As self-catering properties go, we think this 200-year-old farmhouse offers a brilliant balance of style and practicality. Sensitively renovated, the property’s whitewashed exterior blends seamlessly with the sleepy village of Guatiza, but what the walls mask is anything but simple. High beamed ceilings, mosaicked bathrooms, cleverly placed windows (ensuring plenty of natural light) and generous kitchen and living areas give way to lush gardens, an idyllic pool area and an impressive veranda with views towards the hills.
Californian-born owner John and his German wife Stephy have poured their hearts into the place - a real labour of love - and their passion for the property is contagious. Inspired by their time spent travelling the world, the villa’s décor is an eclectic mix of artisan finds: bespoke furniture shipped in from Morocco, a Mexico-inspired mural in the bedroom, and an impressive, candle-filled lattern suspended from the dining room ceiling. Blissfully unpretentious, this 2-3 bedroom home-from-home (sleeping up to 4 + 2 kids on a sofabed) is great for friends or families, whether you're looking to trek the volcanic landscape, amble around the nearby fishing village of Arrieta, or simply lounge in the Canarian sun.
Californian-born owner John and his German wife Stephy have poured their hearts into the place - a real labour of love - and their passion for the property is contagious. Inspired by their time spent travelling the world, the villa’s décor is an eclectic mix of artisan finds: bespoke furniture shipped in from Morocco, a Mexico-inspired mural in the bedroom, and an impressive, candle-filled lattern suspended from the dining room ceiling. Blissfully unpretentious, this 2-3 bedroom home-from-home (sleeping up to 4 + 2 kids on a sofabed) is great for friends or families, whether you're looking to trek the volcanic landscape, amble around the nearby fishing village of Arrieta, or simply lounge in the Canarian sun.
Highs
- With comfortable loungers, a large dining area and an impressive selection of indigenous plants, the outdoor pool area is the perfect place to unwind
- You can really get creative in the well-equipped, roomy kitchen, and the welcome hamper is extremely generous, too
- The warm welcome from owners John and Stephy, who are personable, approachable and only too keen to help you settle in and make the most of your stay
- Set in a wonderfully secluded corner of a peaceful village (a short drive from the coast), but ideally located for exploring the north of the island
- The villa has everything you could possibly need for a successful holiday on the island: buckets and spades, bikes, golf clubs, a surfboard...
Lows
- Guatiza village is very quiet so car hire is pretty much essential - though the airport is an easy drive and there's a double garage
- No twin beds
- The villa has an annexe, closed to guests, which is sometimes occupied by a local resident
- Full pre-payment is required in advance of arrival, and there's a 7-night minimum stay
- Pool heating Nov-March incurs an additional charge
Best time to go
With almost perennial good weather, Lanzarote is a year-round destination. The winter months are the busiest as Northern Europeans desperate for sun flock to the island. If you're planning an active holiday, you might want to avoid the more extreme heat of July and August.
Our top tips
You could be forgiven for spending your days out and about cycling and exploring the island, but with such a luxurious pool and sauna at your disposal it would be a sin not to set aside a lazy day for basking in the sun and taking a leisurely dip.