Molino Tejada

Top choice in Cantabria


A wonderful place to kick back, this 16th-century watermill amid extensive riverside gardens, 1km east of Polientes, has been stunningly renovated by its owner, locally born but now California-based designer Celia Tejada. A black-and-white theme runs throughout the property, with its spacious common areas, soft furnishings and varied art and ethnic-flavoured artisanry. The nine large, TV-free apartments sport well-equipped kitchens and big comfy beds.

The included buffet breakfast is served in a bright, ample building of its own; other facilities include a mini-cinema and a large lounge with piano, honesty bar and a glass floor revealing the millstream flowing beneath – a feature also enjoyed by the two apartments set in the gardens, where you'll find a pool, a Turkish bath and broad sitting decks. There's normally a two-night minimum stay.

There are fine walks in the nearby hills and along the Ebro, and free bicycles for guests.


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