Casa Casarellos in Galicia


I am a fan of casa rural accommodations in Spain.  These are, literally translated, rural houses.  Sometimes on a farm, often family-run, and many times a historic property, these stays can be a great value and experience.  Casa Casarellos in Galicia, just north of Ourense, will go down as one of my favorites to date. An old property full of character, this casa rural is terrific.












It is set on a farm, and owned and hosted by a very friendly family.  It's an easy drive to area sights (our hosts graciously supplied us with lots of things to see and directions / brochures / maps), such as the thermal spring baths in Ourense, and various monasteries.  But we found it a compelling place just to relax and unwind.

With a gorgeous pool and a nice lawn, a patio just outside our room, and a table and chairs outside for an evening snack, it was easy to while away the afternoon and take "a vacation from our vacation."

The entertainment was perfect.  In the evening, as the lawn was mowed, the cows strolled in to munch on fresh-cut grass.  We watched from afar as a farmer in a field across the valley loaded ten huge hay bales on his tractor and slowly left the field, driving up the steep, country road, while half of the hay bales tipped precariously to the side.  "Muy mal," we laughed and hoped they didn't topple over.  All the while, swallows soared overhead then swooped down and skimmed the pool as they passed by.



I had been eyeing the weather forecast before our stay, and I was slightly nervous as the temps were forecast to hit the 90s.  Knowing our room was without air conditioning, I held out hope that the forecast would change.

It turned out just fine.  The thick, stone walls of our room kept it nice and cool.  And what a room it was: with an entry area, large bedroom with lovely furniture, and spacious bath with pretty accent tiles, it was great.

The stone buildings are gorgeous with enormous timber beams.  Outside there are loads of blooming hydrangeas, and fig and other fruit trees.  And cute kittens and friendly pups, too.






With the view of the grazing cattle out the window, we couldn't have asked for more.





If you are ever in the Ourense area of Galicia, and you enjoy quiet, rural lodgings, I highly recommend staying at Casa Casarellos.