This review was originally posted in July 2010
'The property is described as "semi detached". To UK guests this means two houses of the same size, each beside the other. In fact, it is actually a flat, forming about 25% of the house, and the owners live next door and upstairs. This was not obvious from the photos. The south-facing private garden is directly overlooked by two ground-floor dining room windows of the main house, although there was rarely anyone in those rooms. There is a parking area behind the house shared with the family. Access to the swimming pool is gained by walking around the house and across the main garden, which is a field of about 2.5 hectares, with sheep and hens. So the pool is about 200m from the door. It is a curious elevated construction with a huge stone column at one end but of a very good size and kept spotlessly clean. The family - who are lovely, very friendly and often brought fruit and nuts - don't speak any English apart from Raquel who deals with the bookings. This was not a problem for us as we try to avoid places used by British tourists anyway. Raquel does not stay at the house - she was always incredibly helpful with great communications and even met us at the airport. The house has very effective double glazed windows. There was a large LCD TV. [ We understand from Raquel there is now a kettle - essential for Brits!]. The Santiso district in which the property sits is still growing. At the moment it has little to offer by way of entertainment apart from a hotel and two pubs about 1/2 km walk away (plus a restaurant that never seems to be open). There is no village square as such, however an evening in the pub was always good fun with plenty of local characters. The area is only 12km from wonderful Santiago de Compostela, 4km from the airport and is a good holiday base with easy access to the motorway nextwork. If you were expecting 100% privacy with lots of old-world charm and entertainment on your doorstep, perhaps you should look elsewhere. If you want excellent value for money amongst friendly people in a quiet area, a nice pool and are prepared to make your own entertainment (or need a base for travel and exploring) then the property can be
recommended. The family also have two dogs, one of which will provide regular and affectionate entertainment.