THE HOUSE IS AVAILABLE TO RENT FOR TUTORS AND THEIR OWN PAINTING GROUPS OR INDEPENDENT PAINTERS, AS WELL AS FOR FAMILY HOLIDAYS.
Direct flights by Ryanair from STANSTED to SANTANDER are highly recommended. The earlier you book the cheaper the cost.
There are also low-cost flights to BILBAO with easyJet.
Brittany Ferries sail to SANTANDER and P & O have sailings to BILBAO.
Please check with your airline about any restrictions on carrying oil paints.
The little hamlet of RUILOBUCA/RUILOBA is in the heart of the Green Spain. Just behind the beautiful historic town of COMIILLAS, ( five minutes by car). Next to SANTILLANA DEL MAR, SAN VICENTE DE LA BARQUERA AND BILBAO.
The house is situated in a cul-de-sac, surrounded by hills in front and behind and the Atlantic's roaring Ocean can be heard.
From the house people can walk directly to many lanes for peaceful walks without the need of a car and 'natural' and 'spontaneous' workshops can be created at any time in any corner within the house or within its surroundings. Also we have on hand extensive stretches of sandy beaches in the famous area of Parque of Oyambre.
The house is an old farmhouse, tastefully restored in the old Cantabrian mountain style but fully modernised. Full central heating has been added to the house too.
The house has been divided into two units/apartments, North and South, with separating doors on each floor. It offers accommodation for 10/12 people or for two families who wish to be together but independent at the same time. Al bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms or shower rooms. Two fully equipped kitchens with living rooms.
The house is surrounded by patios and cover porches, all with lovely views . Large gardens, parking place for 6 cars.
The last addition has been the conversion of a 10 x 6 metres BARN for the use of guest and students or as a studio when the weather turns wet or cold.
The house has STAIRCASES and is not suitable for disabled people.
Among the numerous activities enjoyed by students and visiting guests we suggest:
FOR WALKERS AND NATURE LOVERS this area has the most impressive coastline within five minutes by car from the house and many hills for just a casual stroll or picnic. For those who like more serious mountains walks, Cantabria offers Los Picos de Europa, La Hermina (a narrow gorge followed by the river Deba) and La Ruta del Cares Gorge (a super 5-hour mountain walk of 25km!)
CYCLING (2 bicycles and a full-size table-tennis table are available).
BIRD WATCHING. Santona Marsh natural reserve is near Santander. The area has many different species to be observe near the house, including Nightjar, Cuckoo, Red Kites, Buzzards. The Cantabria coasts are very important for migratory birds during October and January.
GOLFERS can enjoy the most sophisticated new course of 18 holes in Comillas and Oyambre Park created by Severiano Ballesteros.
COMILLAS just 3 kilometres from the house is the most attractive little town for any painters. Gaudi created one of his extraordinary architectural houses in the middle of the town, and also other magnificent buildings like the impressive theological Seminary of 'Comillas University'. This place is going to be the main university for the Spanish language within the next three years. Comillas has many interesting little shops, antiquarians, many bars and restaurants and of course its lovely clean beach!!
SANTILLANA DEL MAR, another amazing historic town with its famous CUEVAS DE ALTAMIRA.
SAN VICENTE DE LA BARQUERA with its golden beaches and green dunes which spread over kilometres of coast, from Santander to the neighbouring Asturias.
BILBAO, with its most exciting futuristic Museum, the GUGGENHEIM. is nearby and a 'must' to visit.
Telephone (UK): +44 (0)1284 735415
College House, The Street, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5SJ