La Huerta del Angel is a traditional Spanish cortijo set in stunning grounds dating back to Moorish times. During this era, the property formed the main component of an Arab mill known as 'Machar de Ibn Abu Yahya', which led to the naming of the village of Macharaviaya. Vestiges of that time are found in the old arch that frames the charming walkway to the house and the brick well besides the river.

In the 1700s the house, then known as 'Quinta de Don Matias', became the property of the powerful and famous Gálvez family, who opened commercial trades with America, founded cities in Florida and established the well known Archives of India in Seville. They used many of their riches to develop the hamlet of Macharaviaya, creating a card factory, a country bank and a monumental church to which they donated sacred artwork that was, unfortunately, lost during the Spanish civil war.

Miguel Gálvez y Saint Maxent (1782-1825), 2nd Count of Gálvez, was the last surviving family member and it was he who changed the name of the property to 'La Huerta del Ángel.'

Our traditional Spanish cortijo, La Huerta del Ángel, melts into the village of Macharaviaya but the immediate land surrounding the house is private.

It takes just three minutes to walk to the quaint village where a range of facilities and tourist sites await. The most popular attraction is the Macharaviaya museum, where visitors can learn all about the famous Gálvez family. The museum also features a gallery where exhibitions take place from time to time (Pablo Picasso has featured previously). Here is a very good article about the history and what else there is to see and do in Macharaviaya (andalucia.com)

Beside the museum is the village bar, where you can enjoy a cold beer and snack in the sun as you marvel at the beautiful countryside. Sometimes horses are casually left tied to the bar window as their owners enjoy lunch, adding that extra 'Spanish campo' feeling.

The village has one shop that provides locally produced goods and souvenirs, but Macharaviaya's residents enjoy a near daily delivery service from various local entrepreneurs. For instance there is Pepe the bread man who delivers fresh bread to people's doors every day; the fisherman who provides the village with freshly caught fish from the Mediterranean, and the baker who produces a wonderful and delicious variety of cakes. These men arrive by car in the morning and only have to beep their horn to initiate the shopping 'rush hour' in Macharaviaya.

There are also various sport facilities in Macharaviaya, including a full-sized football patch, tennis courts and an open swimming pool for all the community to use. There is even a newly built gym with classes to reap the rewards from.

The town hall provides information on all tourist attractions in the area and prices for entry fees.