"Inspiration at its best- La Cartuja de... " a Sevilla Travel Page by Senoritasmile

This former Carthusian monastery is about an hour drive north of central Seville, in Cazalla de la Sierra. I can't even begin to describe what a unique and life-affecting place this is.

It was found by the incredible woman 'Carmen Ladron de Guevara y Bracho' when she was in her early 20's and she made it her life work to restore this mammoth building into a Centre of Contemporary Art & Culture.

There are 2 types of accommodation here. The renovated coaching lodge has small but unique double & single rooms, each decorated with materials from the surrounding land - cork ceilings! and with original art from one of the many resident artists that have spent time here.

There are 4 suites in the old cloisters but if you're travelling with friends, one of these can be very economical as they are two rooms, one with double bed and the other with two sofas that convert to beds. All have breathtaking views and are decorated simply and tastefully with local materials.

Carmen is just the icing on the cake! She is one of the most inspirational women I have ever met, she's Spanish but her English is perfect, has a dry sense of humour and loves to debate world topics over dinner, breakfast and lunch. This has been her project for 25+ years and she has struggled with red tape and corruption. Her tale is gripping.

She is also licensed to carry out civil marriages in the captivating chapel here (got my location - just gotta find a husband now hahahaha)

www.skill.es/cartuja