Alquería de los Lentos

A converted 16th century mill in the Sierra Nevada mountains between Granada and the Costa del Sol

In his rambles around Andalcucia immortalized in Alhambra, Washington Irving mentioned the "murmuring sound of water" rising from "yon a Moorish mill" in the village of Nigüelas, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada National Park (15 minutes from Granada, 20 minutes from the Alpujarras villages).

That 16th century mill has now become of the best rural retreats in Spain, a family-run property of 16 rooms—all suites—spread around the grounds, with seven in the old mill, four in the store house, and five in the converted stables.

All rooms combine rustic elements with modern comforts and styling: exposed ceiling beams and brick walls, horseshoe arch doorways, terracotta floors, and elegantly unobtrusive furnishings.

Most have private terraces and wood-burning stoves.

The old irrigation canals still bubble and burble though the property, and the pond has been converted into a swimming pool, and there's a Moorish hammam (steam bath).

They can arrange horseback rides, mountain bike tours, plenty of hiking, and more.

There's also a restaurant serving country cuisine.

This place is an ideal countryside inn—especially for the price.

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