Kukutana in The Times

Adventure Culture Farmhouse Foodie Horses Nature Wildlife Mar 15. 2023

Kukutana makes a double splash in The Times in the space of two months...

Journalist Jamie Lafferty spent several days as a guest at the high-end Andalusian private hire retreat, writing a review of his experience in The Times back in November 2022.

Describing Kukutana as ‘a farmhouse turned family villa turned guesthouse’, Lafferty speaks of the juxtaposition ‘of the regal and the rustic’ – the house’s agricultural history seamlessly merging with its rustic-luxury charm, equipped with a swimming pool, homecooked meals and professional waiters.

The main house, currently available only for exclusive hire, is a beautifully appointed three-storey building ‘that looks more like a country mansion than a traditional farmhouse’. ‘Like many buildings in Andalusia, Kukutana is a defensive white, in a bid to mitigate the endless sunshine’, the journalist explains.

There are six spacious bedrooms enjoying uninterrupted views across olive groves and the neighbouring nature reserve of Doñana National Park. The grounds surrounding the house are pristine; the ‘carefully manicured lawn, partially shaded by enormous pine trees at least the same age if not older’, says Lafferty.

Skilfully decorated in such a way as to remain true to its history and rural surroundings, the interior features burgundy floor tiles, exposed beams and a spiral wooden staircase.

A stay at Kukutana is a fully immersive experience and the endlessly hospitable hosts go above and beyond to treat guests to a unique glimpse of Spanish culture. Lafferty enthuses: ‘Simultaneously offering a private hire and a homestay, the family remain on site throughout, greeting guests, organising tours and generally being exemplary hosts.’ The food is excellent, locally sourced (often from the Kukutana grounds) and plentiful. Lafferty explains that the hosts ‘may join in with meals if invited, but otherwise are happy to let their guests banquet in the dining room.’

Two months later, journalist Chiara Brown wrote up an interview with Fiona Drummond, following the stylist’s stay at Kukutana.

Spain has a long, culturally rich history of equestrianism and the ten horses at Kukutana are a crucial part of the package. Fiona Drummond learnt to ride at the age of four, referring to her love of horses as ‘such a big part of my life, it’s like a language.’

‘Born explorer’ Drummond’s first experience of Kukutana was in spring 2021; by the following September she returned to curate her first jaunt, described by Chiara Brown as, ‘a women-only horseback riding excursion an hour outside Seville.’

Fiona Drummond explains to her interviewer: ‘As soon as I got there there was just no question I needed to come back and share this with more people. It’s so special.’ For Drummond, the riding element was ‘an obvious match’. She says: ‘The slower pace relaxes you into a frame of mind in which you can notice things that you wouldn’t otherwise notice.’

Arranged in collaboration with Kukutana, Drummond’s guests spent a total of three days and nights at the luxurious retreat. Their itinerary included riding local Andalusian horses through Doñana National Park to the intriguing town of El Rocío, renowned for its ‘gaucho culture’ and watching a flamenco dance show. The guests enjoyed an invigorating ride along Matalascañas Beach, stopping for a picnic lunch of traditional Sevillian ham, local cheese, frittatas and local sherry. There was also the opportunity to meet with a number of talented local artisans, including ‘boot, belt, hat and bag makers, flamenco shawl embroiderers and ceramic designers.’

Drummond felt that providing her guests ‘with respite from the relentless pace of daily urban life’ was an essential part of the trip, in addition to engaging with nature and ‘to nurture the important female friendships in their life.’

Unlike Fiona Drummond, Jamie Lafferty is not equine-inclined, but describes in his article how important they are to the hosts – the Llorente family – and to the many guests who come to ride almost exclusively during their stay. Riding tours are included within the price; the surrounding terrain lending itself beautifully to exploring this untouched part of Spain on horseback.

Opting for four wheels over two, Lafferty describes an off-road trip in a 4×4 – ‘a battered green Land Rover Defender with 300,000km on the clock’. Kukutana is positioned on the border of the stunning Doñana National Park, making it an ideal base from which to explore this 210 square mile UNESCO World Heritage site, which ‘encompasses vast marshlands that provide a vital habitat for hundreds of species of birds, making it one of Europe’s premier birding locations.’

Chiara Brown refers to: ‘one of Europe’s most important wetland reserves, which includes the marshes and streams that feed into the Guadalquivir river delta and the Atlantic.’

Doñana National Park was a popular 13^thcentury hunting ground for wealthy aristocrats and Lafferty talks about boars, foxes and deer, saying: ‘the list of its resident wildlife can read like a medieval woodland fable’. There are just 12 pairs of Spanish imperial eagles in the park and, as guide Lucia Moreno explains: ‘they are in competition with the lynx’. Following successful efforts to increase the Iberian lynx population since 2004, there are now reputed to be around 1000 of the cats inhabiting the park.

Marvelling at his morning journey along the smooth sand of Spain’s longest beach, facing the Gulf of Cadiz, Lafferty says: ‘it appears flawless, free from plastic detritus’. A host of birdlife ranging from ‘sanderlings, oyster catchers, sandwich terns, hyperactive plovers and rare Audouin’s gulls’ are in evidence.

Later in the day, returning in the Land Rover to Kukutana, the journalist spies ‘driftwood… and fuel cans from narco boats’ washed up on the shore, highlighting all the more, ‘just how unusual Kukutana is’.

Jamie Lafferty and Fiona Drummond: two demonstrably different guests with diverse interests, yet Kukutana carefully catered to each guest’s needs.

As a private hire destination with trips tailored to your every whim, there’s something for everyone at Kukutana.

I’m struggling to put into words everything that we have experienced these past days, from the very first moment it has all been exceptional. The team and the hosts are marvellous, the experiences unforgettable - we will cherish these days forever.

Guest, Madrid

A unique experience surrounded by friends and hosted by this wonderful family who have poured their dreams and love into this project. The most memorable G&T in history! We will be back soon.

V.U. Madrid

The magic of southern Spain and the warmth with which we have been received have made these days unforgettable. What an incredible project you have created!

A.L. Germany

Thank you for the most magical few days in this piece of Paradise! It was the most memorable time and holiday that we have ever had. The food was delicious, the horses were beautiful and cannot believe that we saw a Lynx! We cannot thank you enough for all you have done. Hope to see you again soon and best luck for the creation and adventures that you plan.