Having both spent several years living and working in South America and Spain, we met in Panama City on a trip of a lifetime in 2000. Unsurprisingly, a love of travel and all things Hispanic is in the blood.

Working in hotels and travel, we’ve always loved finding places to stay which are individual, off-the-beaten-track and full of character. Over the years, these experiences helped stoke a desire to one day set up our own place in Spain.

So, whilst working our day jobs we hatched the big dream. Travelling through Extremadura and Andalucia on holiday, while looking for the ideal location, we fell in love with Priego de Córdoba and the surrounding Subbética mountains, one of the least-visited National Parks in Spain.

Over 40 cortijos (farm houses) later we found what we were looking for – a charming old ruined olive farm, set in a beautiful river valley. After more than 5 years of planning, paperwork and renovation, and plenty of delays and frustrations along the way we got there at last, welcoming our first guests in late 2009.

Only weeks before we opened, our lovely dog (Ruby) turned up at the house - an abandoned stray in need of a loving home! Amazing timing for us both as she's now very much our "house dog" and a great walking guide for you too! 

And just before Christmas 2012 we became 3 plus Ruby when our gorgeous little boy, Max, was born in Cordoba hospital. We all look forward to welcoming you to our home, Casa Olea, and introducing you to this beautiful, hidden corner of Andalucia.

Hasta pronto..!

Claire, Tim, Max & Ruby