Hotel Finca Santa Marta

A small rural hotel in Extremadura

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Finca Santa Marta is a former olive mill and farm which has been converted into a small rural hotel bursting with country atmosphere and situated in the outstanding natural landscape of Extremadura. This is an area that is a paradise for bird-watchers, walkers and artists.

The hotel lies in grounds of gardens, olive groves and orchards, surrounded by meadows and rolling hills. It consists of two original farms linked together by a pleasant patio. All 14 double bedrooms of the Finca have a bathroom with shower, central heating and views of the surrounding farmland. The style is reminiscent of the rustic atmosphere of ancient well-tended farms, but the newly decorated interiors reflect a delicate balance of comfort and originality. Breakfast and dinner are served in the ancient olive oil mill complete with its 19th century hand-driven olive press. Meanwhile, one of the lounges leads to the bodega with its large well-preserved clay wine casks. Centuries-old hooks can still be seen driven into the vaulted ceilings, from which hams were hung to cure.

Outside there is a large swimming pool in an extensive garden set in the hilly landscape, with views of the nearby cherry and almond orchards, and the olive groves on the hills beyond. The patio has orange trees and a profusion of jasmine and roses, and it leads to the old chapel where services are still occasionally held. Above the chapel, the bell tower is home to a magnificent stork's nest from where the characteristic clacking of beaks can be heard as the birds feed their young.

Painters and artists are drawn to the Finca Santa Marta by the wonderful quality of the light, the fabulous country views and the beauty of the nearby town of Trujillo with its granite houses, mellow pantile roofs and the never-ending circling of birds. This area is home to lesser kestrels, swifts and white storks.

The Plaza Mayor of Trujillo is known as "one of the most charming and appealing in the country." As well as being a traditional town of convents and splendid mansions, "the winding stone streets around the plaza impart an unusual degree of charm and tranquillity, inviting you to linger and wander around town."

Although Extremadura seems a remote area, it is not difficult to get to, just two hours on the motorway from Madrid or a little more than half an hour from Sevilla.

Restaurant:

The dining room is in the former "almazara" with its granite cones for crushing of the olives, once driven by a donkey. It provides a uniquely rustic atmosphere for enjoying the generous breakfasts and relaxing dinners accompanied by local wines and liqueurs. Dinners are prepared by Ines, who is well-known for her home-made international cooking using country-fresh produce.

Dinner is not available on Sundays but there are 20 restaurants all within an eight minute drive of the hotel.

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A Word From the Owner:

"Visitors appreciate relaxing at an original country inn with an international and personal touch. Nature-loving guests praise the warm attention of the staff, the variety of birds and flowers, the unspoilt nature, the historic convents, as well as the age-old towns with a medieval patina."

Hotel Amenities:

IN THE HOTEL	IN YOUR ROOM
Honesty Bar Restaurant Several lounges Patio Gardens Terrace Swimming Pool Swallows and storks in residence	Air-conditioning in 8 of the 14 rooms Other rooms are sheltered by their thick walls from summer heat Central heating for winter

Nearby Amenities:

Painting, drawing, bird-watching, nature, walking, hiking, cycling, watersports.
Several good walking trails ranging from 1 hour to 4 hours start from the hotel. The hotel dogs will be delighted to accompany you.
The owner Henri can offer lots of advice on birding in the area.
Many artists have found Finca Santa Marta the perfect base for painting or drawing the wildlife, landscapes or towns and villages of the area.
There are bull-breeding and horse-breeding farms nearby.
One of Extremadura's largest private wineries is "next door", from where wine is supplied back to Finca Santa Marta, made from their own grapes.

Places to visit:
Extremadura dehesas (traditional local landscape)
Montfrague Nature Park
Orellana and Garcia Sola lakes (watersports)
Trujillo: the nearby town (historic buildings, streets and architecture)
Santa Cruz
Cáceres: Medieval town
Mérida: Roman town (lots of preserved buildings)
Guadalupe: Medieval town

What We Say:

There is a simple rustic beauty to the Finca Santa Marta that is compelling. For lovers of nature, birds and the countryside, this hotel is just perfect, but your comforts and gastronomic needs will most certainly not be forgotten by Henri and his little team.

Customer Feedback:

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Room Rates in Euros
	All Year
Double Room	€ 85
Single Room	€ 75
Large Double Room	€ 95
Cigueñas Suite Two large bedrooms, a lounge, terrace and views.	€ 150
El Palomar cottage One twin-bedded room plus a living room. With own patio and garden. Sleeps 3.	€ 120
Prices are per room per night including breakfast All prices include 7% VAT All Rooms have private en-suite facilities Extra bed (third person): € 28 per night Dinner: € 28 per person per day A credit card number is required to confirm a reservation Click Here For Currency Converter

Cancellations:

Cancellation must be received in writing (fax or e-mail) no later than 4 days before arrival. Cancellations after that time, no-shows or early departures will be charged at the full room rate unless the room can be re-booked.