This is a gem. A wonderful experience for those seeking something completely different. The house is amazing - stairs and steps, objects of great curiosity, a tiny chapel, wonderful splashes of colour, restful public rooms, superb restaurant, very well appointed rooms with all the comforts you might need and a very nice staff. The village of Ampudia is wonderful, a very different streetscape which has stood for centuries. The parish Church is a soaring, wonderfully kept building which exhudes a sense of Spirituality of the ages. Teh Casa del Abad fits perfectly into this village and has done for centuries.
Well worth driving to experience rural and wonderful part of Castile y Leon. Truly great.

Push the heavy old plank doors and you're transported into the authenic 17th century Abbot's home. Looks as though he just stepped out. Guest rooms however are modern and almost sleek with minimalist lighting.
More light would be nice. Excellent dining room of the period with modern touches. Wild game and offerings from the local farmers provide the makings for gourmet meals at moderate prices.

The village is QUIET but the Casa del Abad is restful and food good and staff attentive. Mostly young hospitality interns who live in a dorm down the street. Juan Manuel of the dining room will explain everything y ou need to know about every dish you are eating. Julio will build a fire in the Abbot's grand salon for you to read by. Would be a nice layover if traveling from Madrid to Bilbao.

Jack Ellis