One of Almeriaƒs finest cortijos is up for sale. The ancient 500 year old water mill has been restored in keeping with its original Moorish design. The extraordinary building is restored with rounded walls and wooden beams, traditional cane ceilings. Antique windows and doors and an antique grain hopper restored to the highest standards. The piece de resistance, being two huge millstones built into the walls. A visit to the mill is like stepping back 200 years.
The 205m2 cortijo is designed for contemporary living with mod-cons such as internet and satellite TV. It has 4/5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan kitchen-lounge, a second kitchen, studio and leafy shaded terraces influenced by the courtyards of the Alhambra.
The design combines ancient architecture with contemporary style and artistic touches throughout. Carved plaster arches, marble and grey slate floors, handmade Moroccan tiles and intricate mosaics based upon classical design.
The 10,0002 of land offers vistas of the fertile valley and the Mediterranean. Cultivated fruit trees, palms and an ornamental olive grove are watered by the millƒs eco-irrigation system. The land has outbuildings and instillations of the old mill.
Water flowing underneath a bathroom that can be seen through the grills embedded in the floor offers the soothing sound of nature. The cool air generated by the stream circulates around the house cooling it in the summer. Water is on the mains, and electricity solar with a back-up generator, (mains is close by if preferred.) A cave-room maintains good year-round temperature for the house, and serves as an ideal wine cellar.
The palm fringed cobble stone driveway helps provide the feel of a bygone era, yet the house is homely with al fresco dining areas, outstanding views and the occasional sound of a donkey. The watermill is a fabulous family home or equally can provide an income, as bed and breakfast, or as an attraction. The location is excellent, half way between Mojacar and the centre of Cabo de Gata and 10 minutes by road to the market town of Carboneras. The town is coastal yet stays active all year with a variety of restaurants and bars and numerous sandy beaches. Behind the mill are many kms of Natural Park to hike, cycle or paint. Whilst 4×4 roads connect the adventurous to Sorbas famous for caving and Turre over Sierra Cabrera.
The property was awarded an international kitemark in sustainable architecture. Jonny Benarr, BBC property expert and presenter of ƒTo buy or Not to buyƒ?  Who stayed here said? The Millƒ is a unique property in an idyllic setting that effortlessly blends the past with the present with both grace and comfort. Itƒ is a place youƒ will adore.ƒ Purchasing a protected building within a Natural Park makes good business sense and is an excellent investment opportunity. Early viewing highly recommended. The watermill was priced originally at œ475,000 and now priced at only 240,000 Euros.