Casita Sanchis
Review Submitted: November 13, 2009
Date of Stay: September 2009
If you want to get away from the tourist hotspots and experience Spain, as lived in by the Spanish, then Casita Sanchis is the place for you. It is located in the grounds of an olive grove, on the outskirts of a medium sized town, Ontinyent. The town is a centre for light industry and commerce and has a good modern shopping centre, with an old town at its heart. Since Casita Sanchis is right on the edge of Ontinyent you can walk straight out of the casita into the hills. The casita, which is an annexe to the owner’s house, is simple but clean and has its own private outdoor area. Cooking facilities are basic, being limited to a microwave and two electric rings, so a home-made meal for a family of four would be a challenge. The kitchen / living area has an interconnecting door to the main house and is not entirely sound proof, so you need to be considerate of noise. Bev and Rodger, the owners, are very welcoming and are happy for you to cook on the barbecue by the swimming pool. The pool itself, shared with the owners, is small but more than adequate for a cooling dip, and it’s a lovely spot for sunbathing or to sit under the shade of the trees and admire the scenery.
Local attractions include the beauty spot, Pou Clar, with its crystal clear turquoise pools flowing through a limestone gorge, and the neighbouring town of Bocairent which is a typical Spanish hilltop town with its web of narrow winding streets. Further afield we followed a walk described in one of the many leaflets found at the casita – up to the castle at Concentaina, from where there is a magnificent view of the Alcoy valley. Within an hour’s drive is the well known tourist village of Guadalest with its castle and stunning views over the lake and surrounding hills. The coast is an hour’s drive away and you can either join the crowds in Benidorm and Alicante or seek out the quieter beaches around Gandia enjoyed by the Spanish.
We thoroughly enjoyed our week of relaxation and sightseeing based at Casita Sanchis, but suggest you take a few Spanish lessons before you go, if you want to get the best out of your stay.
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No
