Finca Santa Marta FAQ 2006

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1. What is Finca Santa Marta? 

Finca Santa Marta, transformed into a country inn in 1994, is composed of three ancient farmhouses dating from the 18th century. Olive oil used to be produced in the old oil pressing unit or "almazara", presently converted into a large, beautifully decorated lounge and dining room. The almazara still features a unique 1874 oil pressing machinery, as well as the huge granite cones which donkeys used to pull, crushing the olives. In another part of the farmhouse, the bodega is a fine example of an Extremadura winery where grapes used to be trampled. Under its vaulted ceilings, a unique set of 14 age-old clay wine casks (tinajas) still remain intact. Hooks remain on the brick ceilings where hams used to be cured.

The three "casas": Santa Marta, Santa Teresa and Los Alamos, now contain 14 different sized bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. Each room has a different view on the neighbouring orchards, vineyards and olive groves in the surrounding hills.  The access to each of these houses is through a traditional patio with orange trees, flower beds and scented jasmine. 

The authentic atmosphere of the farm is best illustrated by the chapel on the patio, where until the seventies church services were celebrated for the family and the neighbouring farmers. Sunday Masses still occur on special occasions. 

The swimming pool is a delight in summer, it is situated in a large garden area which stretches out to the surrounding orchards and vineyards. "30 hectares of peace and fabulous birdlife and flora." (Alastair Sawday guidebook). The whole Finca is framed by ancient slate stone walls, dutifully restored by old hands, giving a special charm to the hilly area. 

Finca Santa Marta is also mentioned in Karen Brown's country guide on country inns in Spain,  as well as in various foreign and Spanish prestigious guide books.  

2. Where is Finca Santa Marta?

Full details of how to arrive are presented on the location page of the Finca Santa Marta web . The Finca is 250 kms west of Madrid, on the main N-V motorway towards Portugal, and just 14Km, or an 8-minute drive from the town of Trujillo on the road towards Guadalupe (EX-208, previously the C-524). Look for signpost "89Km" - the road starting officially in Placencia, north of Trujillo - located on the right just before some tall trees with huge storks' nests.  

3. What does it cost to stay at Finca Santa Marta? 

Prices for all rooms throughout the year (2006) are between 75-120 euros (VAT included) for accomodation in a double room. Some are large enough for an extra bed (28 euros). This includes a hearty breakfast. Dinners are prepared on request by Ines, the Chilean housekeeper and cook (in the family service for 22 years and 7 different countries). Typical home-made specialities include courgette consome, garlic soup, pork, chicken or fresh fish and vegetables. Priced per person at 28 euros, the dinner includes a bottle of light, fruity, ruby-coloured local wine (produced by our neighbour), dessert, coffee and liquors.

4. What is locally available of interest to visitors? 

See our page on towns and places to visit. What follows is a list of just a few of the possibile excursions. 

• Visits to unique sites for birdwatching. The Finca´s prestige is aknowledged by an increasing number of demanding birdwatchers.
• Visits to the nearby medieval towns of Trujillo, Cáceres, Guadalupe, Plasencia, and the Roman town of Mérida. All within a 50 mile radius.
• Walking and hiking opportunities around the Finca with superb views.
  
• Driving through unspoilt nature, passing through age-old towns like Garciaz, Aldeacentenera, Berzocana and Cañamero towards Guadalupe.
• Typical craft and antiques: traditional jewellery, embroideries, ironmongering, woodcraft, ceramics, mimbre.
• The Montfrague Natural Park - 45 minutes drive away.
• The lakes of Orellana and Garcia Sola where watersports are now being actively developed.
• Hunting: wild boar.

5. What are the traditional goods and produce?

Trujillo is waking up to its tourist potential. Local shops tend to improve their window displays and the variety of their produce. Some recommendations are: saddle and leatherwear, traditional linen, cheeses, wines, hams and acorn licors.

6. What are the musts regarding local art and architecture? 

Trujllo is known for its original architecture, dating from medieval times and some highlights are below:

7. What is the weather like?

Trujillo, being at around 600 metres above sea-level means that the weather is similar to that of Madrid. Sunny and rainy weather alternate from December to May, thereafter warm and dry in the summer with temperatures around 25-35ºC during the day through till October. It can get chilly in the evenings outside of summer, so in other words bring sweaters along for eight out of the twelve months of the year.