The history of Cortijo La Vista
David and Helen
– from El Criadero to a new boutique hotel in the Alto Guadiato
In 2004, David and Helen embarked on an ambitious project on the estate of the former stud farm El Criadero in El Hoyo (Bélmez), Andalusia. Here, in the green Valle del Alto Guadiato, on the foothills of the Sierra Morena, they chose not to restore but to build anew: a light, spacious property inspired by the Andalusian cortijo style, with calm, light and space as its guiding principles.
These grounds were once roamed by Ibérico pigs and cattle, feeding on the acorns of the holm oaks that helped make the region famous for Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. That history gave the project its soul, while the house itself was created from scratch – contemporary comfort with a respectful nod to the region.
What began as a pioneering decision has grown into a place where Cortijo La Vista now builds on that foundation: a quiet estate overlooking hills and holm oaks, where you can feel landscape and hospitality come together.
The Old Farmhouse
The original farmhouse – a simple white building surrounded by greenery – made way for a new cortijo in Andalusian style. As a tribute to the past, the old roof tiles from El Criadero were given a second life in the entrance of the patio.
With a clear vision and in close collaboration with an architect, David and Helen spent three dedicated years creating a new place in El Hoyo (Bélmez), set in the Valle del Alto Guadiato at the foothills of the Sierra Morena. The result is a characterful boutique hotel where tranquillity, charm and hospitality come together – and where the history of the land remains tangible, in the heart of Andalusia.
Permits
In April 2007, David and Helen received the official permits to welcome guests. It marked the moment their dream became reality: opening their own hotel in the heart of Andalusia’s natural landscape.
From then on, the transformation of El Criadero in El Hoyo (Bélmez) into a serene retreat for nature lovers and seekers of tranquillity truly began. Their dedication, eye for detail and love for the region laid the solid foundation for what is now Cortijo La Vista – a boutique hotel at the foothills of the Sierra Morena, where hospitality and authenticity take centre stage.
Daniëlle and Feiko
On 29 April 2024, we – Daniëlle and Feiko – took over the cortijo. We decided to rename it Cortijo La Vista – a tribute to the breathtaking views over the Andalusian hills that we are lucky to witness every day.
With great respect for the foundation laid by David and Helen, we are continuing to build upon this special estate in El Hoyo (Bélmez), at the foothills of the Sierra Morena. We are giving it a new soul, in line with our mission and vision: a place where calm, nature and heartfelt hospitality come together.
We came to Andalusia as Dutch newcomers – not to have a second home, but to truly live here.
Among the holm oaks, the stillness and the people who welcomed us warmly, we found a rhythm we had sometimes lost in the Netherlands: simplicity, attention and time.
Cortijo La Vista has become not only a place to live, but a conscious choice for a different pace – one of connection to the land and living with the seasons.
We hope our guests can experience something of that same feeling here: the peace, the space, and the gentle reminder that happiness is often found in not having to do anything at all – just being.
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