Cortijo El Esparragal by Jenny Pidgeon

El Esparragal is an interesting option for those wanting to escape from Seville for a couple of days. Dating back to the Bronze age, the history of the estate is rich and varied, the original building constructed by the Order of the Jeronimos who housed their convent in what is now the hotel-part of the Cortijo. On arrival, you drive into the heart of a working farm, with cats & dogs roaming around the courtyard and farm hands going about their business. Rounding the corner you enter a calmer area of formally landscaped lawn, where the entrance to the hotel can be found.

The Cortijo is geared very much towards large groups and conferences, although it is a welcoming and comfortable base for individuals as well. The original furniture and décor from the 19th century is grand and lends a rather austere atmosphere to the place. Religious statues and gilt frames set the tone also found in the very traditional guestrooms, the nicest of which is also the smallest ‘Ecija’. The 3000 hectares of land provide a host of activities for guests, including walking, riding the estate’s horses, hunting, biking and archery. The Cortijo organise horse shows, exhibitions of Andalucian folklore, and there is also a working dairy, bull ring, a huge artificial lake and an old monastery on site.