Facilities
At Molino Del Carmen, guests are accommodated with the exquisite hospitality that has long been the custom in this part of Spain. Seven chic self-catering apartments, most with uninterrupted views down to the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of North Africa, offer cool, classic surroundings.
Tastefully finished to reflect the Moorish roots of the region, all rooms are designed to afford the Mill’s guests privacy, comfort, and a haven of tranquillity in this authentic Spanish town. Linked by arched doorways, shady corridors, sun-drenched view terraces and leafy patios, Molino Del Carmen’s luxury suites provide perfect accommodation for today’s sophisticated travellers.
Facilities at the Molino include the Pool Terrace (pool heated from Easter to October), complete with loungers for soaking up the sun and a Rainforest Shower, plus a Library fitted in the Moorish tradition for avid readers to curl up comfortably with a book, and a laundry for the use of guests.
There is WiFi throughout the Molino and each apartment has a TV with DVD player.
Linen is provided – thick and thirsty white towels and luxury Egyptian cotton sheets are standard features. All kitchens are completely equipped with all cutlery, crockery, glassware and full cooking facilities.
the story of
Carmen
Carmen is a novella by Prosper Mérimée, written and first published in 1845. It has been adapted into a number of dramatic works, including the famous opera of the same name by Georges Bizet.
According to a letter Mérimée wrote to the Countess of Montijo, Carmen was inspired by a story she told him on his visit to Spain in 1830.
Seville, Ronda and Gaucin are all places mentioned in the story, and all of the villas and apartments here at the Molino are named after characters from the book.
"Everything, señor, everything; I offered her everything, if only she would love me again."
-Don José
Chapter 3: Carmen by Prosper Mérimée.
About The Molino
Until 1967, Molino Del Carmen was a fully operational Olive Oil Mill – and had been for more than 100 years. Originally the mill employed mules to provide its power, but after the civil war in 1939, the mill was upgraded to electricity and the mules happily retired… Many of the Mill’s historical features and equipment are still in evidence today, including the original olive press, with its huge grinding stones, the water pump and pressure gauge. Villagers, who were children at the time, still remember being called to clean the Mill’s large mats – they were rewarded with a bowl of olive oil for dipping and a hunk of fresh bread.
In the early 1980’s, the Molino was purchased by an eccentric English artist – Jancis Page – who converted it into an exquisite small hotel – and for many years it provided the only accommodation for visitors to the village.
In 2000 Molino del Carmen was sold to a retired Canadian airline pilot, Darryl Laurin, and his Finnish wife, Marjukka. Having arrived by motorbike in Marbella years before, the couple fell in love with Andalucia, and decided to stay. They created the Molino’s current format of sprawling, luxurious self-catering apartments.
Today, the Molino is owned by British couple Pip and Clinton, who have created a haven of calm for like-minded travellers in this peaceful part of Spain. Under their ownership, the Molino has been modernised and renovated, creating an ambience of quiet, classic comfort – infused with history – that epitomises the accommodation as you will find it today.
The Pool Terrace
Rates for the whole Molino:
Low €7525
Mid €8855
High €10305
Group Bookings at Molino Del Carmen
El Molino sleeps 34 across 8 properties. It offers plenty of communal space whilst providing the privacy of your own property to retreat to. We regularly host groups for retreats, corporate events and for family and friends.
We can put you in touch with caterers who are familiar with working on site.
Casa Carmen can seat 16 around the Mirador table, however we can provide tables and seating to ensure sufficient dining space on the main terrace of Abanico. We can help arrange Flamenco evenings, a bar for the evening and other events.
Please get in touch to discuss your group booking
Press
Frequently Asked Questions
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There is parking outside the Molino that works on a first come first served basis. If there is no space, you can park elsewhere on the road and the most you will have to walk is 1 minute. Larger cars or people carriers can also park on the lower road at the entrance of the village, if you are worried about tackling the roads/inclines! We are always on hand if you need some advice on arrival.
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More narrow than a city but not actually as narrow as you would expect, as we no longer have designated pavements and the roads are widened. Don’t worry, it is safe! It is one way and people drive with care and consideration.
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Yes, the nearest shop is a 2 minute walk and the nearest restaurant even closer! We are centrally located so many people find they don’t touch their car very often whilst staying with us.
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The nearest beach is 25 mins away in Sabinillas. Sotogrande is 35 mins away and Estepona the same in the other direction.
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Gibraltar is 45 mins away and Malaga 1 hour 20 minutes.
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We always recommend a car as it is far cheaper than taxis and public transport is scant in the area. It also offers the ultimate flexibility to explore the area and its many riches.
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We offer returnees 5% and a complimentary bottle of cava. Seasonal offers are sometimes available - please enquire directly.
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We have a vast number of return visitors who have children. We love having families stay with us and supply cots, high chairs, baby baths and also eating utensils for little ones. We also have a huge selection of games and DVD’s. There is plenty to keep children busy - our pool, the local town pool (which is very well maintained and large), local horse riding, walks, visits to the beach, activities such as canyoning close to Ronda and lots more! Older children can enjoy the freedom of the village and the many cafes on offer locally.
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Yes, but not much! There is a skeleton bus service to Ronda from the village (near the gas station) and you can drop into Estacion de Gaucin to take the train. You will need to check www.renfe.es for more information and timetables as these change seasonally. Please note Estacion is 11Km from the village of Gaucin.
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Within Gaucin there are many shops, a delicatessen and a medium size supermarket Should you wish to do a big shop on the way up to Gaucin, the best place to stop is in Manilva/Sabinillaa. There are 4 large supermarkets to choose from.
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Many close for a holiday after a busy summer! This date is never set in stone and we would suggest calling in advance to check. However, there are many eateries and you will find somewhere open at any given time.
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Yes there is on the Easter weekend. We would suggest arriving before the events as the village is closed to traffic for the whole of Easter Sunday, or leaving early that morning should you wish to miss it.