Observe: sky, a cockerel, flowers, silence, real air, true light, a littlel donkey; silence, some piglets; silence, some distant birds, others, closer; silence, the forgotten smells of the countryside...

This is a great programme! And it's not even the tele!

Now for breakfast; just as in days gone by. No diets (unless you want!), no hurry. And afterwards … a time to relax and make plans for the day ahead.

The Casa Rural is located in the province of Badajoz, in Valverde de Leganés, around 400 km from Madrid. Paradoxically, this land Extremadura - a land of discoverers and conquistadores  - is yet to be discovered.

Among the olive trees and Holm Oaks, facing the Sierra de Alor Mountains; in the middle of villages full of history, dolmens and ancient routes. Something for everyone. 

And you'll be enjoying authentic delights - because this land offers some extraordinary cheeses and excellent Iberian products...

It sounds good, doesn't it?

Well, you can decide how best to programme your day. Perhaps what you would like is to go to Elvas and buy something, or allow yourself to be served by some of the friendly bar owners in the area. Or perhaps what you'd rather do is to cycle your bike around the lovely surrounding areas, or go hiking... or perhaps not. Or sleep or... Well, whatever takes your fancy. 

There are those who enjoy taking photos. If so, you should speak with your host, Michael, because he has worked as a photographer for more than 35 years: in advertising, and in fashion; in the whole photography industry. And if you'd prefer to talk about other interesting things, Lu (the hostess), knows rather a lot about shiatsu; and when it comes to cooking, there are few who better her.

Young John, given his slight age, does not yet have a lot of experience - but if you wish, he can introduce you to his "secret tree..."  Anyway, each to his own. 

You may miss some hustle and bustle: if so, pay a visit to Olivenza, Mérida or Zafra, or Badajoz, Trujillo or Cáceres, just a stone's throw away. Or for those of you who are not so reluctant with the car, Lisbon is just two hours away.

To end the day, John, Michael and Lu will accompany you in a delicious dinner with a dessert and a lazy chat after the meal in front of the fireplace in winter, or on the terrace in the summer. How about it?

Well, as you can see, if what you are looking for is a great place to relax, then come and spend a few days at the Valle de Mira Casa Rural and you will discover a whole world of new sensations. 

You will also go home with your batteries fully charged...

Our doors are open... there's no danger here, you see?

In Valle de Mira you can choose any or all of a broad range of activities, which include:

• Shiatsu [Japanese massage therapy]
• hiking
• bike rides
• dolmens
• fishing
• a direct link to horseriding
• adventure activities, zip wiring, canoeing, archery
• badminton, volleyball
• model aeroplane flying
• table tennis and 30 hectares of land
• an aerodrome for sightseeing flights, microlight aircraft and paragliding courses

For the summers we have a marvellous swimming pool where you can take a dip...

With this 'return to Nature' you can enjoy some marvellous experiences. For some, these will be things nearly forgotten, for others pleasures never known - collecting eggs from the hen-house, guiding the sheep, the baby ducks and real Iberian pigs, and if you wish, gathering some food from the fields...

For your relaxation we can offer:  

The 'Casa de guardas' 

With kitchen, salón and three double bedrooms, one with a double and two with twin beds, all with bathroom en suite.

• Room with double: 100€
• Blue room with twin: 95€
• White room with twin: 90€
• The whole Casa de guardas: 270€ including access to the products from the kitchen garden and fresh eggs.

• Double bed: 110 €

• Extra bed: 35 €

Of course a “gran desayuno” or 'big breakfast' is included in this price.

To see a Google Map click here