Constantina, Andalusia 41450

Fully restored 16th Century country house which has had various uses. Established as an ice-making facility for the city of Sevilla, the two huge ice-making towers with their domed tops still exist within the building and are awaiting a new use. They could, for example, be converted into hammams or arab bath houses. &Nbsp The property is entered via a short, private, tree-lined drive at the end of which there are parking spaces which are automatically lit at night-time. &Nbsp Entering through a typical, heavy, wooden Andalucian doorway and automatic glass doors there is the large events hall with its arched columns. Also at this level is the old kitchen with its high chimney to allow the exit of smoke from cooking. This is not used as there is a commercial kitchen at the back of the hall with access to the outside and a covered area ideal for food preparation. Also at the back is the former chapel. The owners discovered art and inscriptions on the walls when renovating the building and this, together with other original elements have been retained. There is also a patio at the rear of the hall, ideal for breakfasts al fresco. &Nbsp On the first floor there are four large apartments, all of which have external access with balconies or terraces. Also on this floor is a very large lounge which could be converted into a further apartment, if desired. A fifth apartment, suitable for disabled visitors is located at the front of the building with its own entrance across lawns. &Nbsp At the rear of the building is a separate small caretaker's apartment which could easily be extended to create an owner's apartment with its own patio garden. &Nbsp A singular feature of the property is that both the generation and use of electricity can be monitored and controlled remotely by telephone. The apartments all have smart sockets which can be switched on and off remotely. Similarly the amount of energy produced at any time can be monitored. The maximum capacity of the solar system is a whopping 25Kw. This is not stored. Excess electricity is sold to the national grid. Heating is via electrical accumulators which are charged by day and release heat at night, and dual aircon/heaters which are situated in every room. Furthermore each apartment has wood-burning stoves for cold winter nights. &Nbsp Outside there is a large swimming pool located in natural surroundings. There is sufficient space for sunbeds and shades for all guests to be at the pool at the same time. &Nbsp The property has its own well and the owners have just installed a huge new biological waste-water treatment plant. &Nbsp The current owners have held events at the property such as weddings for foreigners, corporate meets, touring groups etc. The events hall has a very large capacity and the owners have arrangements with hostelries and rural houses nearby to accommodate additional guests. &Nbsp The attractive land consists partly of hillside with smooth boulders and partly of olive groves on gently sloping land. There is a stone built shed, currently used as a sheep pen, which could be renovated to provide stables for two horses. &Nbsp A spectacular and one-off property, located close to the charming town of Constantina.