Frequently Asked Questions

The House

Q: Is the kitchen big enough for sixteen people?

A: Yes, it is a large kitchen which also has a central island. It has every necessary appliance conveniently placed, large work-surfaces and two separate cookers on which substantial quantities of food can be prepared, or several persons can make separate meals.

Q: Is it possible to employ a cook or other help?

A: Yes, we have several local people who will cook traditional meals as required. Other help can be arranged as required - daily tidy up or shopping. We already offer a food stocking up service before clients arrive and we can bring in more supplies during the period of rental, however we recommend visiting the local markets and shops to buy food oneself after arrival as this is a great way to get to know the local area, the people, what is available, traditions, etc. Detailed information on all the towns is available at the house.

Q: What are the beds like?

A: To ensure maximum comfort, we have brought Hypnos beds from the UK, which are extremely comfortable and are used by the top international hotel chains.

Q: What is the configuration of the bedrooms?

A: There are six twin bedrooms and two double bedrooms, all being spacious rooms. On the ground floor there is one en-suite bedroom, and two bedrooms sharing a bathroom. On the first floor this ensemble of rooms is repeated in one wing, whilst there are two more en-suite bedrooms in the other wing. This configuration allows family groups to have their own areas and privacy.

Q: Is it necessary to bring towels for the swimming pool?

A: No, quality towels are provided.

Q: I have a small child; is there a cot?

A: Just let us know if a cot is required and other similar things are required, and this will be provided.

Q: Will elderly visitors have trouble in the house or on the estate?

A: Not at all, we have had octogenarians at Herrerías de Río Madera, who found the house perfectly suitable and many of the walks accessible. Since the house looks out onto such wonderful scenery, for less energetic guests there is also the option of merely sitting beneath a pine tree to admire the surroundings.

Q: Is there air-conditioning in the house?

A: No, this is not needed as it does not get unbearably hot in summer as on the plains or the coast, and there is often a mountain breeze. As a contrast, at night it is generally quite cool.

Q: Do I have to clean the property before I leave?

A: No, this is a fully-serviced house, with a mid-week and final clean carried out by our staff.

Q: Do we need to bring a first-aid kit?

A: No, a first-aid kit is provided with every essential item as recommended by the local chemist.

The Estate

Q: Is it possible to cycle on the estate itself?

A: Yes, there are several different tracks leading round the estate, with varied levels of difficulty to satisfy not only keen mountain-bikers, but also those wishing for more relaxing cycling.

Q: Is the swimming pool safe for small children?

A: Although the pool is in itself safe for younger children and indeed for elderly people, with large, comfortable steps leading down to the deepest level, adult supervision is necessary at all times as for any swimming pool to prevent any accidents. An electrically operated cover has been fitted to the swimming pool to prevent people or animals falling in at night or when the swimming pool is not in use. This is operated with a key and it will be the responsibility of the adult key-holder to ensure that this is opened and closed as required.

Q: What is the weather like in summer / autumn?

A: In summer the temperatures can reach 30 degrees centigrade in the afternoon, albeit often with mountain breezes making the heat quite comfortable, a perfect time to use the swimming pool or rest. The weather does get chilly at night, and there can be the occasional short summer storm. In autumn, the weather is generally very mild, often with warm days and occasional rain.

Q: Are there any potential dangers for children on the estate?

A: There are of course the standard dangers of falling over on the gravelled driveway, or on several of the steeper paths, and therefore normal adult supervision is required for very small children. People of all ages should also be aware that this is a natural park and therefore there are many different animal species to be found. It is very rare to come face-to-face with wild boar or deer in daily wanderings around the estate, but children and adults should be careful to wear suitably protective footwear and also to take care, as one would do in any wild environment.

General

Q: Where is the nearest shop / town / restaurant?

A: The nearest small shop for essentials is located in the hamlet of Rio Madera, next to a recommended typical village restaurant. Most other things can be purchased in Segura which is a 25 min drive from the house - there are also three good restaurants with more diverse menus and beautiful vistas in Segura. Larger supermarkets and weekly markets (which are worth visiting) are located in Orcera and Cortijos Nuevos.

Q: How far does one have to go to locate good walks or climbing?

A: Fantastic walks can be found at your very doorstep, with countless tracks and many mountains to explore throughout the estate, and then so much incredible territory further afield. What makes Herrerías de Río Madera unique is that you do not need to use only the larger tracks or marked trails, as there are so many shepherds' paths and loggers' tracks to discover.

Herrerías de Río Madera - Sierra de Segura - 00 34 953 496 401 / 00 34 667 588 334 - info@herreriasderiomadera.com