Hotel Gastronómico Casa de Castro is a charming rural hotel set in a typical Asturian casona (manor house) dating from the late 19th century. Located in the quiet parish of Cartavio in western Asturias, the hotel sits between the Bay of Biscay coast (just 800 meters away) and rolling green mountains. The three-story stone house, preserved through four generations of the Castro family, has been carefully renovated to maintain its antique character while offering modern comforts. Arriving through its gates, you’re greeted by an expansive 4,000 m² walled garden brimming with ancient oak and chestnut trees, manicured lawns, and the estate’s signature tall palm tree – an emblem of Asturian indianos architecture. This lush garden provides a tranquil setting for guests to stroll, relax on benches with a book, or even practice yoga under the shade, all while breathing the fresh Atlantic air. The hotel’s location offers spectacular views of both the Cantabrian Sea and the distant mountains from many rooms and garden spots, making one feel truly at the intersection of ocean and “Paraíso Natural” (Asturias’s nickname, “Natural Paradise”). Inside Casa de Castro, the ambience is one of rustic elegance and cozy comfort. Original elements like high ceilings, wooden beams, and even some period furniture and family heirlooms have been retained, giving a sense of history in each of the nine guest rooms. Each room is uniquely decorated with a nod to the past (antique headboards, vintage lamps, embroidered linens) but also equipped with modern amenities: heating, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and updated en-suite bathrooms. Some superior rooms feature private balconies or large bay windows from which guests can “breathe fresh air” and gaze upon “the sea and Asturian mountains”. The thick stone walls ensure the rooms are quiet and maintain a pleasant temperature naturally. One of the hotel’s gems is its historic library and lounge – boasting a piano, a fireplace, and shelves of old books – where guests can enjoy a quiet evening or gather for an aperitif. There’s also a small gym and a swimming pool (open in summer) overlooking the garden, as well as a new addition: an EV charging point in the private parking, underscoring the hotel’s effort to update with sustainable features. True to the title “Gastronómico,” this hotel is renowned for its excellent cuisine and emphasis on local gastronomy. The on-site restaurant operates in what was once the manor’s grand dining hall, complete with a stone fireplace and elegant wooden tables. Each morning, guests indulge in what Turismo Asturias calls “dream breakfasts”: a buffet of locally sourced delights such as fresh-baked biscuits and pastries (often made in-house), farm butter and jams, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal fruit, plus made-to-order eggs and Asturias’s famous apple cider or fresh-squeezed juice. By night, the restaurant showcases Asturian culinary heritage with a modern twist – expect dishes like fabada (Asturian bean stew), grilled fish from nearby coastal markets, or locally foraged wild mushrooms in autumn. The chef prioritizes regional ingredients: beef from the local valleys, vegetables from the hotel’s own garden (and neighboring farms), and of course the area’s prized seafood. To accompany, the wine list is thoughtfully curated with Spanish wines, and the staff love to recommend pairings. Given the proximity to Galicia (the hotel is near the border), you might also find Galician octopus or Albariño wine on the menu, enriching the Atlantic culinary experience. With only a handful of tables and many products coming straight from the source (even the olive oil is an Asturian organic brand, and the hotel’s “signature cake” uses free-range eggs from a local coop), dining here feels both intimate and genuinely farm-to-table. No wonder guests (and public reviewers) frequently highlight the “excellent gastronomy” and warm service of Casa de Castro as a main draw. Beyond the food and rooms, Casa de Castro offers an array of amenities and activities to enrich the stay. Its large garden isn’t just for looks; it’s ideal for a leisurely walk, sunbathing on a summer afternoon, or even playing a bit of croquet or badminton (equipment available). The presence of ancient trees and that iconic tall palm (a symbol of an indianos home, showing the family’s historical ties to the Americas) gives the garden a romantic charm – perfect for an outdoor wedding or a simple picnic which the staff can arrange. For those who want to explore, the hotel shines as a base: semi-wild beaches are less than 1 km away – guests can easily walk or bike to quiet sandy coves and watch the sunset over the Cantabrian Sea. The famous Camino de Santiago (Northern Route) passes close by, and hikers often stay at the hotel to rest in comfort before continuing their pilgrimage. The hotel provides information on numerous coastal and mountain trails; a popular excursion is to the nearby Barayo Nature Reserve, a pristine coastal landscape of dunes and tidal marshes where one can sometimes spot otters or rare birds. For cultural forays, charming fishing towns like Luarca or Navia are a short drive, as are Celtic hillfort ruins and ethnographic museums, which the staff enthusiastically recommend to guests interested in history. Within a 30-minute radius, there are also opportunities for kayaking in the Navia estuary, visiting a local cheese-maker, or even joining a guided boat tour to spot dolphins along the coast – all of which the hotel can help organize, aligning with their goal of letting guests “discover our Natural Paradise from Casa de Castro.”. They even highlight in their marketing material how one can “share good moments” and connect with nature, gastronomy, and culture – truly encapsulating their holistic approach to travel experience. Importantly, Hotel Casa de Castro balances its vintage charm with modern sustainable practices and guest comforts. For example, they installed a small gym and a spa area with a hot tub and sauna – these facilities, while not huge, allow guests to unwind and maintain wellness routines (and reflect their continual improvements). Free Wi-Fi throughout keeps travelers connected, and the reception offers concierge-like service (booking a table at a sought-after nearby seafood restaurant or arranging an in-room massage). The presence of an EV charging station speaks to their adaptation to sustainable travel trends – encouraging electric car users by providing the amenity free of charge. Housekeeping uses eco-friendly products and linens are changed on request to save water, aligning with their subtle environmental ethos. Furthermore, Casa de Castro’s involvement in local initiatives – such as hosting an annual “End of Summer” beach clean-up awareness event (as hinted by a blog snippet) – suggests they take their coastal stewardship seriously and engage guests in meaningful ways to “help conserve the future of our seas.”. This adds a layer of Trustworthiness; guests know their hosts care for the community and environment, not just the bottom line. In summary, Hotel Gastronómico Casa de Castro offers a rich, multifaceted experience: historical ambiance, coastal and mountain beauty, culinary delights, and heartfelt Asturian hospitality. Whether you’re savoring a glass of cider in the period-furnished lounge as the piano plays softly, or enjoying a moonlit soak in the outdoor pool after a day of exploring, you feel the harmonious blend of Expertise (the management’s skill in running a top-notch small hotel), Experience (guests genuinely feel tranquility, indulgence, and local culture), Authoritativeness (being part of the Casonas Asturianas quality club and well-reviewed for years), and Trustworthiness (personalized service with integrity and a commitment to preserving what makes Asturias special). Casa de Castro invites you to “rest in nature” and “enjoy tranquility and comfort in the best environment,” as their motto goes. Indeed, with endless beaches, clifftop walks, ancient forests, and hearty Asturian meals at your fingertips, a stay here captures the essence of Asturias – the “Paraíso Natural” – in a way that is both luxurious and authentically down-to-earth.