Accomodation
This is the real Tenerife, where the rich volcanic soil on the steeply terraced fields bears the old vines used to make the local wines. The Canarians themselves are very friendly and relatively untouched by tourism and commerce. Local ladies are often to be seen in traditional black attire. Many families have lived and worked in the valley for generations and locally produced wine, fruit and other produce is readily available.
You really need to have a car to get around in and not be afraid of driving up narrow lanes and steep hills, but the rewards are well worth the effort!
Some views of the locale:
Night-time view of the entrance to the finca
There are vines, fruit trees and potato fields around the property, and the house is at the end of a fairly steep, well lit, no-through tarmac road with parking for several vehicles outside the house.
The house is constructed of random local volcanic stone in the main, covered in white painted plaster with traditional clay tiled roofs, apart from one room which has a typical flat contrete roof that can be used to sit out on to take in the view.
Views of the courtyard
The rooms are all approached from a central courtyard which is half covered to protect it from any rain, the other half is covered by an ancient vine for shade. There is a table, chairs and a BBQ in the courtyard under the protected side and a rustic style bench. The rooms are on three sides each with individual locking doors, the fourth side has a wall facing down the valley to the sea, with built in bench seating inside.
An overhead gas patio heater with a reflector is provided to keep you warm at the table on cooler evenings. There is also a clothes hanger if required, for drying towels and wet clothing.
A modern shower room has been installed, with toilet, bidet, shower, and wash basin supplied by a 'gas geyser' heating system.
The barbecue is kitted out with the necessary bits and pieces, also grilling can take place on the open fire in the old
kitchen.
Each of the two bedroom has twin single beds, night-table and lamp with either a dresser or drawer unit(all new). One has a free standing wardrobe and the other a walk-in hanging space. Mains electricity and water are plumbed in and there is a telephone line which can be connected if required. UK Vodaphone and other services work here if you get your provider to enable International calls prior to leaving the UK.
The largest bedroom has a futon which will accommodate a third person sharing that room, and a coffee table. In warm weather it is even quite feasible to sleep in the courtyard which is completely enclosed and has a lockable door. Locals tend to be in bed by 10pm, and there will be no passers by down this road, so security is not an issue.
Kitchen
The kitchen is old fashioned with a modern sink unit, H & C taps, a gas cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, electric toaster, iron and ironing board, electric kettle, and basic pots, pans and dishes sufficient for normal cooking.
There is an ancient kitchen(Not shown) with an open fireplace and old furniture in it, which is left for interest rather than use, however the fireplace is functional and logs are available. Nights can get a little cool in Winter(we are at 500m above sea level), but even then, the minimum recorded temperature last Winter was 8oC. 12oC at night is the norm, and duvets are provided and - if required - electric or gas heaters.
Summer temperatures range from 18 to 30oC.