The House of Florence is the name I gave to my ancestral home in Higueruela in honor of my grandmother, Florence, who was my beloved role-model and loving hero. The first floor of the house was originally a workshop primarily used for the construction and repair of the carriages used by the common people of Castilla -La Mancha, where the building is located. For more than 250 years, five generatio
ns of my family have lived in the house and have left evidence of their lives and experiences in this antique structure, which is now our own, newly renovated home. After the long and difficult process for legally securing the inheritance, I was I finally able to acquire and renovate this wonderful historic home. During the first several months and while I was leaping over the countless legal hurdles needed to secure the title to my grandmother’s former home, I happened to tell a friend, who is a Professor of History and Fine Arts at Madrid University, of my fear of not being able to take possession of my grandmother’s home. I was discouraged; however, she said something that spoke deeply to me, an answer loaded with romanticism which became my stimulus, my reason to persevere. She said to me: “A house with so much history, in which so many people have lived from within your own family, if it is to be, will not allow anyone but you to live there. The house will decide who live within” She also said: "Not only do you have to be in love with that house, but also, that house also has to choose you, it has to love you back!” I knew in my heart of hearts, that she was absolutely right and soon thereafter, the house passed into my hands. Since then, I have worked tirelessly, every summer, for the past eight years in order to restore, modernize and improve the original home. I can now take great pride in a beautiful home of which my grandmother would be very proud. In every way, it was a worthwhile effort and a beautiful restoration of an historic home. Perfectly hand-made clean beams support the tile roof which covers an impressive wooden structure of numerous and varying levels which reflect the various changes and improvements made throughout the ages by one generation after another. You’ll also see the original clay floor in the cave/wine cellar. With an indoor cistern and water well, one can bring up a bucket on a pulley directly into the kitchen. Thick stone walls keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The House of Florence once again, retains the hopes and dreams of past generations… and just by simply restoring my grandmother’s home to its former glory. You will feel the warmth of spirit inside. I completed the restoration work this summer. After living in England for a year where I was learning to speak English, I returned in the summer of 2012 and continued with the restoration. The idea of a Bed and Breakfast began to take shape in my mind this past summer. I had a dream of sharing my lovely home with others. I had an idea, to offer a new concept of hospitality, where rest, leisure, culture…. After pursuing a career in the field of communications, first as a journalist, then as budgetary consultant for large business interests, I decided to combine my passion for writing and media with my talent for restoration and decoration to offer people something uniquely different. I’ve travelled the world, learned to speak English and have met folks from across the globe. I love getting to know new people and enjoy hearing about their lives. I have maintained a keen interest in the world of culture, languages and travel and I love entertaining. I crave laughter and I am very good at having fun and helping others have fun too. I would love to share with you the funny, weird, spooky and surprising stories from ages past, stories from the long history of my grandmother’s home, true life stories from La Casa de Florencia. I’m sure you’ll agree, that I have the perfect background and know-how to create an experience of a lifetime for you, my treasured guests. I believe a visit to The House of Florence would present to you, a new approach to vacationing by opening the doors of an environment that breathes history, authenticity, comfort and beauty. In addition, I will be hosting impromptu exercise classes, tours of my small village, horseback riding, flying tours and much more. I intend to present to you a different way of living and vacationing. I want you to experience everything, things that are part of the true characteristics of a land full of magic, tradition and culture….. plus just simply have a great time… to relax and have fun! We look forward to seeing you soon! Carmen
Hostess & Owner: La Casa de Florencia
La casa de La Florencia es una pequeña joya constructiva que, tras 10 años de rehabilitación, se ha convertido en una exclusiva guesthouse de sólo tres habitaciones. donde hospitalidad y exclusividad se fusionan para acercarte a u nuevo concepto de alojamiento. En La casa de la Florencia, “los invitados” pueden disfrutar de un plan para conocer el entorno, sus tradiciones y cultura, a través de “un menú de experiencias a la carta “, personalizado y exclusivo. Aunque si lo prefieren, sencillamente, puedes dejarse llevar por la indulgente pereza y sucumbir a una jornada de descanso. Tumbarse en el sofá con un buen libro; acercarse a la nevera (siempre llena de delicatessen ), prepararse un gin tonic y disfrutar del silencio… vamos como en casa pero mucho, mucho mejor. Olvídate del reloj y de las prisas y déjate seducir por momentos donde el ritmo lo marcarás tú. Mientras estas alojado en La Casa de laFlorencia puedes pasar una mañana entre fogones y, de la mano de un reconocido cocinero, aprender sencillas técnicas con las que elaboraras sorprendentes platos que después degustaremos todos juntos; también puedes ejercer de improvisado cuidador del más puro caballo de raza español de la mano de los dueños de una de las mas famosas ganaderías. Pasar un día descubriendo su historia, su simbología y su sicología o aprendiendo técnicas para domarlo será una experiencia inolvidable, o quizás sobrevolar en avioneta impresionantes formaciones montañosas con pueblos de aspecto legendarios; Las opciones, tan ilimitadas como tu imaginación. La casa se distribuye en dos plantas más altillos. La planta baja acoge un vestíbulo, salón, comedor-cocina, baño y bodega despensa. Por su parte la primera planta incluye salón con chimenea, cuatro dormitorios dobles (uno de ellos localizado en el granero) , baño y un altillo biblioteca. Mantener todos los elementos arquitectónicos que la definen como edificio singular, ha sido la clave del proyecto de rehabilitación. La llamativa escalera que discurre apoyada sobre una “volta catalana”; la impresionante chimenea que sorprende por su diseño francés, pintada mediante una antigua técnica de estuco a la cal; el aljibe de cerámica construido bajo los cimientos de la casa y que mientras se llena con el agua de lluvia, ofrece un sorprendente e inesperado efecto musical; la pequeña bodega-despensa que guarda tinajas de vino de 1800 y de donde parte una cueva cuyo recorrido lleva hasta la iglesia del pueblo y que es, con seguridad, el elemento a partir del cual se construyo la casa. De la casa puede destacarse todo, la luz, la altura de los techos, los acabados. Espacios únicos y atmósferas acogedoras que te permitirán disfrutar de tu estancia en ella. Durante tu estancia en ella podrás disfrutar de una experiencia única, donde el contacto con la naturaleza, las costumbres populares y la gastronomía se unen en un increíble cocktail que te despertará los cinco sentidos.
