Casa Mur de Alujan

We couldn’t believe our good fortune to find this unbelievably gorgeous little village. Our chance to stay in an authentic medieval farmhouse in the valley of the Pyrenees, with all the modern conveniences we could desire. The owners’ ancestors built it slowly between 1400-1600. It took 20 years for them to painstakingly renovate it: each suite completely unique, most with astonishing country kitchens, views of the countryside and mountains. Our big jet-tub was inside one of the towers. Vaulted ceilings, rustic rock walls, modern murals and painted walls. Our host willingly gave us a tour of all the rooms, the chapel and cellars. Photos follow. Most charming is that Casa Mur de Alujan is a working farm with cows, chickens, a big pig, a burro who tours the neighborhood, and the sweetest dogs who love bothering him and escorting you on any of the long walks you take down their roads. We asked for breakfast and were treated to fresh eggs and local salame. We brought food since Casa Mur is a kilometer from the closest town, Tierrantona. There’s a small grocery store there. And our luck held: the only restaurant, Casa Puyuelo, provided the best cooked meal we’ve had in 2 months in Spain. What to do there besides gazing out at the snow capped mountains? There are hikes over the hills to castles and churches. It’s a birders’ paradise. The Camino de Santiago passes through. Next time, we’re staying longer!