Villa Nerja 046

Diary of a Carob Tree

The centennial tree growing on the south side of the property is a carob tree. It is one of nature's mathematical miracles. Every mature seed from the pendulous brown seedpods is identical in weight, hence its use in Arabic Andalusia as a measure for silver and gold, and the word “carat.” Today the carob seed is used in pharmaceuticals, in animal feed, and as a natural alternative to chocolate. Why are we telling you this...? Let me explain.

Location and outside area

Back in 1963, a German gentleman and a French lady fell in love with each other. In order to share their lives together, they had to renounce many very important things in life. Both Mr. Neukirch and Mrs. Driou were enchanted by the area of Nerja and Frigiliana, and decided to build a dream home with sea and mountain views. While searching for the best location, they went up the mountain road to Frigiliana, then unsurfaced and mainly accessed with horses and mules. They checked all the properties, meter after meter; the minute they saw that carob tree, their decision was made. The villa, built in 1965, was the first one to be constructed on the eastern side of the road. It was sold to the current owners, Javier and Rosario, in February 1992.

Javier and Rosario renovated and remodelled the house without changing its very personal style. In 1993 they decided to give the large garden a refresher to make it more accessible so that its splendid character could be fully enjoyed by the guests. Several steps were added to access the different levels of the garden where you will also find a spacious lawn with an abundance of plants and flowers that are native to the region of Axarquía de Malaga and its province. In the back of the house, the pergola with a barbecue became the favourite area of the guests in the evening. The pool was replaced by a larger one (9x4 m and 1.4-1.8 m deep) and is totally private, yet enjoying wonderful panoramic views to the sea on the south side and impressive views to Frigiliana and the Sierra Almijara Natural Park on the north side. A small raised pond with goldfish and aquatic plants was introduced in the garden in perfect harmony with the peace and quietness of the unique location. After three years of blood, sweat, and tears it was finally time to start with the interior of the villa...

Inside and lay-out

Between 1996 and 2000, the house was fully renovated and refurbished by Javier and Rosario, yet maintaining its own character and its very homy feel. If the garden already gives you the impression of coming home, so is it as you take the first step inside through the beautiful wooden arched door. The lounge, with sea and mountain views, is very luminous and offers every detail of comfort: a library with a wide selection of books & catalogues (including many on art), satellite-TV, DVD and radio/CD. A variety of DVDs and CDs are available. A large original painting by a local artist hangs on the dining room wall. Nearly all the pictures in the villa are original works of art. The kitchen, just off the lounge, is fully equipped with a vitro hob, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, kettle, juicer, toaster, coffee machine, mixer, and iron and ironing board. The washing machine is in a utility room.

On a slightly higher level (3 steps up) are the two large bedrooms and bathrooms. The twin room (with view onto one of the patios in the garden) consists of two single beds—each with a bedside table—a large wardrobe, and an armchair. Opposite the bedroom door is a fully equipped bathroom with a bath+show over, wash basin, WC, bidet, and hairdryer. The master bedroom is spacious and has its own ensuite bathroom with shower, washbasin, and WC. This bedroom is furnished with a double bed with bedside tables, a large wardrobe, a chest of drawers, a dressing table, and an armchair. There are numerous original paintings decorating the walls. The views of the sea and the Frigiliana mountain range from this bedroom are spectacular, especially when you step out through the patio doors onto the master bedroom’s own terrace.

The villa is fitted with smoke detectors and a safe.

How about you? Do you wish to be part of the diary of a carob tree?

Notes:

- A WiFi Internet connection is available (free of charge).

- Air conditioning is available throughout the house. In order to promote responsible consumption of air conditioning (hot/cold), the cost of electricity is included up to 150 kw / week. If this consumption is exceeded, a supplement of EUR 0.30 per kw would be charged (on departure in cash).