What’s a Gallinero? Why Should You Want to Stay There?
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A “Gallinero” in Spanish is a Chicken Coop
We called our new artists’ and writers’ residence “El Gallinero” because it’s located where our chicken house used to be. Sometime after the chickens had an unfortunate encounter with a weazel, we built my first painting studio there in the mid-70’s. When I got my new etching and painting studio 10 years later, the old one was relegated to storeroom status, and deteriorated over the years.
For a long time I’ve needed a place to accommodate the artists who come for my summer etching workshops and those who come to do collaborative work during the rest of the year. Then last fall we decided to get started on it. The plans were a bit vague: re-roof and restore the original studio, add a kitchen/living area in the available space behind it, and a little terrace with a view off the kitchen.
“Why Does This Casita Have to be Limited to Artists?”
Luckily our village builders are tolerant and creative, and they signed on for the project. Little by little the new artists’ residence began to take shape. We were delighted with the results, achieved in spite of five straight weeks of record monsoon winds and rains during the building work. At one point someone said, “Why does this casita have to be limited to artists? Wouldn’t writers appreciate it’s spaciousness, tastefulness and tranquil setting, too?” That’s how the Gallinero became an “artists’ and writers’ refuge.”
We’re Open for Business
We have now begun to accept reservations. Please take a look at the information and photographs in the pages of this site and see if you don’t think a shorter or longer stay in the Gallinero might not get your creative juices flowing. Of course, the appeal of this residence is not limited just to its own spaces and installations. It’s located in Spain, at the edge of a village nine kilometers (an easy 15-minutes) from the historical Andalusian city of Granada with both the Sierra Nevada ski resort and the Mediterranean shore within a 45-minute drive. If you haven’t been to Granada yet, it’s about time. If you’ve been here already, you know why you’ve been yearning to come back.
The Spanish say, “Todo es ponerse.” A rough English translation: “Just go for it!”
I cannot recommend El Gallinero highly enough if you need somewhere to get creative and productive. The accommodation is delightful and comfortable having been designed and kitted out with the artistic flare of Maureen and Mike. Time just disappears as you sit drawing with nightingales singing outside and wonderful light pouring in over the work bench. You can’t fail to be inspired!
Kate
Scotland
I so enjoyed my stay in the the lovely Gallinero. Its beautiful and serene surroundings left me renewed and relaxed. Maureen and Mike are wonderful people and fun to spend time with. Cherished are my memories of print making in Pinos Genil!
You won’t believe how I ended up staying at the Gallinero! My sister in Morocco wanted to meet me, who lives in Michigan, in Granada.Mike graduated from our same high school in Mi.in 1961 and we hadn’t seen him since then.I found him on the internet not knowing he had El Gallinero. This vacation felt like a family reunion!Staying in the Gallinero is magical, comfortable, isolated in quiet yet a bus stop so near. We enjoyed Maureen’s Spa, Mike’s delicious Paella, and mushrooming too. If you ever get a chance to visit Granada, stay at El Gallinero for a feeling of home away from home!
Looks delightful. I will check to see what the cost of staying at your Residence is.
How does one get to it from Madrid, or is that the closest airport?
🙂
Thanks for the compliment, Phil. The closest airport is here in Granada, and there are flights from Madrid. Information on the cost is on this site, under the “Prices” tab at the upper right. Where are you located? I think you would like the Gallinero. Everybody does.
Regards,
Maureen
Hi Maureen and Mike,
I am eager to finalize plans for my booking at your artist residence for the two weeks of the July 18th workshop. I have not heard from you since I sent in my deposit and have a couple of questions about transportation from Malaga airport. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks, Cathy