Laberint 5, Batea.

Batea sits in the middle of the bowl of a very ancient volcano, on top of what was the volcanos lava core, but don't worry it has been extinct for millions of years. The name Batea comes from an old word meaning trough or dish. It is a rich agricultural area and the village is very much a working village producing olives, nuts and wine with a small amount industry.

In its past Batea was a walled village and houses formed part of that wall, though not much of the wall is left now. Laberint 5 is one of those houses, when you approach from the east you can see it sitting high up on the edge of the old village. The farmers would return every night to the protection of the village and bring their animals with them. It is still a method observed today, but tractors have replaced the animals.

To get to the house you travel up the main street from the village square, narrow and skirted on either side by arched walkways it is one of the defining features of Batea. You pass the municipal offices, and the ancient octagonal church of the Black Madonna. The narrow streets of the old village run off on either side inviting exploration. Towards the very top of the climb is the enormous church of Saint Michael, this building dominates the villages skyline from afar.

Laberint 5 is in one of the oldest parts of Batea, sitting on top of the old volcanos protruding core. The house is at least 400 years old and has been rebuild and extended many times. Up until the 1970's it was still part of a working farm but laid unused for 25 years before the new owner took over.

All the living accommodation is on the first floor. The ground and second floors still require working on, the ground floor is what remains of the farm building. A barn, a byre, grain storage areas and an enormous cistern to store rain water, there is also a small garden. The second floor used to be the main storage area and where the produce was preserved by smoking and pickling.

The stairs take you up to the first floor where to your left there is the living room, with comfy chairs, television, DVD player and radio. A door leads a large double bedded room with hanging space and a chest of drawers (bedroom 2).

To the right is the dining room, with a door leading to a small bedroom with bunk beds (bedroom 3). The doorway is a little low, so best left for those under 1.65m. The dining room has a table and chairs that easily seats six people, there is a radio/cd player. This leads into the kitchen with all the usual things, fridge/freezer, microwave, oven, hob and sink.

Beyond the kitchen is another double bedded room with wardrobe. The bathroom (with shower) and separate toilet are opposite. The back door leads to the terrace which is quite large with table, chairs and sun loungers. There is also a gas barbecue. Part of the terrace is covered, very handy if you should catch a shower. As the house stands high up and you are on the first floor you have wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and of the sunsets.