You don’t have to be Rapunzel to stay in a tower. And this tower, in the agapanthus-adorned gardens of an 18th-century mansion near the sea, happens to be a pretty special one. It’s medieval - possibly dating as far back as the ninth century - and when owner Manolo Santullano bought it, it was an empty ruin. Since then, he’s filled its ancient stone walls with two luxurious bedrooms, a lounge and a roof terrace with stupendous views.
Rooms in the house might be more orthodox, but are equally comfortable, skilfully blending original features like stone walls and timbered ceilings with modern artworks and wooden furnishings - many of them crafted by Manolo’s dad. Downstairs, a flower-decked sitting room has a library, honesty bar and sleek colourful sofas. Relax by the log fire before proceeding to the dining room - or outdoor terrace if it’s warm - where Manolo delivers simple, locally-sourced suppers.
This part of Asturias is said to have one of the best-preserved coastlines in Spain. Walk to the local beach (which is nearly always empty), or pop by car to tiny, little-known working ports like Luarca and Puerto de Vega, where the fishermen’s catch is auctioned every afternoon. Inland are time-lost villages where you sample the old Asturias - and Oviedo, the region’s history-steeped capital. Outdoorsy types and history buffs will adore it here.
Highs
- These are truly historic buildings, creatively brought back to life - we could relax in its sitting rooms and gardens for days!
- Tranquility is yours - there’s no habitation between here and the coast, a short stroll away
- You’re within easy reach of historic Oviedo or coastal gems such as Luarca and Cudillero
- Asturian-born Manolo is a fabulous host
- Unlike most of the rest of Spain, Asturias is green, rugged and lush: a walker’s paradise
Lows
- Mealtimes are late - breakfast starts at 8.30am, while dinner doesn't kick off until 8.30pm. But hey, this is Spain and you'll soon adjust your body clock to fit in with local timings
- It’s slightly tricky to find, so follow the hotel’s directions carefully - Manolo is also planning to improve the signposting
- Apart from in the tower, showers are all above bathtubs rather than walk-in. But they’re a good size
- Don't expect any facilities on the local beach - it's wild, rocky and wonderfully unspoilt
Best time to go
For flowers, and to avoid the crowds, spring is the ideal time (though it can rain!). But Asturias never gets as hot as southern parts of Spain, so summer is pleasant too. In autumn there are numerous food festivals and you can see the apple harvest and cider-making as well as autumn colours. The hotel is closed from November to February inclusive, apart from the weekend nearest to 8th December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and over Christmas.
Our top tips
We were bowled over by the stunning flowers throughout the hotel - mainly dahlias when we visited - all grown in the hamlet by a local resident called Pilar (who also works at the hotel). Truly special, as is Pilar.
- Boutique Hotel
- 11 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Closed: Nov to end Feb (except xmas)
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Laundry service
Rooms
For a spoiling treat, or if you’re travelling with children, stay in the tower (book well in advance). Its spiral staircase takes you to two double rooms, each on their own separate floor, lit by slit windows and contemporary lighting. Follow the spiral staircase up and you reach a gorgeous lounge and, above that, a roof terrace with views over the coast and countryside.
The 10 rooms in the mansion, like those in the tower, are crafted out of local wood and have first-class cotton bedding, original artworks and flat-screen TVs. The Superior rooms at the top of the house have timbered ceilings and smashing views. We particularly loved spacious Room 7, which looks out to the tower outside, as well as to the property’s traditional wood-built hórreo - a grain store that stands on wooden stilts.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- WiFi
Eating
Wake up to a copious breakfast (outside if it's fine) of local requeson (cream cheese), homemade jams, Iberico ham and homemade cake which changes with the season (apple cake when we stayed in autumn). Fisuelos (pancakes) may be on offer too.
In the evenings, choose from a simple menu of Asturian fare, from local cheeses and line-caught fish (varies according to what’s been landed in nearby Luarca) to ox-cheek stew or callos (tripe stew). If you prefer something lighter, there are soups from home-grown vegetables, or a salad of Cantabrian tuna belly, using leaves grown in the garden. Puddings might include the Torre’s signature cheesecake, made from cream and local cream cheese and served with a caramel sauce.
Nearby lunch options are plentiful. There are cafes serving tapas in the nearby village. Alternatively, for seafood head to Puerto de Vega or Luarca, or for rustic fare, like fabada (bean stew) and pote (the vegetarian equivalent), drive inland to cafe-restaurants in the mountain villages.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- The hotel has a huge and lovely garden (9000 sqm) with a great variety of tree species, plants and grassland, so you may well just want to stay put and enjoy the surroundings.
- Stroll across the fields to the rocky beach, a kilometre away; more than likely you’ll have it to yourself.
- If you’re feeling more energetic, follow the signposted coastal path in either direction and return by train, or walk a section of the Camino de Santiago pilgrims' trail. Inland, there are spectacular mountain and river-side walks too.
- See the surrounding countryside by bike, which Manolo will provide, or on horseback, which Manolo can arrange.
- Play a round of golf at the beachside course at Luarca, a few minutes’ drive from the hotel.
- Explore the coast, with its attractive fishing villages such as Cudillero and Lastres, and numerous sandy beaches. Or soak up history - and local cider - in the inland capital, Oviedo.
- Visit the vibrant food market on a Sunday in Grado (40-min drive).
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
Kids
This is really a couples' hotel, but adventurous kids would enjoy sleeping in the ancient tower (which has a second bedroom) and playing on the local beaches. The area is also great for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The ideal place for families to stay is the tower, which has a smaller double bedroom below the master bedroom above it. In the main house, one extra child per couple can be accommodated when needed. The hotel can also provide a cot if requested in advance.
Families Should Know:
The local beach is mostly rocky, though we saw enough sand for kids to play on when we visited.
Distances:
- Airport: 25 minutes
- Hospital: 30 minutes
- Supermarket: Six minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Hotel Torre de Villademoros is set close to the small town of Cadavedo, in the Asturias region of northern Spain.
By Air
The closest airport is Asturias Airport (38km). You could also fly to Santander (245km).
From the Airport
Airport transfers are available, but the hotel is rural so we'd definitely recommend hiring a car so you can explore the area - see our car rental recommendations. There is free parking available at the hotel.
By Ferry
If you don't want to fly from the UK, Brittany Ferries runs services from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander. Ferries take approximately 20 hours from Plymouth and 24 hours from Portsmouth.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Asturias Airport 38.0 km OVD
- Santander 245.0 km SDR
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 0.8 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape