.
9 June 2016
A stunning property in an amazing location
The Glass House is in a different class to most holiday property rentals. We've stayed in several villas around this area over the last 15 years but never somewhere as beautiful and comfortable as this. It is a superb space for relaxing - both inside and outside the house. It is designed to maximize the light and the views of this incredible area. Our family of five thoroughly enjoyed our stay here - the house was spotless and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The owner Robin was always on hand if we needed anything and a font of local knowledge. We were already sold on the area, which we'd been to many times,but we'll definitely be back to The Glass House.
Maire K.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Stacey P.
31 May 2016
A perfect retreat
The Glass House is the perfect retreat from a hectic life. Beautiful views from the most elegant setting. A stunning house with lots of outside space, all finished to an incredibly high standard. I would never tire of the view from the swimming pool and despite close proximity of Orgiva and mountain villages, I was reluctant to leave it!
Honestly a beautiful place to be in every sense and wouldn't hesitate to go back again and again and again. Love it!
Stacey P.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Marc T.
29 May 2016
Fantastic
This is the most beautifull house we've ever had in the Orgiva area.
Impressive views, great pool and a house with all comfort needed.
It's great to get up in the morning and be part of the fantastic surroundings.
Very warm welcome and good advise from Robin, the owner.
Marc T.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
n s.
29 September 2015
A perfect September week
I have visited the Alpujarra several times before but this was a special week.
The owner, Robin has made great efforts to bring his concept of a minimalist villa to fruition and he should celebrate his success.
Sitting by the beautiful pool on a warm September afternoon made for the perfect relaxing break.
A return visit has to be on the cards.
n s.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Mary I.
20 August 2015
A beautiful property in the Alpujarras
We are a retired couple in our 70's and have been coming to the Alpujarra for years but we both gasped as we drove up to the Glass House. It is truly beautiful and Robin,the owner,was waiting for us to help with our luggage and show us around. The views from the house are stunning and the house itself is decorated and equipped to a very high standard. We couldn't wait to have a swim in the pool and relax on the terrace(one of several)with a drink. Each day we took a drive up to Pampaneira for morning coffee and an ice cream and a walk round the village. There is so much beauty in these mountains and the air is so pure. The Glass House is a property everyone could enjoy - the best we have stayed in by some way and it was good to know that Robin was nearby to help out if required. Orgiva,the town, is a great place to have lunch or dinner with many restaurants for every taste. We will definitely be booking again next year - can't wait!!
Mary I.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Steph P.
6 August 2015
Perfect getaway
Having stayed in another of Robin's Canar properties previously, we knew the standard would be high. Spotted this house on Facebook and jumped at the chance to stay. It was fantastic - the pool and outside space were superb, really high spec finish inside the property and plenty room for 6 of us inside and out. The view is amazing, really peaceful and private, but only a 10 minute drive down to Orgiva town for restaurants and supplies. Would highly recommend a stay here and sure we'll be back.
Steph P.
About the host
Hosted by Robin Smith
I'm from Glasgow originally, and in 2004 I decided a change of direction was in order, and hit upon the beautiful Alpujarra region of rural Andalucia to make a fresh start with a holiday rental business - my Alpujarra Escape, you might say! I've never looked back, and I hope my guests love the area as much as I do...