Casa Oropesa

A Modern Remake in an Ancient Fortified Village

Set in one of the most highly regarded medieval villages of the region, this vacation home rental in Spain has been conveniently updated, yet history remains at its heart. The bright, three-level townhome occupies a historical passageway and features its own intimate courtyard pool terrace, a bedroom filling an ancient arch, and balconies with fairytale picture book views.

The 16th-century passageway structure is surprisingly spacious given its restricted architectural footprint. Legend has it that the original residence was built by a local nobleman to welcome his wife’s arrival and connect the palace to the temple. Today, the home has been thoroughly rehabilitated into a bright, open residence with common areas—open-concept kitchen, dining room, bar, pool and terrace—occupying the ground level. The bedrooms fill the two upper floors, one bedroom an attic-styled space fitted with trundle beds.

The home’s true standout feature, besides its storied location, is its five-by-nine-foot swimming pool and enclosed central patio. But we also love the arching bank of windows that opens out to the pool terrace from the dining area, the plant-filled upper-level balconies with views of the village’s red tile roofs, and the ancient, arching brick remains that climb the staircase and cross the attic room.

AROUND

Location is the greatest privilege of this vacation home rental in Spain. The structure, dating from the 16th century, fills a passageway within the Old Town of medieval Oropesa. It's regarded as one of the most beautiful villages of Toledo, and walking its cobbled streets is like time traveling. The town is most famous for its castle, built in 1402, but is known to be one of the oldest inhabited corners of Spain, dating back to 1761 BC when Hercules purportedly founded the village. 

Beyond the town’s storybook streets, the Sierra de Gredos mountain range looms in the distance. Churches, monasteries, convents and bell towers all stand in the shadow of these distant peaks, as does the dominating castle, with its sturdy watchtower, that became Spain’s first parador in 1930—a historic monument-turned-lodging and dining facility. 

Day trippers will enjoy a visit to labyrinthine Toledo, some 100 kilometers away, and the region around Oropesa is highly regarded for its handicrafts. The nearby village of Lagartera is famed for its tradition of embroidery and handwork whereas Talavera de la Reina is best known for its blue and yellow patterned tiles.

LOCATION

Oropesa, Toledo, Spain. Nearest airport: Madrid


BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to October