Hotel Gastronómico Casa de Castro is a charming rural hotel set in a late 19th-century Asturian casona (manor house). Located in the quiet parish of Cartavio in western Asturias, it sits between the Bay of Biscay (around 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 the gates, you’re welcomed by an expansive 4,000 m² walled garden filled with ancient oak and chestnut trees, manicured lawns and the estate’s signature tall palm tree – a classic symbol of indianos architecture. From many corners of the garden and several rooms, you can enjoy views of both the Cantabrian Sea and the distant mountains, truly feeling at the crossroads of ocean and “Paraíso Natural” (Asturias’ famous nickname).

Historic Manor with Rustic Elegance

Inside Casa de Castro, the atmosphere is one of rustic elegance and cozy comfort. Original features such as high ceilings, solid wooden beams and period furniture have been preserved, giving each of the nine guest rooms a strong sense of history.

Every room is individually decorated with nods to the past – antique headboards, vintage lamps, embroidered linens – combined with modern amenities like heating, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and updated en-suite bathrooms. Superior rooms may include private balconies or large bay windows where guests can literally “breathe fresh air” while gazing at the sea or Asturian hills. The thick stone walls help maintain a naturally pleasant temperature and ensure quiet.

One of the hotel’s most charming spaces is the historic library and lounge, featuring a piano, fireplace and shelves of old books. It’s an inviting spot to enjoy an aperitif, read or simply relax after a day of exploring. A small gym, a summer swimming pool overlooking the garden and an EV charging point in the private parking area add practical comfort and a touch of modern sustainability.

Gardens, Pool & Relaxed Outdoor Living

The large walled garden is central to the Casa de Castro experience. Guests can wander shaded paths beneath mature trees, sit on benches with a book, meditate or practice yoga on the lawn, or simply enjoy the scent of the Atlantic air. In summer, the outdoor pool and sun loungers become a natural gathering point for cooling dips and lazy afternoons.

The setting is romantic and versatile: the tall palm tree and historic manor façade offer a beautiful backdrop for small outdoor weddings, while the lawns are perfect for picnics that the staff are happy to prepare. The garden’s size and layout create many quiet corners, so even when the hotel is full, it still feels tranquil and spacious.

Gastronomic Heart: Local, Seasonal Asturian Cuisine

True to its “Gastronómico” title, Casa de Castro is renowned for its food. The on-site restaurant occupies what was once the manor’s grand dining hall, complete with stone fireplace and elegant wooden tables, creating a warm and intimate setting.

Breakfasts – sometimes described as “dream breakfasts” – showcase local and homemade products: freshly baked biscuits and pastries (often made in-house), farm butter and jams, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruit, and eggs cooked to order. Fresh-squeezed juice and, for those who wish, Asturias’ iconic apple cider round out the morning spread.

In the evening, the restaurant honours Asturian culinary heritage with a contemporary touch. Typical dishes include fabada (hearty bean stew), grilled fish from nearby coastal markets, and wild mushrooms in season. The chef focuses on regional ingredients:

• Beef and dairy from local valleys
• Vegetables from the hotel’s own garden and neighbouring farms
• Seafood from the nearby Cantabrian ports

Given the proximity to Galicia, you may also find Galician octopus or Albariño wine on the menu, enriching the Atlantic flavour palette. The wine list is carefully curated with Spanish labels, and staff are happy to recommend pairings. With only a few tables and so much sourced directly from producers, dining feels genuinely farm-to-table and deeply personal – something guests frequently praise in their reviews.

Coastal, Mountain & Cultural Adventures

Casa de Castro is ideally placed for exploring Asturias’ wild coast and inland landscapes. Semi-wild beaches lie less than 1 km away, so guests can walk or bike to quiet sandy coves and watch the sun set over the Cantabrian Sea. The Northern Route of the Camino de Santiago passes close by, and many hikers choose Casa de Castro as a comfortable, restorative stop on their pilgrimage.

The hotel provides information and suggestions for numerous coastal and mountain walks, including:

• Excursions to the Barayo Nature Reserve, a pristine area of dunes, marshes and beaches where wildlife such as otters and rare birds can sometimes be seen
• Clifftop routes with dramatic sea views
• Forest and river walks inland

For cultural outings, fishing towns like Luarca and Navia are a short drive away, as are Celtic hillforts and small ethnographic museums. Within about 30 minutes, guests can also enjoy kayaking on the Navia estuary, visit a local cheese producer or join a guided boat tour to spot dolphins along the coast. The hotel team are proactive in helping guests plan and book these experiences, aligning with their aim to help visitors “discover our Natural Paradise from Casa de Castro.”

Comfort, Sustainability & Community Engagement

While Casa de Castro retains the feel of a traditional manor, it has been steadily updated with modern comforts and subtle sustainability features. Alongside free Wi-Fi and a small gym, there is a compact spa area with hot tub and sauna, allowing guests to unwind after a day outside. The presence of an EV charging station in the private car park encourages electric vehicle users and signals the hotel’s support for lower-impact travel.

Housekeeping uses eco-friendly cleaning products, and linens are changed on request to save water. The hotel’s continued use and restoration of a historic building is itself a sustainable choice, avoiding the environmental cost of new construction.

Casa de Castro also participates in local initiatives, such as hosting an annual “End of Summer” beach clean-up awareness event and inviting guests to take part. These sorts of actions show that the hotel’s care extends beyond its walls, contributing to the protection of the coastline that draws many visitors here in the first place.

Asturian Hospitality in “Paraíso Natural”

Overall, Hotel Gastronómico Casa de Castro offers a rich, layered experience: historical ambience, views of sea and mountains, refined yet hearty gastronomy, and sincere Asturian hospitality. As a member of the Casonas Asturianas quality club and a long-standing favourite among guests, it stands out for its consistent standard of service and atmosphere.

Whether you’re sipping cider in the period-furnished lounge as someone plays softly on the piano, or floating in the pool after a day exploring cliffs, beaches and green valleys, you feel a harmonious blend of tradition and comfort. Casa de Castro invites you to “rest in nature” and “enjoy tranquility and comfort in the best environment” – and delivers on that promise with warmth, attention to detail and a deep respect for the natural and cultural riches of Asturias.

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