The Place
Nigel Burch and his wife Joanne opened this hotel in 1997 after a mid-life change of direction: he had had a successful career in horticulture, moving here from a big farm in southern Spain. He’s brought his love of farming with him. The hotel is surrounded by an 18-acre organic farm, which provides fruit and vegetables for the award-winning restaurant. The cosy but comfortable family hotel has been carved out of a late 19thC ‘priest’s farmhouse’, built on a rock outcrop with stunning views over the Picos. There is a friendly, family atmosphere: you’ll get a genuinely personal welcome here, together with all the advice you need about exploring the area. The Burches have compiled notes and maps for 30 local walks for guests. It’s a great base for the Picos de Europa, the Ponga Mountain Range, the Sueve Reserve, the coastline of Eastern Asturias and the River Sella. Walking, surfing, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing are all within reach.
The decoration is pleasing, making the most of the building’s original features, including thick walls and exposed stonework. Picture windows give the dining room a wonderful outlook over a lush green valley rising to a limestone peak. Bedrooms are simple but comfortable, in rustic style, with pretty, well-chosen fabrics.