Molino del Feo

An 18th-Century Watermill Delightfully Lost in the Woods

The “ugly” in its name refers to the man who once operated it, not the mill itself. Rest assured that this bucolic, historic property is 100% pretty, an enchanting rural getaway only an hour from the bustling Spanish capital. The charming old mill sits on a tranquil, seven-acre lot fully embraced by greenery. 

Set to a soundtrack of burbling water, this vacation home rental in Spain welcomes guests to two structures. The original mill building, the Watermill, has been restored to house six guests. If needed, guests can book an add-on dormitory space, the Loom, for larger groups up to 10 people. Please choose one of the two options when inquiring.

The miller who once ran this picturesque watermill might have been ugly, as this rural property’s unique name proclaims, but today the charming estate is all tranquil country beauty, set enchantingly in the woods alongside a fast-flowing, gurgling stream. A rustic beauty, the historic mill retains its primitive country styling, yet it has been renovated with deep relaxation in mind. Dark beams line the ceilings, the cool stone walls have been given a brightening coat of whitewash, an open staircase with a landing-turned-sitting room leads to intimate upstairs bedrooms, and a wide, central hearth dominates the living area downstairs, transformed into a luxuriously comfortable communal relaxation space, with multiple sofas and a selection of cozy throws.

The calming sound of water will bring easy sleep in one of the mill house’s three double bedrooms. Furnished elegantly if simply, with country-styled armoires and traditional headboards and armchairs, the rooms are starkly beautiful, with dark rafters popping against their vivid white walls. The three bedrooms share two bathrooms, and one bedroom offers a pair of twin beds. The kitchen is fully equipped to serve 12 guests, should the property be booked for a group, which would also require reserving the property’s secondary, dormitory styled structure, the Loom, which has two double rooms and two additional bathrooms and a convertible double sofa bed in its living room, but no kitchen.

Set fully immersed in nature surround by a private oak forest, the mill house’s outdoor space offers peaceful isolation. Green grass, clover and wildflowers spread across the lawn where a covered gazebo offers an outdoor dining area. Sun loungers are set in the shade of the woods, and the San Juan River gurgles and rushes across the property which also features a natural swimming hole the owners have modified to create a pool for “wild swimming.”

AROUND

Located in area known for its natural beauty, this vacation home rental in Spain offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but also offers multiple tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities nearby. The historic city of Segovia is a 30-minute drive away, with its famed aqueduct, Cathedral and stony historical monuments, and the medieval villages of Pedraza, Sepulveda, and Ayllon are also nearby. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities for adventure and exploration, including hiking, boating, and horseback riding. Thrill seekers can rock climb, paraglide or take guided mountaineering trips, and there’s a ski station, La Pinilla, that offers 33 slopes open for downhill, randonnee, and Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

LOCATION

Ventosilla y Tejadilla, Segovia, Spain. Nearest airport: Madrid (1 hour).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round.